Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are cyber vulnerable. There have been numerous cases where intentional and/or unintentional control system cyber incidents have caused or contributed to thermal runaway fires. There have been other cases where BESS systems have been cyber-compromised. Yet there appears to be minimal attention being paid to cybersecurity in the design, operation, and training surrounding BESS systems. There needs to be a focus on cybersecurity standards and training for BESS systems cybersecurity as China has demonstrated they are exploiting cybersecurity gaps in BESS systems in addition to other critical systems such as large electric transformers, inverters, and port cranes.
