MEDIT

The electricity supply industry is facing major challenges as a result of the energy transition and the associated digitalization. Among other things, specially adapted IT security technologies are needed. The participating partners in the Fraunhofer Center Digital Energy, Schleswig-Holstein Netz AG, devolo AG, P3 Energy & Storage GmbH, KISTERS AG and Bremen University of Applied Sciences are developing methods for energy network players to detect, prevent and respond to IT attacks and IT failures in the BMWK-funded project »MEDIT«.

The change in power generation is bringing with it the increased use of information and communications technology (ICT) at the distribution grid level. This poses new challenges for grid operation, especially in the area of IT security, since failures or interventions at the ICT level can have direct, serious consequences for secure grid operation. In-depth research into IT security and the development of IT security technologies specifically for electrical grids are therefore of great importance. this project is pursuing a holistic approach that addresses the areas of prevention, detection and response in equal measure and takes into account the special features of the energy sector.

A research and validation environment for the development of new IT security technologies was created. This includes a co-simulation for energy and ICT networks, as well as the expansion of the laboratory at RWTH Aachen University to include ICT for process networks.

Fraunhofer FIT also developed a multi-stage approach for detecting cyber attacks in the process network based on energy technology as well as information technology know-how. One focus of Fraunhofer FKIE in the project was the development of a guide for technical personnel on how to proceed in the event of IT security incidents and an training environment in which various malfunction and attack scenarios are mapped.

Funding provided by: Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz

Partners:

• devolo AG
• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
• Hochschule Bremen
• KISTERS AG
• RWTH Aachen University
• Schleswig-Holstein Netz AG
• umlaut energy GmbH