Are 'rogue' communication devices hidden inside solar power inverters?

In a discovery that has sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity community, U.S. energy officials have found undocumented "rogue" communication devices hidden inside solar power inverters imported from China.

Are Chinese solar power inverters connected to critical infrastructure grids?

U.S. energy officials have launched an investigation after discovering unauthorized communication equipment embedded within Chinese-manufactured solar power inverters connected to critical infrastructure grids across the country.

Could remote inverters destabilize power grids?

Energy security experts warn that coordinated remote manipulation of these devices could destabilize power grids and trigger widespread blackouts, particularly as Chinese-made inverters now control a substantial portion of renewable energy capacity in the United States and Europe.

Which solar inverter manufacturers have vulnerabilities?

In March, researchers from Forescout Research’s Vedere Labs uncovered vulnerabilities in solar power systems after analyzing six major inverter manufacturers, including Huawei, Sungrow, and SMA Solar Technology.

Can communication devices evade firewalls & switch inverters off remotely?

Experts have warned that communication devices could evade firewalls and switch inverters off remotely, posing a huge risk to power grids, as they could change settings, damage energy infrastructure, destabilize the grid, and cause widespread blackouts.

Are Chinese inverters a threat to solar power?

This vulnerability is especially dangerous given the growing penetration of solar power on Western grids, where in some regions, Chinese-manufactured inverters control upwards of 200 gigawatts of generating capacity – equivalent to more than 200 nuclear power plants.