Protecting Solar Sites from Cyber Exploits – Secure SCADA with Netcelero
Solar inverters, the critical control hubs of solar farms, are increasingly being targeted by hackers due to poor network security and exposed connectivity.
Netcelero’s i-ctrl provides a robust, plug-and-play solution for OT, with automatic failover between Starlink and 5G/4G, as well as ensuring always-on encrypted IPsec operability with SCADA systems, despite Starlink’s often changing IP’s.
Investigations report 35,000 solar power systems from 42 vendors have exposed management interface within operational technology – a magnet for hackers.
And how Netcelero’s i-ctrl shuts them OUT
As the renewable energy sector scales rapidly, so too does the cyber threat landscape surrounding it. Solar farms, once considered low-risk from a cybersecurity standpoint, are now prime targets. The investigative team at Dark Reading report 35,000 solar power systems from 42 vendors have exposed management interfaces. At the heart of these systems lie the solar inverters – the ‘brains’ responsible for converting and routing solar energy.
And they’ve become a magnet for hackers.
Why Are Inverters Being Exploited?
Solar inverters are crucial part of the operation technology of solar farms. They connect to Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and often transmit data over the internet. Unfortunately, many legacy inverters weren’t designed with today’s cybersecurity threats in mind. Weak authentication, exposed ports, and lack of segmentation make them an open door to hackers.
The consequences? From energy production disruption to potential grid instability, the risks are too significant to ignore.
A Common Weak Point: Connectivity Infrastructure
One of the most overlooked aspects of securing a solar site is the reliability and security of its connectivity. Many installations rely on basic 4G routers or unprotected Starlink connections, leaving SCADA systems exposed or inaccessible during an outage. Worse still, without proper failover or encryption, cybercriminals can exploit these weaknesses to intercept or manipulate data.
The Fix: Netcelero i-ctrl – Secure Connectivity Without the Complexity
Netcelero’s i-ctrl was purpose-built for critical infrastructure environments like solar farms. It delivers enterprise-grade OT security out of the box, solving the core connectivity and security challenges facing modern solar installations.
Here’s how:-
- Automatic Failover Between Starlink & 4G
The i-ctrl enables seamless failover between Starlink and 4G connections. If your primary connection fails, the device automatically switches to the secondary link – no manual intervention required. - Built-In IPsec Security
Every i-ctrl establishes an encrypted IPsec tunnel, isolating the SCADA network from public exposure. Even if the primary link drops, the secure tunnel is automatically re-established on the backup connection – with no need for complex firewall rule changes or reconfigurations. - No Static IPs or Firewall Headaches
Unlike traditional VPN or IP-based solutions, Netcelero effortless overcomes the challenges of Starlink frequent IP changes, eliminates the need for costly static IP SIMs or risky port forwards. The i-ctrl handles all tunnelling and encryption internally, simplifying deployment and dramatically reducing the attack surface. - Zero-Touch Deployment
Whether you’re an expert solar farm installer managing multiple sites or an OT vendor supporting remote assets, the i-ctrl offers plug-and-play deployment and centralised cloud visibility.
Cybersecurity Made Practical for Solar Sites
Security shouldn’t slow down operations. Netcelero’s i-ctrl makes it easy to deliver highly secure, resilient connectivity without the need for specialised IT skills, certifications or expensive third-party additional hardware creating unnecessary complexity. It’s designed for the realities of critical remote infrastructure, where downtime or exposure is not an option.
Ready to Secure Your Solar Assets?
Don’t wait until your inverters are compromised. Let Netcelero simplify your network security while boosting resilience. Contact us today to learn how Netcelero’s i-ctrl can transform your remote connectivity.
