Australians are being warned of the risks of cyber blackouts this summer as extreme heat threatens the nation’s power grid.
Data from insights agency Gartner shows unplanned power outages can cost businesses up to $5,600 per minute, while digital attacks targeting the grid could further amplify the risks.
Experts warn that without preparation, Australian businesses and homeowners could face severe financial losses, corrupted data and compromised security.
Unlike traditional outages caused by weather or ageing infrastructure, cyber blackouts occur when malicious attacks disrupt power systems, exploiting weaknesses in increasingly digitised energy networks.
This can result in prolonged blackouts that can cripple homes, businesses or entire regions. Australia’s ageing power grid, already severely under pressure, is considered especially susceptible to such threats.
According to general manager of battery-backup provider PSS Distributors, Terrence Daniel, cyber blackouts are no longer a remote possibility, but a growing global reality and Australia is far from immune.
“For businesses and homeowners, the consequences can be devastating: lost revenue, data corruption and even physical security breaches as CCTV cameras and smart locks fail,” said Mr Daniel of the damage cyber blackouts can cause.
“The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has flagged major risks this summer, citing record heatwaves, surging demand and ageing coal-fired plants struggling to meet capacity. Such vulnerabilities not only increase the risk of blackouts but make grid networks prime targets for cyber attacks,” he said.
To minimise the impact of a cyber blackout, individuals and businesses are advised to enhance cyber security measures, backup data offline, invest in a backup battery, add surge protection and create an emergency plan.
