Student thesis with Westermo contributes to stronger cybersecurity in the energy sector
How can critical energy infrastructure be made more secure in an increasingly connected world? This was the question explored by MDU student Henrik Falk in his master’s thesis, conducted in close collaboration with Westermo Network Technologies, one of MDU’s important industry partners.
The thesis, Architectural Gaps in Energy Substation Remote Access: A Threat Modeling Case Study, examined cybersecurity challenges related to remote access in energy substations. By combining threat modelling with insights from industry experts, the project identified gaps between recommended reference architectures and the realities faced by organisations operating critical infrastructure.
The work was carried out through a joint supervision team consisting of Per Strandberg and Niklas Mörth from Westermo and Eduard Enoiu from Mälardalen University. The collaboration enabled the project to draw on both cutting-edge research and practical industrial experience.
Collaborations like this give students the opportunity to work on real-world challenges while contributing valuable knowledge to industry and society
, says Erika Olsson, collaboration coordinator at MDU.
For Westermo, the project provided an opportunity to explore emerging cybersecurity challenges within the energy sector and strengthen the connection between research, education and industrial innovation.
The thesis highlights the value of close collaboration between MDU and industry partners. Through joint projects, students gain practical experience, companies gain access to new knowledge and perspectives, and research findings can be translated into solutions with real societal impact.
Henrik’s work contributes to ongoing discussions within the operational technology (OT) security community and demonstrates how student projects can create value beyond the university environment.
As industries face increasing demands for secure and resilient digital infrastructure, partnerships between Mälardalen University and companies such as Westermo play an important role in developing future competence, advancing knowledge, and addressing complex societal challenges together.
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