Romania to Set Up a Cybersecurity Incident Response Center in the Energy Sector
Romania has taken a significant step towards bolstering its cybersecurity in the energy sector by announcing the establishment of a Cybersecurity Incident Response Center (CIRC). The move comes in response to growing concerns over potential cyber threats, as highlighted in an emergency ordinance published by the Ministry of Energy on August 18.
The draft ordinance underscores the importance of the CIRC, stating that its absence could lead to significant damages, with potential consequences on energy prices. Romania, as a supplier of electricity to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, and a regional security provider, has the obligation to urgently consolidate the cybersecurity of the energy sector.
The new CIRC is designed to prepare the country's energy sector for expected and complex cyber threats. It is also intended to provide strategic knowledge to other sectors and partner states in the future.
The ministry notes that the establishment of the CIRC is essential to ensure continuous monitoring, prompt incident response, forensic investigations, and self-protection against cyberattacks. This is particularly important given the liberalization of the national energy market, price fluctuations, and the presence of an increasing number of energy companies on the capital market, which create premises for potential cyber attacks.
The draft ordinance also cites increased risks to Romania's defense and national security due to cyberattacks generated by the Russian Federation's war in Ukraine as a reason for the establishment of the center. The urgency of adopting the Emergency Ordinance is justified by the increased possibility of a multiple cyberattack affecting national infrastructure in the cyber sector, which could create panic among the civilian population.
In terms of staffing, the Response Center in Energy will need specialists in cybersecurity of the highest possible level in terms of experience and performance. The new agency is prepared to match average industry salaries of EUR 4,500 to EUR 5,000, and will go even higher for advanced skills, to around EUR 20,000.
Romania's National Cybersecurity Directorate has already allied itself with Ukrainian and Moldovan counterparts this year for better coordination. The CIRC in Energy has been ongoing since last year, and it is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding Romania's energy sector and contributing to regional security.
