Copyright thediplomat
The third edition of the Energy Cybersecurity Forum, organized by Distribuție Energie Electrică Romania (DEER) in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Energy, brought together, for two days, over 350 participants – authorities, parliamentarians, administration leaders, company representatives, energy, IT and cybersecurity specialists, as well as representatives of the academic environment. In a global context marked by accelerated digitalization and increasingly deep interconnection of energy networks, cybersecurity is no longer just an objective, but a strategic necessity. Through the partnership with the Ministry of Energy, DEER emphasizes the importance of a coordinated and intersectoral approach, aimed at protecting critical infrastructures and transforming digital challenges into real opportunities. The forum has thus become a strategic meeting point between the public and private sectors, a space for dialogue and collaboration between experts and authorities, dedicated to building a secure, smart and sustainable energy future. Over the two days, participants discussed international best practices, collaboration models, and innovative solutions for preventing and managing cyber threats. The discussions highlighted the need to strengthen partnerships between institutions and companies, as well as the importance of investing in advanced technologies and the education of specialists. Opening the event, Mihaela Rodica Suciu, DEER General Manager, stated: “In a global context marked by accelerated digitalization, interconnection and unprecedented cyber risks, energy systems are increasingly becoming strategic targets. For DEER – the largest distribution operator in Romania, with over 200,000 km of networks and 4 million users – cybersecurity is not just a technological component, but an integral part of our mission to protect the national critical infrastructure and provide a secure and continuous service. The resilience of energy networks is a topic that we feel close to, not only as professionals, but also as people. Your presence here, in Cluj-Napoca, demonstrates that the resilience of energy systems will be more solid and harder to penetrate in the future. In the field of cybersecurity, resilience means getting up quickly when challenged, adapting and moving forward, stronger.” Speakers of the event – call for joint action Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca: “Without cybersecurity there is no energy security. In the era of accelerated digitalization, this is no longer an option, but a fundamental condition. Energy is vital for everything we do, and if our future is digital, our responsibility is cybersecurity. That is why we need this Energy Cybersecurity Forum, to be together and to be able to prepare our future safely. Threats are growing, and our resilience capacity must grow faster.” The President of the Senate, Mircea Abrudean, stated that the energy of the future is inextricably linked to technology and digitalization, and cybersecurity is becoming an essential condition for the safe functioning of energy systems, while also emphasizing the need for closer cooperation between institutions, companies and specialists to build a safe, smart and resilient national energy network. “Energy security, cybersecurity, the two concepts can no longer be viewed separately, because we live in an era in which information systems control energy flows, and their protection becomes an essential condition for national security. Energy security, cybersecurity, equal national security, without a doubt, from all points of view”, pointed out the President of the Senate. Sandor Bende, President of the Committee on Industries and Services, Chamber of Deputies, stressed the importance of investments: “In energy we need three things: money, money and money. Europe needs 580 billion euros for investments in networks by 2030, and Romania must be prepared to attract as many funds as possible. And, at the same time, let’s know if we have the human resources – the specialists, the workers we need to spend the funds that Romania will access.” Cristian Bușoi, Secretary of State, Ministry of Energy: “It is essential to invest in resilience and cyber security to protect critical infrastructures. As systems become increasingly connected and automated, the risks of cyber attacks increase. We need clear regulations, investments and concrete actions to strengthen cybersecurity.” He announced that the establishment of the Cyber Security Incident Response Center in Energy (CRISCE) is on the inter-ministerial regulatory circuit. Mădălin Borș, Deputy, Secretary of the Committee for Information and Communications Technology, drew attention to the vulnerabilities of small systems: “In cybersecurity, that saying that things you don’t know about can’t touch you doesn’t work. If you’re not aware of your vulnerability, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Equipment under 1 MW represents a vulnerable area. Our amendment to the cybersecurity law introduces DNSC as the competent authority for certifying the software of this equipment, in order to protect the data of hundreds of thousands of prosumers.” Daniel Buda, MEP: “We are in a real cyber war, with invisible enemies. It is essential to interconnect European and Romanian ecosystems, invest in specialists and infrastructure, in order to face these challenges.” Alexandru Chiriță, CEO of Electrica, drew attention to legislative blockages: “Cumbersome public procurement blocks investments in digitalization. DEER has not been able to install smart meters for over a year, due to bureaucracy. We need legislation that allows for real transparency, but also efficiency.” Ondrej Šafář, CEO of Evryo: “In the field of cybersecurity, we never do enough. It is vital to have an honest dialogue between operators and authorities, to ensure that we are prepared.” Virgiliu Ivan, Director of the National Energy Dispatcher: “Equipment is increasingly expensive and must be replaced frequently. We draw attention to the need for European funds to refresh the infrastructure, otherwise the costs will significantly impact consumers’ bills.” Challenges of the digital future According to the National Directorate of Cyber Security (DNSC), in the next 2–3 years, cyber attacks facilitated by artificial intelligence will become inevitable. This reality requires the adoption of proactive strategies, advanced technologies and extensive collaboration between all actors involved. DEER extends an open invitation to all institutions and companies in the energy and IT sector to actively collaborate to ensure the security and continuity of critical networks. Through this new edition of the Forum, DEER consolidates a national platform for dialogue and innovation, aimed at stimulating action, cooperation and progress in the energy industry. ___________________________________________________ Cybersecurity Forum in Energy, third edition – in numbers • 2 days, 4 debate sessions and technical presentations • 48 Keynote Speakers and Speakers • 40 Partners • 7 Media Partners • Over 350 participants Photo-video materials, presentations and speakers’ statements will be available on the official event page: https://cyberenergy.ro and on the event’s social media channels.
