Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 3 hrs ago
Poorly secured connected devices could trigger large power outages, Dutch regulator warns
Hackers could use poorly secured connected devices to disrupt large amounts of electricity, the Netherlands’ digital infrastructure regulator warns.
The devices connect to the internet and can provide a route into parts of the power system.
A successful attack could cause widespread power outages by switching off gigawatts of power.
The regulator says new security requirements only partly address the danger.
The risk is growing as more devices connect to the internet and serious hacks become more common.
The warning highlights connected devices as a weak point in the power grid; no further action or timeline is specified.
The Dutch Digital Infrastructure Inspectorate warns that poorly secured internet-connected devices could be used to trigger large power outages.
Hackers could use the devices to switch off gigawatts of power, the regulator says.
The inspectorate says new security requirements for these devices do not adequately address the danger.
Experts describe internet-connected devices as the weakest link in the power grid.
The article says the risk is growing as serious hacks increase and more devices connect to the internet.
- Who
- The Dutch Digital Infrastructure Inspectorate (RDI) issued the warning.
- What
- Poorly secured connected devices could let hackers switch off gigawatts of power and cause widespread outages.
- When
- 9 November 2026, the article’s publication date.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- More devices are connecting to the internet, while serious hacks are increasing.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Potential power switched off
- Gigawatts
- Warning body
- Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur (RDI)
- Security requirements
- New requirements address the danger only partly
- Risk factor
- More internet-connected devices and serious hacks