UK power plant hit by Iran-linked cyber attack, reports claim

A small power generation facility in the United Kingdom was forced to shut down following a cyber attack, according to reports. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed that the incident affected a small-scale generator but assured the public that there was no risk to the wider energy system at any point. The department has since contacted power companies to advise them on the risks associated with such digital threats.

The Telegraph reported that the attack, which occurred last month, was carried out by hackers affiliated with the Iranian regime. For security reasons, neither the government nor the National Cyber Security Centre provided further details about the specific site. Officials clarified that this was not an attack on an essential service, such as a large power station, but rather a smaller unit. The publication stated that the plant remained offline for four days.

The UK power network relies on numerous smaller gas generators to provide short-term power when required. Protecting these supplies remains a key challenge for the government, which is currently updating cyber security regulations and developing a new energy resilience strategy for later this year. Although Iran is regarded as a capable cyber power, there has been little activity from state-linked hackers so far, despite Western security services bracing for potential attacks related to the conflict with the United States.