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NETWORK / 35 / NOVEMBER 2018 security systems along the pen- etration path), it doesn't fit the traditional profile of a hacker associated with an APT group. This raises the risk associ- ated with having this category of hacker in a network. Because they are criminal in nature and unable to build, test, and learn how they are going to hack the system ahead of time, they are more prone to mistakes that have potential real-world consequences. Unlike the nation-state hackers whose goal is to maintain access and do it without detection, these criminal actors voluntarily set up a race condition. The rate at which these criminals operated greatly increased the likelihood of operator error. Because their goal was likely ransom, speed was more important than stay - ing undiscovered. Ultimately, if they were successful they would make their presence known any- way, so for the criminal hacker it is simply about crossing the finish line before losing access. That mind set, when operating on unfamiliar networks and technology, creates a highly error-prone environment that is more likely to cause damage to systems than the high-level threats. Protecting networks However, this type of threat also poses opportunities for network operators to better protect themselves. Simply through the use of best practices and general network hygiene, it is possible to greatly reduce the ability of these criminal hackers from being successful inside the network. Additionally, a well-managed SOC would have been able to actively remediate the intrusion before they made it to the OT network. This class of threat, while more prevalent is also more manageable with a properly resourced security programme. Also, as utilities make the transition to DSO, it is a golden opportunity for them to build the networks correctly the first time and build security at a fundamental level as they create the distributed network. This is o‚en less costly in the long term, even though it has a much higher initial investment because once best practices are implemented, and personnel trained, the maintenance costs are far lower than attempting to do this a‚er a breach or in response to a new threat or legislation. Remediation costs are always more expensive than proper prevention. While a security technology is not a guarantee of not being hacked, by practicing basic security hygiene, utili - ties that are moving to the DSO model will be far more protected than they currently are even in the centralised utility model that they're moving away from. The largest takeaway is that those operating critical infrastructure and key resource networks are facing a large spectrum of threats, and nation state actors might not be the largest real-world threat. As more criminal and less skilled or trained hackers go a‚er these systems, the odds of an unintended disruption increase. Furthermore, the easiest way to monetise this type of access is through a ransom. That type of targeted intrusion could para - lyse a system and is ultimately preventable. The UK will hopefully see the addition of around 500 megawatts of operational battery storage within the next 12 months. If the regulatory regime in the UK is upgraded to allow for the growth in deployment of storage technologies, it is anticipated that up to 12GW of battery storage will be deployed by the end of 2021. Early this year, Omexom launched a major new strategic partnership on battery energy storage opportunities and projects in the UK & ROI. Our partner was looking for an EPC partner with sound financial backing, to which our unique offering under the Omexom brand was very attractive. Omexom UK & ROI strives to offer the finest quality in design, pre-construction preparation, construction, refurbishment, and commissioning to clients needing small to large scale battery energy storage services, whether it be in buildings and/or containerised solutions. Omexom will utilise battery energy storage solutions and systems offered, to which the partnership is designed to maximise the benefits from battery storage and to introduce new storage technology as it emerges. Omexom's view is that this is a first step to deploying battery energy storage solutions at a range of scales, that will be essential to the energy transition in the UK & ROI. Omexom will provide all EPC contractor services under the agreement. Our first off opportunity to work together has been identified in the South of England. We shall maintain the highest standards of service in our industry and beyond in this new market venture. I N D U S T RY I N S I G H T Deploying energy storage solutions