Working Together for Greater Security: WAGO and INTILION Emphasize Openness

Protection Against Cyberattacks: Security in the Energy Sector

In light of the increasing threat of cyberattacks, protecting critical infrastructure in the energy sector is essential. Given the significant risks posed by vulnerabilities in these systems, security is a top priority for WAGO and INTILION. Their shared objective is to identify threats early and implement targeted measures to address potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

To achieve this, the partners regularly conduct penetration tests, attempting to breach the system without authorization. External security experts stress-test selected automation components to uncover potential risks at an early stage. Jens Sparmann, System Specialist Security at WAGO, emphasizes: “This approach allows us and our partners to detect security vulnerabilities early and fix them promptly – before they can pose a real threat.”

Rapid Action: Critical Security Vulnerability Successfully Closed

The effectiveness of ongoing safety tests is highlighted by a recent case where INTILION identified a security vulnerability in the switches of battery storage devices. Thanks to the partners' open communication and swift response, this vulnerability was addressed immediately. Christoph Bürger, Team Lead Application at INTILION, and Stefan Balluff, who oversaw the process as a software communications engineer at the time, explain: “Openness and transparency are crucial in such situations. We reported the security vulnerability without hesitation, and WAGO responded promptly.”

Rapid action and strong corporate cohesion led to a successful outcome. Jens Sparmann from WAGO adds: “We strive to address vulnerabilities openly and avoid hiding issues. Effective communication is key to resolving such matters.”