Download document () of 20

Protect your power equipment from cyber attacks

As hackers find new ways to steal information and disrupt business ── the ability to eliminate system vulnerabilities has never been more critical. Make sure your power system isn’t the weakest link in your cyber defense strategy. Learn how Eaton can help you build a strong foundation designed to ensure operational success and safety in the wake of increasing cyber threats. 

Power equipment isn't immune to hacking

When it comes to cybersecurity, safeguarding power equipment may not always rank top of mind. Yet with hackers relentlessly exploiting new devices in innovative ways, coupled with more employees working remotely, vulnerabilities are emerging that you may not have previously considered. Because infrastructure equipment is smarter and more interconnected than ever before, deploying an end-to-end cyber defense solution has become essential.

Eaton uniquely understands the severity of threats faced by today’s organizations and how to best protect yourself from cybersecurity attacks. We’ve developed an entire portfolio of products with ingrained measures to prevent intrusion and mitigate risks. While there are different ways to address both cyber and physical security in power equipment, our solutions work in harmony to provide resilient, layered protection that helps keep your operations and personnel safe.

The largest share of 2023 IT software budgets will go towards security software, narrowly rising above productivity software, which is historically on top. This increased emphasis on cybersecurity is mirrored in increased spending on managed security services as well.

Spiceworks', 2023 State of IT Annual Report

Three ways power systems are vulnerable to hackers

We're all connected

Today’s world is more digitized and connected than ever before. While AI and the proliferation of IoT sensors deliver numerous benefits, they can also leave your organization vulnerable to attack. Connected devices and the vast amounts of data they generate create risks for companies of every shape and size, dramatically increasing the attack surface and number of entry points into a network. With so many employees now working remotely, information security and computer security have never been more critical.
ups-network-connectivity-cards.jpg

The power grid

The U.S. electric grid is becoming more vulnerable to cyberattacks, largely due to industrial control systems and the rise of distributed resources, according to research from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. A cybersecurity threat assessment by Dragos determined multiple hacking groups have the capability to interfere with or disrupt power grids across the U.S., while the number of cyber-criminal operations targeting electricity and other utilities is on the rise.

The digital age

As organizations rapidly pursue digital transformation and adopt new technologies and business processes, security issues are on the rise. In fact, 85 percent of CISOs reported that security concerns during digital transformation had a "somewhat" to "extremely large" business impact. This is especially true for companies that lack integration across their security solutions and complete visibility into user, system and network behavior. Software and power systems must work together to ensure a cohesive, seamless and layered protection solution for optimal network security against computer malware and other attacks. 
z wave connected graphic brochure

How Eaton secures power equipment against vulnerabilities

Protecting your business against today’s ever-escalating cyber threats requires a multi-faceted approach. A sound cyber defense strategy involves not only properly securing devices, but deploying a software layer to manage those devices. Eaton’s product portfolio incorporates a variety of different mechanisms that address both digital and physical security in power equipment. As a result, everything works together seamlessly to form a comprehensive, resilient solution.

Firmware updates are essential

industrial-plant-e-series-relays.jpg
To stay ahead of evolving cybersecurity threats, it is essential to update firmware on all UPSs and PDUs.

Gigabit Network Card ── The industry’s first UPS network card with built-in cybersecurity features UL 2900-1 and IEC 62443-4-2 certification, with stronger encryption, configurable password policy and usage of CA and PKI signed certificates. 

Brightlayer Data Centers suite ──A portfolio of software applications designed to aggregate data, monitor infrastructure, drive operational performance, predict maintenance and maintain safety and security. 

Metered and Managed rackmount PDUs ── Simplifies load balancing and decision-making based on energy consumption through real-time monitoring, plus reboots connected loads with remote on/off switching (managed models) and turns off unused outlets to prevent unauthorized access (managed models).

TANlock by Eaton ── Keeps unwanted guests out of rack enclosures with two-factor authentication options, as well as monitors and manages access credential logins to provide access to specific individuals.

Rack enclosures ── Secure IT devices in sturdy 4-post racks enclosures featuring highly secure combination locks.

When is the last time you checked the health of your power infrastructure?

Eaton offers complimentary on-site or virtual power assessments that can help you determine the optimal power strategy for your particular organization.
Contact an Eaton expert to schedule this no-cost assessment, valued at $1,500!

1) Hackers burn the midnight oil

On May 7, 2021, the Colonial Pipeline suffered a ransomware cyberattack on the computerized equipment used to manage the line, shutting it down for several days and impacting consumers and airlines along the East Coast. The hack was deemed a national security threat, as the pipeline moves oil from refineries to industry markets, prompting President Biden to declare a state of emergency. Roughly $4.5 million in ransom was paid in the attack, which was traced to a compromised password and lack of multi-factor authentication. 

2) Where’s the beef?

JBS Foods, the world’s largest meat supplier, forked over $11 million to hackers after a May 30, 2021 attack on its North American and Australian systems. The company reported on June 3 that it had fully restored global operations, avoiding a prolonged shutdown that could have affected meat prices worldwide.

3) One attack, 1,000+ companies affected

When Kaseya, an IT solutions developer for MSPs and enterprise clients, became the victim of a cyberattack on July 2, 2021, it caused widespread downtime for more than 1,000 individual companies. That’s because an attacker that compromises an MSP can obtain access to any of the company's clients. The REvil Ransomware gang carried out the mayhem by exploiting a vulnerability in a remote monitoring and management software package developed by Kaseya, then encrypted the system's content on that network, causing operational disruption across many different organizations. Criminals demanded $70 million in Bitcoin for a tool that could decrypt all of the affected systems. In November 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice charged a 22-year-old Ukrainian citizen linked to the REvil ransomware gang for orchestrating the attack.

4) A Window into Microsoft

In March 2021, a Chinese cyber espionage group known as Hafnium launched an attack that impacted more than 30,000 organizations across the United States, including local governments, federal agencies and businesses including Microsoft. The hackers took advantage of four separate zero-day vulnerabilities to compromise Microsoft Exchange servers' Outlook Web Access, granting them access to entire servers and networks, as well as to emails and calendar invitations.

5) Alexa, have you been hacked?

In August 2020, cybersecurity firm Check Point revealed that major vulnerabilities allowed researchers to access accounts and personal data in Alexa, Amazon’s AI-based intelligent virtual assistant (IVA). Part of a market that is expected to reach more than 15 billion by 2025, IVA devices can serve as entry points to a wide variety of home appliances and device controllers, underscoring the need to properly secure them.

Request your free site assessment

Frustrated with your environment, and more specifically, your power infrastructure? Let us ease your mind with a free power audit with a qualified expert.