IT Security Status of German Energy Providers

TL;DR

This study surveys the IT security status of German energy providers, focusing on small and medium-sized companies' compliance with regulations and implementation of security management systems.

Contribution

It provides empirical data on the security practices and regulatory compliance levels of German energy providers based on a targeted survey.

Findings

6.9% response rate from surveyed companies

Assessment of ISMS implementation among providers

Insights into organizational and technical security measures

Abstract

As part of the research project "Secure information networks of small- and medium-sized energy providers" (SIDATE), a survey about the IT security status of German energy providers was conducted. The project itself is focused on the IT security of small- and medium-sized energy providers. In August 2016, 881 companies listed by the Federal Network Agency were approached. Between, September 1 st 2016 and October 15 th 2016, 61 (6.9%) of the companies replied. The questionnaire focuses on the implementation of the regulatory requirements and on the implementation of an information security management system (ISMS). Additionally, questions about the energy control system, the network structure, processes, organisational structures, and the IT department were asked. Questions were asked in German, so all questions and answers are translated for this report. ----- Innerhalb des Forschungsprojektes "Sichere Informationsnetze bei kleinen und mittleren Energieversorgern" (SIDATE) wurde eine Umfrage zum Stand der IT-Sicherheit bei deutschen Stromnetzbetreibern durchgef\"uhrt. Das Projekt selbst besch\"aftigt sich mit der nformations-Sicherheit bei kleinen und mittleren Energieversorgern. Zur Durchf\"uhrung der Umfrage wurden alle 881 im August 2016 bei der Bundesnetzagentur gelisteten Betreiber angeschrieben. In dem Umfragezeitraum vom 1. September 2016 bis zum 15. Oktober 2016 antworten 61 (6.9%) der Betreiber. Der Fragebogen fokussiert die Umsetzung der rechtlichen Anforderungen und die Implementierung eines Informationssicherheitsmanagementsystems (ISMS). Weiterhin wurden Fragen zu dem Leitsystem, Netzaufbau, Prozessen, organisatorischen Strukturen und der B\"uro-IT gestellt.