Baltic Sea in sight: Experts warn of cyber attacks on energy infrastructure

Baltic Sea in sight: Experts warn of cyber attacks on energy infrastructure

With a look at the Baltic Sea, it turns out that the security of critical infrastructure is more than ever in focus. On July 9, 2025, the Baltic Energy and Cyber ​​Security Forum took place in Berlin, where over 80 experts from politics, business and science discussed the pressing challenges. The concerns about repeated sabotage files for gas, electricity and data lines are increasing and the threat from cyber attacks on energy suppliers are in the room. dena reports that the forum represents a newly designed exchange format, initiated by the DENA, the Polish embassy and the Polish Academy of Sciences.

The debate was opened by Poland ambassador Jan Tombiński, who emphasized the importance of national energy policy for the resilience of the region. "This is a lot more than just local solutions," says Tombiński. Kristina Haverkamp, ​​Managing Director of Dena, added that stronger regional and European coordination for the protection of critical energy infrastructures was essential. This includes not only physical, but also digital safety protection measures.

threats in digital and physical space

The SENSIE CABLE are a special challenge, which transport over 90% of global data traffic. Security expert Johannes Peters from the Institute for Security Policy warned that the protection of these cables is insufficient. Many of them lie on the sea floor and are hardly protected. The increase in hybrid attacks on critical infrastructures illustrates the need for improved protective measures. Manuel Atug from the AG KRITIS emphasized that while a complete sabotage was not possible, there are nevertheless solutions, such as laying the cables several meters below the sea floor or the confidentiality of newly laid cables. But these approaches have reported their own pitfalls, such as higher costs and difficulties in repairs, such as ZDF.

The security situation is also impaired by the record number of cyber attacks, especially since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict. This danger situation requires a rethink: an effective counter strategy could include the increased NATO presence and better networking and cooperation between EU countries. The use of sensors to improve security in the Baltic Sea is also becoming increasingly relevant.

The role of data centers and certifications

In addition to the immediate danger environment, data centers also play a major role. Some of them are classified as critical infrastructures and are regularly checked for safety. According to the [TÜV Nord] (https://www.tuev-nord.de/explore/de/sicherheit/gut-geruestet- against-sabotage-und-naturkatastrophen/), this test is usually carried out voluntarily, but often in the form of certifications that customers or supervisory authorities are required. For example, the burglary safety of windows and doors, technical fire protection as well as modern security systems such as video cameras and access controls is checked.

Overall, the challenges in the field of critical infrastructure are complex and require a common procedure. The Baltic Energy and Cyber ​​Security Forum continues to deepen the knowledge that has arisen and to develop new approaches to improve security. The next steps in this process include the German-Polish Energy Werquorum in November and the North Sea See in January 2026, which offer further cooperation.