8,547 European solar and wind systems found exposed online

· Energy · Netherlands · Spain

Dutch firm Modat and the Netherlands' cybersecurity agency have identified 8,547 exposed systems at solar and wind sites across 35 European countries. Spain accounts for more than one-third of the solar total. The exposure means these operational technology systems are reachable from the internet, creating potential entry points for cyberattacks on generation assets. The finding underscores the security risks of a rapidly digitized and distributed renewable fleet, where inverters, SCADA and monitoring platforms are often connected remotely. Grid operators and asset owners across Europe face pressure to audit and harden these systems, and regulators may tighten cybersecurity requirements for renewable installations as a result.

Why it matters：Digitized, distributed renewables have become a large and exposed attack surface, and this finding is likely to drive audits, hardening requirements and tighter cybersecurity regulation for generation assets across Europe.

Key points

  • 8,547 exposed systems found across 35 countries.
  • Spain accounts for more than one-third of the solar total.
  • Identified by Modat and the Dutch cybersecurity agency.

Sources (original reporting)

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