Securing Climate IoT — Risks, Reflections, and the Role of AI
As climate infrastructure becomes increasingly digitized, the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) introduces new layers of complexity, risk, and interdependence. From smart grids and solar inverters to environmental sensors and industrial control systems, the integration of AI into climate technology promises greater efficiency and foresight—but also exposes systems to novel vulnerabilities.
This session examines the cybersecurity implications of AI-enabled climate systems, focusing on real-world incidents such as ransomware attacks on ports and utilities, vulnerabilities in distributed energy resources, and risks introduced by misunderstood or undocumented sensor data. It highlights how convenience often outpaces resilience, why context matters more than volume in data interpretation, and how modernization efforts can inadvertently expand the threat surface.
Rather than offering prescriptive solutions, this presentation outlines recurring patterns—guardrails implemented post-incident, automation overreliance, and expanding supply chain risk—encouraging attendees to reflect on the pace of innovation and the systems we increasingly depend on.
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