From Exposure to Resilience: Cybersecurity in Renewable Energy Operations

Practical guidance to help organisations assess risk, meet NIS2 requirements, and build resilience

Explore how renewable energy organisations can assess cyber security risks and prepare for legal obligations under the EU’s NIS2 directive in this follow-up whitepaper by Lufthansa Industry Solutions and PEAK Wind

Understanding your cyber risk exposure

Cyber risk exposure refers to the potential threats and vulnerabilities that could disrupt your organisation’s energy operations. Under the NIS2 directive, senior management is held accountable, making it essential to take a strategic, top-down approach to risk awareness.

Both internal and external risks must be considered, ranging from unauthorised access and system failures to insider threats and human error. As digital systems and remote access become more widespread in renewable energy, the need to understand and manage these risks grows. 

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Defining the right level of cyber risk for your organisation

Finding the right level of cyber risk exposure means balancing operational priorities, regulatory demands, and security goals. It starts with identifying which assets are most critical to your operations and understanding how different systems contribute to overall resilience.

Organisations should assess both the likelihood and impact of potential threats, and determine how much risk they are willing to accept. This decision should be actively made, not passively inherited, and consider to involve leadership to ensure accountability.

Taking action: How to actively manage cyber risk

Actively managing cyber risk starts with building a clear and practical framework, one that goes beyond ticking boxes for audits. Establishing an information security management system (ISMS) helps track and adapt your organisation’s security posture as threats evolve.

From risk assessments to employee training and technical controls, each step should be tailored to your operational needs and aligned with regulatory expectations. Leadership involvement is key to ensuring accountability and long-term commitment.

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Responding effectively to cyber security threats

Cyber security threats can range from minor disruptions to major incidents, and having a clear response plan is essential to minimise impact. Organisations should establish structured processes that guide detection, containment, recovery, and post-incident actions. Practising these steps internally helps ensure swift and confident reactions when real threats occur.

Regulatory requirements, such as those outlined in NIS2, also shape how incidents must be classified and reported. 

Staying aligned with evolving cyber security requirements

Keeping up with cybersecurity regulations like NIS2 can be challenging, especially for organisations operating across regions. Understanding which requirements apply to your specific assets is key, as classifications and obligations may vary.

The whitepaper outlines practical ways to stay informed, from subscribing to official updates and joining industry forums to investing in training and using compliance tools. It also highlights the importance of legal and expert guidance to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

For a full breakdown of strategies and tools,  read the full PDF whitepaper here.

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Do you have what you need to manage cyber security?

Managing cyber security effectively requires more than just awareness, it demands the right mix of skills, tools, and processes. This section of the whitepaper encourages organisations to assess their internal capabilities and identify where external support may be needed.

From team expertise and governance frameworks to incident response planning and compliance, several key areas must be regularly reviewed. Establishing a structured annual cycle helps ensure your organisation stays prepared as threats and requirements evolve.

The whitepaper also introduces useful tool categories aligned with the NIST cyber security framework, offering a practical starting point for deeper evaluation.

Authors

Matti Scheu

Director at PEAK Wind

Saša Jevremovic

Principal MRO Solutions at Lufthansa Industry Solutions

Maren Dolva

Head of SCADA & Cyber Security

Christian Garske

Business Director – IT-Security at
Lufthansa Industry Solutions

PEAK Wind and Lufthansa Industry Solutions are collaborating on selected projects within renewable energy cybersecurity and operational technology (OT) resilience.
By combining PEAK Wind’s deep sector expertise in renewable asset operations with Lufthansa Industry Solutions’ advanced capabilities in IT security and digital infrastructure, we deliver integrated solutions that help clients strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and enhance operational continuity.

For any inquiries or assistance, please reach out to us at info@peak-wind.com

Are you confident your organisation can handle today’s cybersecurity threats?

Find out how PEAK Wind can help you build resilience, ensure compliance, and protect your critical infrastructure.