Cyber attacks aimed at disrupting and destroying critical infrastructure are increasing and intensifying, a senior British politician warned April 19, urging businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity and take steps “to defend themselves and the country.”
European energy infrastructures on high alert
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, European countries have been forced to re-evaluate their energy security priorities, with several warning that their energy infrastructure is on high alert. On April 19, the Danish broadcasting company DR published a report claiming that a Russian military program is currently mapping offshore wind farms, gas pipelines, and power and data cables in the waters surrounding Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden.
The investigation warned that Moscow plans to sabotage key energy infrastructure in the region, cutting off power and data supply in the area. In February, the Netherlands said Russia was seeking to target vital Dutch maritime and energy infrastructure in the North Sea. Security around such facilities has been tightened after an alleged sabotage attack on the Nord Stream pipelines in September 2022. Norway, Denmark and the United Kingdom, in particular, have stepped up efforts to increase security around their offshore oil and gas facilities and pipelines.
Rise of cyber attacks
Cyberattacks have emerged as a growing threat to commodity supply chains, and companies are beginning to prioritize cybersecurity after such incidents have risen sharply in recent years. Cybersecurity systems for energy assets are on high alert, with increased threats of cyberattacks from Russian actors as the West tightens sanctions against Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.
Late last year, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which ships crude oil from Kazakhstan and Russia through the Russian port of Novorossiysk, reported that it had been the victim of several massive cyberattacks. The CPC network had experienced a huge increase in operational risks last year due to its proximity to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict zone, as well as poor weather conditions.
