A recent report by KnowBe4 found that the energy sector has faced a rising number of cyberattacks. With the energy sector shifting toward renewables, undergoing digital transformations, and facing increasing nation-state threats, the research shows that the average number of cyberattacks against utilities more than doubled between 2020 and 2022.

Specifically across Europe, cyber threats to the energy sector have surged, driven by an epidemic of under-reporting and lack of detection, with recent attacks disrupting operations, compromising sensitive data, and highlighting the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures.

The energy sector reported three times more operational technology (OT)/industrial control system (ICS) cyber incidents than any other industry in 2023, with phishing behind 34% of attacks. Additionally, successful reported cyberattacks on U.K. utility companies surged by 586% from 2022 to 2023. Ransomware and phishing are causing revenue losses and disruptions, pushing 94% of energy firms to adopt AI-driven cybersecurity.

Download the report