Security in the age of smart grids: What utility CTOs need to know in 2025

The big power outage across Spain and Portugal recently left millions without electricity—and raised uncomfortable questions about how resilient our infrastructure really is. Although the immediate cause was a fault in the high-voltage transmission system, events like this are a wake-up call for utility CTOs.

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Why utility infrastructure is under pressure

 

Modern utilities are highly connected ecosystems. From smart meters and transformers to grid controllers and sensor gateways, your infrastructure depends on reliable, secure data flow.

 

But here’s the problem: many of these devices still rely on public networks. That means data is often exposed—moving across shared, unsecured channels. At scale, that’s no longer just a technical oversight. It’s a risk to grid stability, customer trust, and regulatory compliance.

 

What makes public networks risky?

 

Public mobile networks were never designed with critical infrastructure in mind. If you’re relying on standard IoT SIMs from major carriers, here’s what you’re vulnerable to:

 

  • SIM hijacking or SIM swap attacks

  • Rogue base stations in remote or border areas

  • Traffic interception or manipulation

  • Network congestion and delays during outages or spikes

  • A lack of visibility into what’s happening across your SIM fleet

 

For mission-critical systems like power grids or water infrastructure, these risks simply aren’t acceptable.

 

What every CTO should be thinking about in 2025

 

Security for smart grids isn’t just about firewalls or encrypted storage. It starts at the edge—at the SIM, the device, the radio layer—and works its way through to the cloud. Here’s where to focus:

 

1. Device and identity security

 

Start with strong SIM authentication and tamper resistance. If a device is compromised or spoofed, it could feed false data into grid operations—or worse, be used to trigger real-world actions.

 

2. Network segmentation

 

Keep your operational traffic isolated. Avoid routing sensitive data over public mobile infrastructure whenever possible. Private networks, APNs, and VPNs offer cleaner paths and far fewer risks.

 

3. Real-time visibility

 

You can’t fix what you can’t see. Real-time monitoring of SIM activity, device uptime, and data anomalies is essential. It’s often the only way to spot unusual behaviour—like a rogue connection or early-stage SIM swap attempt—before it becomes a bigger issue.

 

4. Resilience under pressure

 

Your network should perform under strain—during peak demand, outages, or cyber events. Build in redundancy. Use providers who support multiple carrier paths and fallback mechanisms, especially in remote or underground areas.

 

5. Compliance and data sovereignty

 

Frameworks like NIS2, ISO27001, and GDPR are now table stakes. Make sure your data stays within controlled environments, your traffic paths are auditable, and you can respond quickly to regulatory audits or incidents.

 

Security isn’t a checkbox—it’s a system

 

In a sector where uptime equals public trust, security can’t be an afterthought. It needs to be woven into every layer of your deployment: from the SIM in the field to the analytics stack in your control room.

 

At IXT, we work with utility providers to help them build that kind of security into their connectivity layer—offering private networking, real-time visibility, and expert support when it matters most.

 

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