Cyber security at a 1 GW pumped-storage scheme

Technical analysts predict that from 2020 all companies will be under constant threat of cyber attacks. It will be impossible to prevent criminals from attacking information technology control systems because attacks will use highly advanced and target-oriented methods. Furthermore, cyber attacks are already long-term strategic operations, presenting a clear advancement from previous distributing viruses and Trojans. For industrial control systems (ICS), the situation can be critical. ICS are very often not equipped with the latest versions of operating systems. Therefore, the protection to networking and end-user equipment is limited. Specialist functions are very often operated on end-of-life systems, making end-user protection by software impossible. This paper describes measures that can be taken to limit exposure to malicious attacks on hydropower operating systems.