Why European Energy is Targeted by Cyber Threat Actors

ZeroFox Intelligence Brief - Why European Energy is Targeted by Cyber Threat Actors

Product Serial: B-2026-02-20a

TLP:CLEAR

In this intelligence brief, ZeroFox researchers examine the growing targeting of the European energy sector by threat actors with financial and geopolitical motivations. The industry is likely being targeted because of Europe's support for Ukraine and the continent's large ongoing investment drive centered on energy.

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Key Findings

• ZeroFox has observed an increase in cyberattacks targeting the European energy sector since 2024. European states have increased investment in the energy sector since Russia’s war in Ukraine began, very likely attracting both geopolitically and financially motivated threat actors.
• During this transition to a modern energy grid, the wider European energy sector remains vulnerable to outside forces disrupting its energy supply.
• Efforts to avoid energy shortages since 2022 have likely contributed to the high cost of living and an uncompetitive business landscape in Europe, which together very likely risk undermining the future investments needed to safeguard European energy.
• Energy insecurity and rising costs have been a key source of political unrest in Europe since the Russia-Ukraine war began. Elevated energy prices will likely continue to generate social tensions. Russia is likely limiting supplies—thus driving up prices and contributing to the overall cost-of-living crisis—in an attempt to weaken Western resolve to back Ukraine.