The Challenge
Offshore wind farms rely on complex SCADA systems to monitor and control hundreds of turbines across vast maritime areas. These systems present unique cybersecurity challenges.
Architecture Overview
Typical offshore wind SCADA architecture includes:
- Turbine controllers (PLCs)
- Offshore substation systems
- Onshore control center
- Remote access for maintenance
- Third-party monitoring systems
Security Principles
1. Network Segmentation
Implement strict network zones separating corporate IT, operational SCADA, and safety systems. Use industrial firewalls with deep packet inspection.
2. Secure Remote Access
All remote access must use:
- Multi-factor authentication
- VPN with certificate-based authentication
- Jump hosts for privileged access
- Session recording and monitoring
3. Asset Management
Maintain complete inventory of all OT assets including firmware versions, network connections, and patch status.
IEC 62443 Compliance
Offshore wind operators should implement IEC 62443 standards for industrial automation and control systems security, focusing on:
- Security Level 2 (SL-2) for most turbine systems
- Security Level 3 (SL-3) for critical substation controls
Monitoring and Detection
Deploy OT-specific security monitoring that understands industrial protocols like Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850.