Experts Find Rogue Devices in Chinese-Made Power Inverters Used Worldwide

A recent discovery has left experts and policymakers concerned about the potential for Chinese-made power inverters to be used as a means of remote control over the global energy grid. Investigators have found "kill switches" - hidden cellular radios - in these devices, which could allow Beijing to remotely disable power grids in the event of a conflict.

The discovery was made by US experts who strip down equipment hooked up to grids to check for security issues. The experts found that these rogue communication devices were not listed in product documents and had been installed by Chinese suppliers. While inverters are built to allow remote access for updates and maintenance, the utility companies that use them typically install firewalls to prevent direct communication back to China.

"However, rogue communication devices not listed in product documents have been found in some Chinese solar power inverters," reported Reuters. "That effectively means there is a built-in way to physically destroy the grid." This revelation raises fears that China may have installed covert malware in critical energy infrastructure across the US and Europe, enabling remote attacks during conflicts.

The Scope of the Problem

In the past nine months, experts have found undocumented communication devices like cellular radios in batteries from multiple Chinese suppliers. While the exact number of affected inverters and batteries is unknown, this discovery highlights the potential for widespread compromise of critical energy infrastructure.

Consequences of a Cyberattack on the Grid

"The threat we face from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is real and growing," said US Representative August Pfluger. "Whether it's telecom hacks or remotely accessing solar and battery inverters, the CCP stops at nothing to target our sensitive infrastructure and components." The consequences of a cyberattack on the grid could be catastrophic, with widespread power disruptions having severe economic and social impacts.

US Government Response

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has acknowledged that it assesses risks associated with Chinese-made power inverters but faces challenges due to manufacturers' poor disclosure. The DOE is working with the federal government to strengthen US supply chains and integrate trusted equipment into the power grid as domestic manufacturing grows.

A Call for Action

Representative Pfluger's comments highlight the need for increased vigilance and action to address this growing threat. "It is about time we ramp up our efforts to show China that compromising us will no longer be acceptable," he said. The international community must work together to strengthen energy security and prevent such attacks in the future.

The Implications of the Discovery

While the discovery of rogue devices in Chinese-made power inverters is alarming, it also highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and testing of critical infrastructure. As domestic manufacturing grows, it is essential that trusted equipment is integrated into the power grid to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited.