Cybersecure Energy Systems

Legacy systems meet digital demands

For decades, energy systems operated safely behind physical barriers – fences, guards, and air-gapped networks. Today, internet connectivity enables system optimisation, predictive maintenance, and vastly increased operational efficiency. However, each connection may introduce vulnerabilities these legacy systems were originally not designed to handle.

The transition to renewable energy intensifies these challenges. Existing infrastructure must accommodate distributed generation, two-way grid communication, and smart technologies. And yet absolute reliability and ultimate physical safety are a must. Meanwhile, energy operators face an overwhelming number of security alerts and specialist staff shortages. And cybersecurity solution providers often lack the sector-specific knowledge to develop appropriate solutions, or aim for ‘one size fits all’ approaches that don’t suit the energy sector’s specific needs.

A sector-first approach

TNO recognises that energy companies cannot adopt the ‘move fast and break things’ mentality that IT innovation often brings. After all, lives depend on grid stability and the physical safety of assets. That is why the energy sector faces higher barriers to achieving cybersecurity automation, and why enabling human oversight for every decision is essential.

To address these concerns, TNO cybersecurity experts work closely with colleagues in the Energy and Material Transitions and Digital Systems teams. We utilise our multidisciplinary expertise that spans energy physics, sector-specific knowledge, economic models, regulatory frameworks, and cybersecurity technologies. Our balanced approach to solutions ensures that they not only work technologically but also work for the culture of the energy sector.

TNO is also an independent orchestrator. We bring together grid operators, equipment manufacturers, and regulatory bodies to develop solutions that serve collective interests, not commercial agendas. Our approach transforms cybersecurity from a compliance burden into operational excellence.

Stepwise implementation framework

TNO’s research methodology directly addresses the energy sector’s safety-first mindset. We develop and validate approaches that begin with monitoring and alerting concepts, progressing to (semi-) automated response frameworks that maintain human oversight and control capabilities.

This enables organisations to understand cybersecurity benefits and needs, step by step, without compromising any of their operational requirements. Our proof-of-concept work demonstrates how companies can validate technology approaches before implementation. We understand both the technical complexity of power systems and the energy sector culture that prioritises safety above all else.

The path to autonomy

As energy systems grow increasingly complex and skilled staff becomes increasingly scarce, human oversight must be supplemented whenever possible. TNO therefore researches and validates autonomous cyber resilience and self-healing system concepts inspired by the human immune system – continuously regenerating, adapting, and responding to threats to maintain healthy operation without constant human intervention.

Our work demonstrates how systems can isolate attacks, maintain critical operations during disruptions, and recover automatically from both malicious attacks and benign failures. Crucially, our proof-of-concept work validates approaches that can operate within parameters defined by human operators who are able to retain ultimate control over critical decisions.

The foundation for proactive security

Energy companies implementing cybersecurity approaches validated through TNO’s research gain measurable advantages. Enhanced cyber resilience doesn’t only safeguard the functionality of our nation’s critical energy backbone: studies demonstrate that reduced downtime can save millions per incident. Enhanced system reliability improves customer satisfaction. Proven security capabilities position organisations as leaders in the secure energy future.

Most importantly, as regulations tighten and requirements become the standard, organisations that achieve proactive regulatory compliance by implementing inherent cyber resilience become industry leaders. They capture competitive advantages whilst others struggle with basic compliance. They are armed with the technical knowledge and experience to select the right implementation partners.

A secure energy future

The energy sector is at a crossroads. Organisations that proactively address cybersecurity and maintain operational excellence will lead the transition to a resilient digital energy future. Those that delay will face mounting vulnerabilities and missed opportunities as threats intensify and regulations strengthen.

TNO helps organisations prepare for this transition through:

• Comprehensive security research tailored to energy sector requirements and constraints.
• Proof-of-concept projects that demonstrate cybersecurity benefits without compromising operational safety.
• Stepwise frameworks that maintain human oversight and validate automation capabilities.
• Technology demonstrations that prove concepts in realistic environments before implementation.

The future belongs to energy organisations that transform cybersecurity challenges into competitive advantages. TNO provides the sector expertise, independence, and trust-building approach needed to make this transformation safely and effectively.

Want to know more about how TNO can help ensure that wherever security leads, energy flows? Contact us today to discuss your specific challenges in the evolving energy landscape.