Is Solar Power Overwhelming the Grid?
▼ Summary
– Domestic solar power systems pose a serious cybersecurity threat to national electricity grids by allowing synchronized attacks through insecure inverters.
– Germany is particularly vulnerable due to its high adoption of internet-connected solar inverters, which could be exploited to disrupt critical infrastructure.
– Unsecured IoT devices, like smart cameras, have enabled large-scale privacy invasions, such as unauthorized live streaming from private locations in Italy.
– Most IoT attacks target known vulnerabilities in entertainment devices like streaming boxes and smart TVs, with timely patching being a key defense.
– The US and Australia are implementing voluntary security labeling schemes for IoT devices to improve standards and hold manufacturers accountable for compliance.
While the electricity grid faces well-documented threats from foreign cyberattacks, a surprising new danger is emerging from highly insecure domestic solar power systems. Millions of households with rooftop solar installations use devices to manage the two-way flow of electricity, selling excess power back to the grid and drawing from it when needed. A recent joint report from Bitdefender and Netgear reveals that these control devices are often vulnerable, potentially allowing attackers to chain them together. Such coordinated control could force these systems to push or pull electricity in synchronized bursts, a tactic capable of disabling portions of a nation’s critical power infrastructure.
Germany, a country with one of Europe’s highest rates of solar adoption, has already raised the alarm. Officials there recognize that the vast network of small-scale internet-connected inverters represents a significant national security weakness. This scenario stands out as one of the most damaging potential exploits of poorly secured consumer Internet of Things (IoT) devices highlighted in the 2025 IoT Security Landscape Report.
The risks, however, extend far beyond the national grid to the privacy and safety of individual homeowners. The same report details a disturbing case from Italy where unsecured smart cameras were exploited. Instead of providing security, these devices turned ordinary people into unwilling participants in underground reality streams broadcast from private settings like retail fitting rooms, swimming pools, and homes. These private moments were shared on platforms like Telegram, often accompanied by degrading commentary and location tags. Many victims remain unaware they were ever filmed, illustrating how common flaws in IoT surveillance cameras can enable voyeurism on a massive scale.
The root of the problem lies with cheap, poorly configured devices that promise security but deliver the exact opposite. When these products are exposed to the internet with factory-default passwords or are manufactured with weak security protocols, they become open doors for intruders. In the Italian case, the attackers didn’t need sophisticated hacking skills; they simply scanned the internet patiently for cameras that were publicly accessible.
The scale of this vulnerability is immense. The average household now contains around 22 connected devices and faces approximately 29 cyberattacks every single day. Entertainment and monitoring devices are the most frequently targeted. Streaming devices, smart TVs, and IP cameras collectively account for over half of all detected IoT vulnerabilities. These everyday gadgets are often left unpatched and rarely receive software updates, making them easy entry points for cybercriminals.
The vast majority of IoT exploits, 99.4%, target known vulnerabilities that have already been identified and fixed. This statistic underscores a critical defense strategy: timely patching and proactive device management are among the most effective ways to prevent compromise.
Encouragingly, regulatory changes are on the horizon to address these systemic security failures. The United States introduced a cyber trust mark in 2024 to strengthen IoT security standards, and Australia is preparing to launch a similar system. Back in 2020, the Australian Government took a first step by releasing a voluntary code of practice, “Securing the Internet of Things for Consumers.” This document outlined 13 principles to communicate government security expectations to manufacturers.
Building on this foundation, Australia is now developing a voluntary labelling scheme. This initiative will allow manufacturers and suppliers to show that their domestic IoT products comply with the established code of practice. While manufacturers will self-administer the scheme, they will be held liable if one of their products is compromised due to a failure to meet the code’s requirements. The government has contracted IoT Alliance Australia to develop this scheme, which is anticipated to take effect in March 2027.
(Source: ITWire Australia)
