Iran-linked hackers behind cyber attack that shut down power plant, reports say
5 hours ago
By Tom Symonds, News Correspondent
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A small power plant in the UK was shut down during a cyber attack.
The government assured that there was no risk to the UK’s energy system, but the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has reached out to power companies to caution them about cyber attacks.
According to The Telegraph, the attack, carried out last month, was executed by hackers affiliated with the Iranian regime.
For security reasons, neither the government nor the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) disclosed details of the affected site, noting that it was not an essential service like a large power station.
The Telegraph reported that the power plant was offline for four days.
DESNZ confirmed the incident impacted a small-scale generator, but there was never a risk to the broader energy system.
The UK’s power network has several smaller gas generators that provide temporary power when needed.
Protecting energy supplies is a key challenge for the government, which is updating cyber security regulations and developing a new energy resilience strategy later this year.
While Iran is recognized as a capable cyber power, there has been little activity so far despite heightened tensions with the US.
