Panasonic Holdings (Panasonic HD) has announced plans to leverage its factory security monitoring technology to enhance the cybersecurity of energy management systems (EMS). With the rise of distributed power sources—such as solar and wind energy—located near consumers, EMS security has become an urgent concern. To address this, Panasonic HD has developed Japan’s first proprietary attack detection engine to safeguard power systems and support stable electricity supply.
Expanding Cybersecurity Expertise to EMS
Panasonic HD has strong cybersecurity skills from its “DX/CPS Headquarters Digital/AI Technology Center” and “Product Security Center.” These centers manage the security of the company’s products, factories, and IT systems. Since 2016, the company has monitored the security of its manufacturing facilities. This includes about 150 of its 296 global sites. Now, it is applying this knowledge to EMS security as Japan advances toward decarbonization.
Renewable energy sources are different from traditional power plants. They are decentralized and found closer to where energy is needed. This cuts down transmission losses and helps use waste heat. But it also brings new cybersecurity risks.
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Rising Cyber Threats in the Energy Sector
Takahiro Yamaguchi, Chief Engineer of the Security Solutions Department at Panasonic HD, highlighted growing risks: “While specific cyberattacks on EMS remain rare, vulnerabilities have already been identified. In the U.S., electric vehicle (EV) chargers have been hacked, preventing charging. In Japan, cyberattacks targeted remote monitoring equipment at solar power facilities, with some misused for fraudulent banking transactions.”
Unlike traditional one-way power distribution, distributed power networks involve complex systems with interconnected distribution networks and management facilities. Yamaguchi warns that this complexity significantly increases the attack surface, while security regulations and operational measures remain incomplete.
Introducing a Proprietary Cybersecurity Monitoring System
To counter these threats, Panasonic HD has developed a cybersecurity monitoring system tailored for EMS. This system includes an advanced attack detection engine specifically designed for power control communications. The engine detects abnormal communication patterns in real time and responds rapidly to threats, making it the first and only solution of its kind in Japan. Additionally, AI-driven analysis enhances security by identifying unauthorized access points and improving system efficiency.
A key feature of Panasonic’s approach is its “black box analysis,” in which the company purchases distributed power sources and employs internal white hat hackers to uncover vulnerabilities. Insights gained from these controlled attacks are used to refine the detection engine, continuously improving security measures.
Global Monitoring and Future Expansion
Panasonic HD is setting up a Security Operations Center (SOC) for better cybersecurity. This center will have facilities in Fukuoka, Osaka, Tokyo, and Vietnam. These centers will provide round-the-clock monitoring, 365 days a year.
A successful demo of the cybersecurity system took place at the “H2 KIBOU FIELD” power plant. This event occurred in Panasonic’s Kusatsu Factory, located in Shiga Prefecture. The monitoring system is now in use at Panasonic Manufacturing UK’s factory in Cardiff, Wales. These efforts help the company improve its skills in securing renewable energy systems.
Panasonic HD aims to use its factory security experience. This will help build specialized teams like the Security Incident Response Team (SIRT). The company plans to launch training programs for employees. This will boost cybersecurity awareness in the energy sector.
