Australia’s transition to a renewable energy grid is introducing significant cyber security risks due to reliance on foreign-manufactured components.
As Australia moves towards its 2030 target of sourcing 82% of its energy from renewables, the nation’s power grid is undergoing substantial transformation. This shift is resulting in a complex network of decentralised and digital assets, which, while essential for sustainability, also expands the attack surface for potential cyber threats.
The increasing use of international technology within infrastructure, such as solar inverters and battery management systems sourced from global suppliers, has heightened concerns around cyber vulnerabilities. Components produced overseas could inadvertently introduce risks, including the possibility of facilitating cyber espionage, sabotage, or unauthorised access to critical energy systems.
A significant vulnerability stems from the prevalence of hardware and software manufactured in countries that do not necessarily share Australia’s cyber security standards or strategic interests. This dependency brings into question the integrity of the supply chain, the transparency of firmware,…
