Fractional CISO for Energy & Utilities
Cybersecurity leadership for critical infrastructure navigating NIS2, OT/ICS security, and smart grid protection
Cybersecurity Leadership for Critical Infrastructure
Energy and utilities companies operate the most critical infrastructure in any nation. Power grids, water treatment facilities, and gas distribution networks are essential to daily life and economic function. When they fail, the consequences extend far beyond financial losses - they affect public safety, healthcare, transportation, and national security.
The sector faces a perfect storm of cybersecurity challenges. Legacy operational technology (OT) systems, some decades old, were designed for reliability and availability - not security. These systems are increasingly connected to IT networks and the internet, creating pathways for attackers to move from corporate networks to critical control systems.
Regulatory pressure is intensifying. The NIS2 Directive substantially expands cybersecurity obligations for energy companies across the EU and UK. Critical infrastructure operators face mandatory incident reporting, security audits, and significant penalties for non-compliance. The UK NCSC provides guidance but meeting it requires dedicated security leadership.
Our fractional CISOs bring critical infrastructure expertise to energy and utilities companies. We understand the unique challenges of OT/ICS environments, the need to maintain operations while improving security, and the regulatory landscape you must navigate.
OT/ICS Security Expertise
Bridge the gap between IT and operational technology security. Our CISOs understand both worlds and can secure legacy industrial systems without disrupting operations.
NIS2 & Regulatory Compliance
Navigate NIS2 requirements, UK NIS Regulations, and sector-specific obligations. Build compliance programmes that satisfy regulators while actually improving security.
When Energy Security Fails
High-profile attacks on critical energy infrastructure worldwide
Colonial Pipeline (2021)
$4.4M ransom paid, East Coast fuel shortage
Ransomware on IT systems forced shutdown of the largest US fuel pipeline. A CISO would implement network segmentation between IT and OT, robust backup strategies, and incident response plans to maintain operations during attacks.
Ukraine Power Grid (2015)
230,000 customers without power for 6 hours
First known successful cyberattack on a power grid. Attackers used spear phishing to access control systems. A CISO would enforce multi-factor authentication, network monitoring, and employee security training.
Oldsmar Water (2021)
Attempted water supply poisoning
Attacker gained access to water treatment controls and attempted to increase lye levels. A CISO would implement strong access controls, network segmentation, and anomaly detection for critical control changes.
Saudi Aramco (2012)
35,000 computers destroyed, $15M+ damage
Shamoon malware wiped data from thousands of computers. A CISO would implement endpoint protection, network segmentation, and data backup strategies to contain and recover from destructive attacks.
German Steel Mill (2014)
Physical damage to blast furnace
Attackers manipulated control systems causing massive physical damage. A CISO would ensure OT systems have proper monitoring, access controls, and are isolated from IT networks to prevent such attacks.
US SolarWinds (2020)
Multiple energy sector victims compromised
Supply chain attack compromised numerous energy companies. A CISO would establish vendor risk management, software supply chain security, and threat detection for advanced persistent threats.
Critical Risks Facing Energy & Utilities
The threats to critical infrastructure and how they affect your operations
Ransomware & Extortion
Critical infrastructure is prime ransomware target. Attackers know downtime costs millions and safety is at risk, making you more likely to pay.
OT/IT Convergence
Connecting legacy operational systems to modern networks creates attack paths. Most OT systems were never designed with security in mind.
Nation-State Threats
Critical infrastructure is a target for state-sponsored actors. APT groups conduct reconnaissance and maintain persistent access for future disruption.
NIS2 Compliance
NIS2 expands security obligations and increases penalties. Energy companies face mandatory reporting, audits, and potential substantial fines.
Protect Your Critical Infrastructure
The consequences of a security breach extend far beyond financial loss. Our fractional CISOs help you protect your operations, achieve NIS2 compliance, and secure your OT environments.