A joint report by Kaspersky and VDC Research has highlighted growing cyber security risks for Pakistan’s energy sector as rapid digitalisation continues to transform operational systems across generation, transmission, and distribution networks. The report, titled Powering Cyber Resilience in the Energy Sector, warns that increasing connectivity in critical infrastructure is creating new exposure points that could impact operational stability and long term grid reliability. According to the findings, fewer than 5 percent of energy organisations are currently fully digital, however nearly 75 percent are expected to reach full digitalisation within the next two years, signaling a significant acceleration in technology adoption across the sector.
The study notes that this shift toward digital systems is already changing how energy companies manage supply and demand, detect system faults, and reduce operational disruptions. Technologies such as artificial intelligence based analytics, digital twin systems, and predictive maintenance tools are being increasingly deployed to improve efficiency and enhance decision making processes. These tools allow operators to monitor infrastructure performance in real time and anticipate potential failures before they occur, contributing to improved system reliability and reduced outage durations across energy networks.
In addition to software driven solutions, the report highlights the growing use of automation technologies including drones and robotics for inspection and monitoring tasks. These tools are being integrated into operational workflows to improve accuracy, reduce manual intervention, and enhance key performance indicators across energy infrastructure. While these developments are improving operational efficiency, the report emphasizes that they also expand the digital attack surface, making critical systems more vulnerable to cyber threats if not properly secured.
A significant concern identified in the report is the increasing number of cyber incidents affecting the sector, with more than half of surveyed energy organisations reporting attacks that resulted in financial losses exceeding 1 million dollars. These incidents raise concerns about operational continuity, infrastructure protection, and the stability of national energy grids. The report also identifies a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals as a key structural challenge, with over 45 percent of organisations citing gaps in industrial cybersecurity expertise as a major barrier to effective protection of operational technology environments.
Another critical issue highlighted is the lack of coordination between information technology and operational technology teams. Nearly three quarters of organisations reported that cybersecurity for control systems is primarily managed by IT departments, while fewer than 10 percent indicated that operational teams are responsible for cyber protection in these environments. The report warns that this imbalance could lead to inconsistencies in security strategies, particularly as energy companies continue to expand their digital infrastructure. It further suggests that without improved coordination and skill development, the sector may face increased difficulty in maintaining consistent cybersecurity standards across interconnected systems.
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