German intelligence warns cyberattacks could target liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals

The head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service warns of state-sponsored attacks aimed at liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in the country.

Bruno Kahl, the President of the Bundesnachrichtendienst intelligence service since 2016, warned of state-sponsored attacks aimed at liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in the country.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the German government has chartered three new LNG terminals to reach independence from on gas pipelined from Moscow.

Due to their strategic role, liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals represent strategic targets of cyber attacks carried out by nation-state actors.

“new LNG landing facilities should be considered possible targets” for future cyberattacks, Kahl told at the Baden-Württemberg Cybersecurity Forum on Friday, as reported by The Record Media.

Nation-state actors from Russia and China are the biggest cyber threats to homeland security. The German intelligence pointed out that both states are very active in cyberspace and can opt for cyber attacks to threaten the economic and political context of Germany.

Cyber attacks with sabotage purposes could have a dramatic impact on the critical infrastructure of the country.

Kahl also warned of other states that have increased their cyber capabilities, such as North Korea and Iran.

“In the digital world, it is not primarily the size and the mass, but above all the innovative strength and creativity when it comes to achieving the greatest possible impact. Consequently, even states that have limited means for conventional armament are investing specifically in their cyber capabilities in order to achieve virtual gains,” Kahl added.

Critical infrastructure in the oil and energy industry is also exposed to cyber criminal activities, such as ransomware attacks. In 2022, two German oil port terminals were hit by cyber attacks.

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Pierluigi Paganini

(SecurityAffairs – hacking, liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals )