The Danish energy sector demands clearer threat assessments from the authorities. The Danish energy sector is ready to take the necessary security measures to protect critical infrastructure. However, the sector is calling for more precise threat assessments from the authorities to be able to act effectively. This was stated by Jørgen S. Christensen, Chief Technology Officer at Green Power Denmark.
“We are receiving signals of an increased physical threat, and therefore it is essential that we receive concrete threat assessments from the authorities. Then we can take the necessary measures such as fences, guards, or other security measures,” says Jørgen S. Christensen. He also emphasizes the need for closer dialogue between the energy sector and the authorities.
“The authorities need to be ready to respond to things we observe. We need clear guidelines on who to contact if we see something suspicious on our surveillance cameras, and we need to be sure that they will respond appropriately,” he says. This statement follows the Danish Energy Agency’s recommendation to raise the sector preparedness level for the energy sector from green to yellow. A yellow preparedness level indicates that there are actors with the capacity and intention to carry out attacks or other harmful activities, though without specific plans for an attack.
The recommendation for increased sector preparedness is a call for companies in the electricity and gas sector to be extra vigilant and implement “specific preparedness measures.” While specific preparedness measures are not publicly communicated for security reasons, Jørgen S. Christensen emphasizes that the industry still lacks a clearer picture of the physical threats.
“The Danish Centre for Cyber Security conducts sector-specific assessments for different types of cyber attacks, but we also want sector-specific threat assessments for physical security,” he says. Earlier this year, both the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) and the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (FE) warned of an increasing threat from hybrid attacks and cyber attacks. In early June, the threat level for destructive cyber attacks was raised from low to medium.
Jørgen S. Christensen points out that while the experience with IT security is significant, there is now a need to focus on the increasing physical threat. “We do not want to exaggerate the threat picture, but we acknowledge the increasing threat. Therefore, we need a more precise picture: Are guards or fences necessary? The measures depend on whether the threat comes from intelligence agents or drones. It would be inappropriate to implement measures for one type of threat if the threat is another,” he explains. The energy sector has been informed about the increased preparedness situation, and the sector is ready to take action when the necessary threat assessments are available.