What happens if your network infrastructure is hacked tomorrow?

Imagine this: it’s a regular workday, and suddenly, part of your energy network goes down. Customers are left without power, smart meters can’t be read, and critical water and gas distribution systems stop working.

This is not a doomsday scenario but a real threat in the Energy & Utilities sector. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting vital infrastructures, and the impact of a hack can be devastating.

The crucial question is: how quickly can you recover?

The new NIS2 directive, which takes effect in October 2024, requires companies in the energy and utilities sector to revise their cybersecurity strategy. Distribution network operators, water companies, and energy suppliers are mandated to implement stricter security measures.

Failure to comply with this directive can lead to high fines, severe disruptions, and damage to reputation.

How can you minimize the impact of a cyberattack?

– Incident Response Plan: Is there a clear protocol to respond quickly to cyberattacks on critical infrastructure?

– Data Backups: Are there redundant systems and secure backups to restore energy and water distribution?

– Monitoring & Detection: Can threats such as ransomware or DDoS attacks be identified in time?

– Employee Awareness: Are technicians and IT staff trained to recognize suspicious activities and respond appropriately?

How is your OT security set up? Does it meet NIS2 requirements?

Operational Technology (OT) plays a key role in the Energy & Utilities sector. Think of Industrial Control Systems (ICS), SCADA systems, and IoT devices that manage energy distribution. But how well are these systems protected against cyberattacks?

The NIS2 directive imposes stricter requirements on the security of both IT and OT infrastructures in vital sectors. A security breach in OT can cause not only digital damage but also power outages, water contamination, or gas leaks. Therefore, organizations must review and improve their OT security strategy.

What are the key action points?

– Network Segmentation: Ensure that OT and IT networks are separated to prevent contamination and attacks.

– Access Management: Only authorized personnel should have access to critical systems; a zero-trust policy is becoming increasingly important.

– Patch & Update Policy: Many OT systems run on outdated software; regular updates and security patches are essential.

– Supply Chain Security: Ensure that external suppliers and partners meet the strictest cybersecurity standards to minimize risks in the supply chain.

– Business Continuity Planning: How quickly can your organization recover from a cyberattack? Having a tested recovery plan is crucial.

How Can G-Nius Help?

At G-Nius, we understand that cybersecurity in the Energy & Utilities sector is not just a technical challenge but also a strategic necessity. Our professionals help energy companies, network operators, and water suppliers become NIS2-compliant.

Essential Roles in NIS2 Compliance:

– CISO (Chief Information Security Officer): Responsible for the overall cybersecurity strategy and NIS2 compliance.

– Security Architect: Designs and implements robust cybersecurity measures for IT and OT systems.

– SOC (Security Operations Center) Analyst: Continuously monitors threats and responds to security incidents.

– OT Security Specialist: Focuses specifically on securing operational technology and industrial control systems.

– Compliance & Risk Manager: Ensures that the organization complies with NIS2 and other regulations.

– Incident Response Manager: Coordinates the response to cyber incidents and minimizes damage during attacks.

Want to know where your organization stands in terms of NIS2 compliance? Contact us and let us help you strengthen your digital resilience.

We believe that the right match between IT specialists and organizations is essential to successfully tackle complex challenges. But for us, a successful collaboration goes beyond business agreements: we place great value on personal attention and a warm welcome. That’s why we celebrate every start with a special tradition from ‘s-Hertogenbosch: a box of delicious Bossche bollen.

A Warm Start

When one of our IT professionals begins a new assignment, we make sure the start doesn’t go unnoticed. After the first few days, one of our colleagues personally visits with a box of freshly baked Bossche bollen. For us, this is a moment to celebrate that the professional has joined the client’s team, but also to show our personal commitment. At G-Nius, it’s about more than just business; we want our professionals to feel truly welcomed.

The Bossche Bol as a Moment of Connection

This visit is more than just a tasty treat. We take the time to have a conversation with both the professional and the client. We ask how the start has been, whether everything has been arranged as expected, and if there’s anything we can improve. This contact moment is a valuable opportunity to listen and make adjustments as needed. In this way, we ensure both the professional and the client have a positive start.

A Moment to Gather Feedback

Our Bossche bollen visit also gives us a chance to sit down with the client and review their initial experiences with the new professional. This informal moment often leads to open and honest discussions. The feedback we receive not only helps us strengthen the collaboration but also allows us to address any points of attention early on. We believe that transparency and good communication are key to a successful partnership, and the Bossche bol helps us achieve this.

More Than a Treat: A Token of Appreciation

The Bossche bol is a symbol of who we are as a company from ‘s-Hertogenbosch: committed, honest, and always personal. We often hear that this gesture is highly appreciated. It shows that at G-Nius, we invest in relationships and pay attention to details. We’re proud that this tradition has become a hallmark among our professionals and clients, helping us convey the core values of G-Nius.

At G-Nius: Where IT, Business, and Personal Attention Come Together

At G-Nius, we believe that a good beginning is half the work. With our Bossche bollen visit, we want to contribute to a positive start and a lasting collaboration. It’s a small gesture with a big impact, a way to show our personal involvement.

After reading this article, are you also in the mood for Bossche bollen? Let’s get acquainted and explore the possibilities for collaboration.

This month, we are welcoming not one, but two new colleagues. First, we’d like to introduce you to our new recruitment consultant, Ellen Witteveen. With her experience as a recruiter and in business services, she is a great addition to our team.

As a mother of two young children, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is very important to her. In her free time, she enjoys being active and has a passion for Salsa and Bachata dancing, which she approaches with the same enthusiasm she brings to her work.

What sets Ellen apart is her ability not only to make the right match between candidates and clients, but also her personal approach. She thinks creatively about solutions and tackles every challenge with a positive, “glass half full” mentality. For Ellen, it’s about more than just pairing CVs with job openings; she focuses on building long-term relationships and fostering trust.

“The warm culture of the company was the deciding factor for me in choosing this role. The flat organizational structure, personal attention, and strategic location in ’s-Hertogenbosch immediately appealed to me. After my first conversation with Leo and the team, I knew this was the right place for me — an environment where hard work goes hand in hand with a positive atmosphere and room for a laugh.”

Want to know how Ellen can help you find the right professionals or a challenging role? She invites you for a (digital) meeting. Interested? Call or send a message to +31 6 27 25 12 52.

We are excited to announce the expansion of our IT & Healthcare business unit with the addition of Mike van Strien. Mike has been with G-Nius for some time, but as of July 1, 2024, he will be joining Sjoerd and Frank to focus on our IT & Healthcare business unit.

Since the establishment of this business unit a year and a half ago, we have experienced strong growth. We work closely with various healthcare institutions, including mental health institutions, hospitals, and elderly care organizations. The demand for our services continues to rise, making the expansion of our team within this sector a logical step.

With Mike on board, we are strengthening our ability to provide our clients and our network of professionals with the attention and expertise they deserve. We are confident that his arrival will be a valuable addition to our business unit and will further improve the quality of our services.

Are you an IT professional or healthcare organization interested in what we can do for you with our vision on strategic resource management in healthcare? Please feel free to contact us.

For more information or questions please contact Frank Claassen at fclaassen@g-nius.nl/+31 6 15 16 58 44, Sjoerd Janus at sjanus@g-nius.nl/+31 6 55 55 01 52 or Mike van Strien at mvanstrien@g-nius.nl/+31 6 29 45 08 12.