Hackers could exploit a recently discovered flaw in solar panels to
overload energy grids and create power cuts, according to new research.
Recently discovered 17 vulnerabilities in solar power inverters - hardware used
to convert the energy gathered into electricity for the main
grid. The inverters, many of which are internet-connected, could be targeted
by hackers, allowing them to remotely control the flow of power,
according to the research.
Westerhof a Dutch researcher, first discovered the vulnerabilities when working on an
undergraduate dissertation, and explained his further research at a
security conference in the Netherlands on Monday. The full details of
the hack have not been released in an effort to prevent malicious
attacks.
A UK government report published yesterday proposed huge fines
for companies managing essential infrastructure, if their cyber
security is found lacking. Under the Network and Information Systems
directive (NIS), failure to implement adequate cyber security measures
to thwart hacking attempts would result in fines of up to £17 million,
or 4% of a company's global turnover.
Further info & source: ITPro
