The energy sector is undergoing rapid transformation. Smarter grids, AI-driven optimisation, and cleaner technologies are redefining how we generate and distribute power. But as innovation accelerates, so do the risks. Without robust cyber defences, progress towards net zero could be compromised.
Cyber Threats: No Longer Hypothetical
The energy sector is now firmly on the frontline of global cyber conflict. Attacks on Ukraine’s power grid have demonstrated just how vulnerable critical infrastructure can be. In 2024, energy providers across Germany and the Nordics reported attempted intrusions linked to both political and financial motives.
These threats don’t just come from state-backed actors. Criminal gangs and hacktivist groups also see energy as a lucrative target. For the UK, which plays a pivotal role in Europe’s shift to decentralised, low-carbon energy, the risks are intensifying.
CAF: From Compliance to Strategic Defence
To meet these challenges, the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF), developed by the NCSC, is becoming essential. Far from a compliance tick-box, CAF provides a blueprint for resilience. Its four pillars – risk management, protection, detection, and minimisation – help organisations understand vulnerabilities, assess potential fallout, and act decisively.
CAF equips boards and CISOs with a shared language, ensuring that cyber risk is addressed strategically, not superficially.
Hicomply & Waterstons: Making CAF Practical
To support organisations, Hicomply and Waterstons developed a 14-question CAF barometer. This straight-talking tool highlights weak points and helps energy providers focus investment where it matters most. It’s about clarity, not complexity.
Cyber Resilience: A Strategic Imperative
Every new vendor, integration, or connection adds potential points of failure. Energy resilience now extends far beyond “keeping the lights on” – it’s about safeguarding the digital systems that underpin everything from homes to hospitals.
The UK energy sector has a real opportunity to lead the world in cyber resilience. The momentum for innovation is already here. Now it’s time to match it with the resilience required to sustain it.
At Hicomply, we believe that cyber resilience is the foundation of sustainable energy innovation. Tools like the CAF barometer are designed to help organisations move from compliance to confident, strategic defence.
Explore the CAF barometer here and discover where your organisation stands.
A version of this article was originally published in Energy Manager Magazine
