So far, the recorded cyberattacks on the energy system are "probing the ground" rather than targeted attempts to affect the ability of the transmission operator JSC Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST) to provide services, said company representative Liva Jagere to the LETA agency.
The volume of cyberattacks on energy infrastructure has increased since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in line with the overall situation in the country. Numerous fraudulent and phishing attempts have been recorded, varying from very primitive and easily recognizable to more complex, sophisticated, and personalized, the company noted.
AST also emphasized that it is aware of the risks of cyberattacks and is learning from the experiences of other countries, particularly Ukraine, which faced serious attacks in 2015 and 2016 that affected energy supply services. In 2022, Ukraine was already prepared for such scenarios and was able to prevent them. AST is also preparing for potential similar situations in Latvia to counter targeted attacks on critical systems and ensure the continuity of electricity supply.
In the context of the changing geopolitical situation, both physical and cyber risks to energy systems remain. Therefore, AST, with co-financing from the European Union, is investing in cybersecurity measures to protect infrastructure and train employees. A round-the-clock cybersecurity center has been established, and AST closely collaborates with national cybersecurity institutions.
To prevent potential risks, AST maintains daily close cooperation with the Latvian Information Security Incident Response Center Cert.lv, which is conducted in an enhanced mode during critical situations. For example, during the synchronization process, AST specialists monitored the cyberspace, while Cert.lv provided assistance with other solutions. AST also checks contractors' access to critical systems and facilities, the company explained.
Alongside the reliability of the network and the energy resilience of the state, the security of critical infrastructure is also influenced by connected technologies. The energy system is seeing many new participants—both small electricity producers and large consumers—and all must adhere to cybersecurity principles, AST added.
In accordance with the Electricity Market Law, AST, as the operator, has the right not to connect new generating installations with a capacity exceeding 50 megawatts to the system if a negative conclusion is received from security authorities. This is particularly important, as remote management of the system can significantly impact the operation of the energy system, the company emphasized.
As previously reported, the consolidated audited turnover of the AST group last year amounted to 258.607 million euros, which is 5.3% more than in 2023, while the group's profit increased 2.2 times to 22.672 million euros. At the same time, the turnover of the parent company AST decreased by 2.5%, amounting to 154.011 million euros, while profit increased by 31.6% to 14.764 million euros.
AST is the independent electricity transmission system operator in Latvia. The company is state-owned. AST bonds are listed on the Nasdaq Riga exchange.
AST is the largest shareholder of the single operator of the natural gas transmission and storage system Conexus Baltic Grid, owning 68.46% of Conexus shares.
