Energy, Industrial Firms Must Up Their Cybersecurity Game, Experts Say
3 minute readPublished: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 10:22 am
Energy and Industrial Sectors Urged to Bolster Cybersecurity in Face of Rising Threats
The global energy and industrial sectors are facing increasing pressure to fortify their cybersecurity defenses, according to experts and government officials speaking at a major European conference. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, addressing the ONE Conference as part of Cybersecurity Week 2025, emphasized that cybersecurity is an ongoing effort, particularly in an increasingly digitized world where cyber warfare is becoming a primary battleground.
Schoof highlighted the Russia-Ukraine war as a catalyst for rising cyberattacks across Europe, linking the increase to the continent's support for Ukraine. He stressed the importance of proactive cyber risk management, especially given the reliance of modern society on digital processes. The Prime Minister's concerns were echoed by industry experts, who pointed to a surge in attacks targeting energy and utilities infrastructure. A report from earlier this year revealed an 80% increase in ransomware attacks on the energy and utilities sector in 2024.
While many breaches have targeted IT environments, intelligence agencies are concerned about the escalating threat to operational technology (OT) infrastructure, such as plant control systems. Geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Gaza, and the U.S.-China rivalry, are driving these attacks as rival states seek to demonstrate their cyber capabilities.
The adoption of cloud computing, the convergence of IT and OT networks, automation, big data, and AI are further complicating the security landscape. The potential for catastrophic consequences, including physical damage and loss of life, underscores the urgency of the situation.
In response, the Dutch government is implementing the Cybersecurity Act, which aligns with the EU's NIS2 Directive to strengthen digital resilience. This law imposes stricter security requirements and incident reporting obligations on strategic sectors. Investment in industrial cybersecurity is growing, with a compound annual growth rate of nearly 10%. However, the industry also faces a skills gap. A study by Security Delta identified significant competence gaps in systems management, testing, and quality management.
BNN's Perspective: The increasing focus on cybersecurity within the energy and industrial sectors is a necessary response to evolving threats. While the government's efforts and industry investments are encouraging, the ongoing nature of cyber warfare demands constant vigilance and adaptation. A balanced approach that combines technological advancements, robust regulations, and workforce development is crucial to safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring economic stability.
Keywords: Cybersecurity, Energy Sector, Industrial Sector, Cyberattacks, Ransomware, OT Infrastructure, Digital Security, Russia-Ukraine War, Geopolitical Tensions, Cybersecurity Act, NIS2 Directive, Skills Gap, IT, Automation, Cloud Computing.