Securing the Grid: Nokia & OneLayer Partner to Fortify Utilities Against Rising Cyber Threats

By Stephanie Lewis, Strategic Defense & Space Technology

As the operational technology (OT) landscape in the utility sector becomes increasingly interconnected, so too does the threat surface for cyberattacks. A new partnership between Nokia and OneLayer aims to address this growing vulnerability, offering a combined solution designed to secure private 5G/LTE networks and bolster grid resilience. The collaboration combines Nokia's network infrastructure expertise with OneLayer's specialized OT security capabilities, promising a more robust defense against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

The Expanding Attack Surface & Growing Risk
The utility sector is facing a surge in cyberattacks, prompting heightened concerns about the security of critical infrastructure. According to recent industry reports, the number of attacks has risen sharply in recent years, with malicious actors targeting everything from power grids and water treatment facilities to renewable energy sources. The increasing reliance on smart grid technologies, IoT devices, and remote monitoring systems has expanded the attack surface, creating new avenues for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities.

“The convergence of IT and OT systems has created a complex security challenge for utilities,” explains a cybersecurity analyst familiar with the sector. “Traditional security measures are often inadequate to protect these systems, requiring a more holistic and layered approach.”

The stakes are high. A successful cyberattack on a utility could disrupt essential services, cause widespread outages, and even endanger public safety. The potential economic and social consequences are significant, making cybersecurity a top priority for utility companies and government agencies.

Nokia & OneLayer: A Synergistic Partnership
Nokia and OneLayer are responding to this growing threat with a combined solution that integrates network infrastructure and OT security capabilities. Nokia provides the private 5G/LTE network connectivity, offering a secure and reliable communication channel for critical infrastructure devices. OneLayer delivers a suite of security tools, including asset discovery, micro-segmentation, geofencing, and anomaly detection, to protect these devices from cyberattacks.

“The key is to create a secure perimeter around critical assets,” explains a source within OneLayer. “By segmenting the network and isolating critical devices, we can limit the impact of a breach and prevent attackers from gaining access to sensitive data or disrupting operations.”

The partnership leverages the strengths of both companies. Nokia's expertise in network infrastructure ensures a robust and reliable communication channel, while OneLayer's specialized security tools provide a layered defense against cyberattacks. The combined solution offers utilities a more comprehensive and effective approach to cybersecurity.

Beyond Connectivity: Enhanced Operational Efficiency
While security is the primary focus, the Nokia and OneLayer solution also offers benefits in terms of operational efficiency. Private 5G networks can provide faster and more reliable communication than traditional wired networks, enabling utilities to improve real-time monitoring, control, and optimization of their infrastructure. This can lead to reduced downtime, improved asset utilization, and lower operating costs.

“The benefits extend beyond security,” explains an industry analyst. “Private 5G networks can enable utilities to implement advanced applications, such as predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and automated control systems, leading to significant improvements in efficiency and reliability.”

The solution also supports remote access and management of critical infrastructure, enabling utilities to reduce on-site visits and improve response times. This is particularly important in remote or challenging environments, where access to infrastructure may be limited.

The Rise of Secure Private 5G Networks
The partnership between Nokia and OneLayer is part of a broader trend toward the adoption of secure private 5G networks in critical infrastructure. Utilities, along with other sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare, are increasingly recognizing the benefits of private 5G networks in terms of security, reliability, and performance.

“We’re seeing a significant increase in demand for private 5G networks in critical infrastructure,” says a telecom industry insider. “Utilities are looking for ways to secure their operations and improve efficiency, and private 5G networks offer a compelling solution.”

Gartner predicts that by 2025, 75% of utility companies will have implemented private 5G networks to secure their OT environments. This trend is being driven by the growing threat of cyberattacks, the increasing availability of 5G technology, and the potential for improved efficiency and reliability.

Challenges & Future Outlook
Despite the growing adoption of private 5G networks, several challenges remain. These include the cost of deployment, the complexity of implementation, and the need for skilled personnel to manage and maintain the network. Ensuring interoperability between different vendors and devices is also a key challenge.

Looking ahead, the future of cybersecurity in the utility sector will likely be characterized by a continued focus on layered security, advanced threat detection, and proactive threat intelligence. The adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning will play an increasingly important role in automating security tasks and improving threat response times. The partnership between Nokia and OneLayer represents a step forward in addressing these challenges and fortifying critical infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. As utilities continue to embrace digital transformation, secure private 5G networks will become an increasingly essential component of their cybersecurity strategy.