Industrial Cybersecurity Is Becoming a Strategic Priority for Energy Infrastructure

Energy companies are increasingly investing in the security of their operational environment against the developing cyber threat, as more power generation assets are becoming connected. Luminus, the latest case, is using Rockwell Automation’s SecureOT Platform to upgrade the Cybersecurity of its power generation operations in Belgium.

The deployment will increase visibility of the Luminus operational technology assets across the company’s energy portfolio – comprising thermal, hydro, wind and battery – platforms. The platform aims to enable industrial operators to discover connected assets, understand vulnerabilities, prioritize cyber risks, and enhance overall cyber-resilience, whilst also assisting with compliance with the new cyber security laws.

The implementation is also conducted in a “capability development method” that allows Luminus to multiply and stretch its cybersecurity capabilities in-house over time, as more industrial devices are added onto the platform.

Industry context

With the increasing interconnection of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, remote access and digital technologies in the network, Cyber Security has become one of the most pressing concerns for critical infrastructure operators. Connectivity has enhanced operational efficiency and visibility, but also created a larger attack surface to cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure operations like energy, utilities, and manufacturing.

Meanwhile, cybersecurity regulations like the EU’s NIS2 Directive and international cybersecurity standards like IEC 62443 are pushing organizations to increasingly adopt structured solutions to address the risks that their operational technology environments pose to security.

Instead of simply deploying IT security products, industrial companies are looking into OT cybersecurity platforms that deliver complete visibility of assets, vulnerability management and risk prioritization while maintaining continuous operations.

This is a general trend unfolding in the cybersecurity industry, and the deployment at Luminus is an example of that. With utilities modernizing their infrastructure and adding renewable energy assets, operational technology security and resilience is as critical as efficiency and reliability. As the use of automation becomes more widespread, cybersecurity is becoming an integral part of digital industrial operations, rather than a value-added service.