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Case

Sector coupling

Digitalisation

The cyber resilience of Danish critical infrastructure

23. October 2024

Solution provider

Danish District Heating Association

The aim of the organisation is to influence Danish energy policy and to maintain the leading position of district heating in the heating market.

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Challenge

The availability of critical infrastructure is paramount to a society. However, the cyber threat is one of the biggest threats to critical infrastructures as today. In May 2023, Denmark faced its most extensive cyberattack on critical infrastructure, compromising 22 companies managing parts of the Danish energy infrastructure. This exposed systemic vulnerabilities, posing a significant threat to national security. Continuous cyber threats highlight the need for robust cybersecurity measures. 

Solution

SektorCERT was founded in April 2020 as a collaboration between the Danish TSO and two energy sector associations for essential entities in Denmark. Its purpose is to monitor, detect and respond to the increased cyber threat and of highly advanced, multi-tier attacks on critical infrastructure.  

SektorCERT is a voluntary network of essential entities operating critical infrastructure in Denmark that provides real-time attack detection, comprehensive security training, and a platform for sharing cybersecurity information, thus, ensuring ongoing protection against evolving threats.  

Information about the case:

SektorCERT – Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure

  • Founded: April 2020
  • Purpose: To monitor, detect, and respond to cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure in Denmark
  • Cybersecurity Tools:
    • Real-time attack detection
    • Comprehensive security training
    • Platform for sharing cybersecurity information
  • Contributors: Green Power Denmark, Danish District Heating Association, Danish Water and Wastewater Association, Energinet
  • 2023 cyberattack: Compromised 22 companies managing parts of Denmark’s energy infrastructure; rapid detection by SektorCERT prevented further disruption
  • Main benefits: Sector-wide monitoring, early threat detection via sensor network, advanced threat intelligence, and incident response

Result

Fast detection prevented further disruption from the May 2023 attack. SektorCERT identified the attacks by analyzing data across hundreds of companies, detecting simultaneous multi-target attacks. Their sector-wide monitoring exceeds any possible individual effort by using an extensive sensor network for early threat detection. They facilitate attack information sharing via a dedicated platform, offering advanced threat intelligence and incident response. 

SektorCERT is a non-profit association owned by Green Power Denmark, Danish District Heating Association, Danish Water and Wastewater Association and Energinet 

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