Maritime cybersecurity firm Cydome has launched what it says is the first cybersecurity solution designed specifically for offshore wind farms that can be deployed without any physical installation, addressing one of the sector’s most persistent operational and cost challenges.
The new offering, Cydome Embedded for Remote Energy Facilities, deploys as a virtual container directly on existing satellite communication equipment, such as VSAT routers, allowing cybersecurity protections to be installed and maintained remotely. The approach removes the need to send technicians offshore, a process that can be costly, logistically complex and weather dependent.
Offshore wind operators face increasing pressure to strengthen cybersecurity as regulations tighten and threats escalate, while managing assets that are difficult to access and often dispersed across large areas. Traditional cybersecurity solutions typically require on-site hardware installation and configuration, making them impractical for offshore facilities.
Cydome said its embedded solution uses edge computing to deliver what it describes as zero-touch cybersecurity, running on resource-constrained network devices already in use at offshore sites. The software is installed, updated and managed remotely, reducing operational disruption and eliminating the need for physical intervention.
The launch comes as offshore renewable energy capacity expands rapidly. Europe currently operates around 135 offshore wind farms comprising more than 6,000 turbines and approximately 34 gigawatts of capacity, with installations growing at an estimated 40 per cent year on year. Growth is also accelerating in the United States, driven by policy changes that have opened new offshore areas to development.
Despite this expansion, cybersecurity coverage remains limited. Industry estimates cited by Cydome indicate that only around 1 per cent of the world’s roughly 11,000 wind assets have adequate cyber protection. Other research points to a sharp rise in attacks on energy infrastructure, with ransomware incidents against energy and utility organisations increasing significantly in recent years and average breach costs running into the millions of dollars.
The economics of securing offshore assets have been a major barrier. According to Cydome, sending technicians offshore for installation can cost up to US$200,000 when vessel hire and logistics are included, while a single day of downtime for a 10-megawatt turbine can result in tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenue.
Built on Cydome’s class-certified maritime cybersecurity platform, already deployed across vessels and offshore facilities, the embedded solution provides real-time threat detection, network security, automated vulnerability scanning and centralised risk and compliance monitoring across IT and operational technology environments.
“Most cybersecurity solutions assume physical access to install hardware,” said Nir Ayalon, founder and chief executive of Cydome. “We’ve developed a way to deliver full protection on existing equipment with minimal computing resources, enabling operators to secure remote energy assets without sending people offshore.”
The platform allows operators to monitor multiple sites from a single interface and supports compliance with evolving cybersecurity regulations affecting critical infrastructure.
Cydome said the solution is generally available and supports deployment on existing communication equipment from providers including Peplink and Speedcast, with additional platforms to follow.
