In an increasingly interconnected world, the security of critical infrastructure, particularly power grids, is paramount. While geopolitical tensions often dominate headlines, there are some extremely concerning threats that aren’t getting as much play as they should: the potential for foreign actors to exploit vulnerabilities in seemingly innocuous imported components. In the essay, we’re going to chat about some recently uncovered instances of undisclosed communication devices embedded in critical infrastructure components, such as solar inverters and port cranes, highlighting the severe risks these “backdoors” pose to national security and even you as a private citizen (prepper or not). We’re also going to outline practical, actionable steps individuals can take to enhance their personal resilience and mitigate the impact of potential grid disruptions. Remember: Preparedness over panic.
One of the most alarming recent revelations that should concern everyone, is the discovery of rogue communication devices within Chinese-made solar products. In mid-May, an anonymous federal government source reported that certain Chinese solar inverters (components that convert solar panel DC power into usable AC electricity for the grid) contained undisclosed cellular equipment. This finding was corroborated by reports of similar undocumented communication devices in batteries from multiple Chinese suppliers. The gravity of the situation wasn’t lost on a US government source who stated, “That effectively means there is a built-in way to physically destroy the grid.” This isn’t merely a hacking vulnerability; it’s a “Trojan horse” scenario where the access has already been granted, by this I mean, we’ve already opened the gates of Troy and the proverbial Greeks are filling the proverbial streets as we speak.
Further illustrating this threat, a German news outlet reported that a company named Deye remotely deactivated inverters located in Germany, Pakistan, and the U.S., demonstrating a concerning pattern of foreign remote control over critical energy infrastructure, often without the knowledge of the end-user.
The scope of this threat extends beyond solar energy. A bipartisan joint House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Select Committee on China conducted an investigation revealing that Chinese-made cranes installed at U.S. ports also contained unexplained communication equipment, including undocumented cellular modems capable of remote communication. This discovery, dating back to early last year, indicates a broader strategy of embedding potential “backdoors” into various critical components imported from certain nation-states. The implications are vast, as the same manufacturers producing these compromised inverters for solar applications also supply them for wind turbines and electric/hybrid vehicle charging stations, suggesting a pervasive and multifaceted vulnerability across diverse sectors of critical infrastructure.
Given the identified threat of a potentially weaponized power grid, individual preparedness becomes crucial. While fundamental preps like a two-week supply of food, water (one gallon per person per day), medications, and first aid are always essential, specific products can mitigate a grid-down scenario resulting from a cyberattack. One such inexpensive and highly effective item is the WaterBOB or Aquapod. This giant bladder, designed to fit into a bathtub, can hold approximately 100 gallons of drinking water. In a grid-down event not caused by natural disaster (like we’re discussing here), municipal water pressure might remain for a period, allowing for its deployment and filling before services cease. This provides a vital, readily available water supply for a family.
Beyond water, understanding and managing alternative power sources is key. I often hear people say things like: “I just bought a solar generator on Amazon, so I’m all set”. Unfortunately, to properly size a generator or a photovoltaic power system, individuals must first identify their “critical load” – the essential appliances needed for survival, such as a well pump, refrigerator, freezer, CPAP machine, or grandma’s oxygen concentrator, along with basic communication devices like cell phone chargers and radios. A home energy monitor, like the Siemens Inhab, costing between $150 and $250, can be installed in a breaker panel. (You ‘may’ need an electrician for this one. Those precisely track the power consumption of individual circuits. This data is invaluable for accurately determining power needs and making informed decisions about alternative power solutions. For example, a modern refrigerator consumes very little power (around 100W), making it potentially runnable on a smaller solar/battery system like a Jackery 1070WH with a 200W solar panel (the most popular unit I found on Amazon) for limited periods. However, understanding the actual power consumption versus battery capacity and solar charging rates is critically important to avoid underestimating your needs, especially during extended outages or in less-than-ideal conditions (winter or late-fall / early-spring) when your solar charging is limited due to less daylight.
Finally, while not a “magic bullet” against all grid threats, a whole-home surge protector offers a significant layer of defense. These relatively inexpensive devices (around $100 for quality models, plus installation) can protect sensitive electronics from power surges, which could be a consequence of a cyberattack or weaponized power grid. There are also some practical benefits from an insurance perspective, installing such a protector demonstrates a “duty to mitigate,” potentially allowing for coverage of damaged electronics even if the surge protector doesn’t prevent all damage. Ultimately, the most important mitigation strategy is to “practice your preps.” Regularly reviewing and rehearsing emergency plans ensures that families are ready to adapt and survive if the grid, for whatever reason, goes down.
To wrap this up, here’s what I’d like you to take away: The discovery of undisclosed communication devices in critical infrastructure components like solar inverters and port cranes presents a tangible and very real threat to national security and daily life. These “backdoors” offer foreign actors (that rhyme with ‘shmyna’) a potential means to disrupt or even weaponize essential services, so having a proactive approach centered on individual preparedness is essential. By understanding the nature of these threats and implementing practical mitigation strategies; such as securing water supplies with devices like the WaterBOB, accurately assessing power needs with home energy monitors, investing in appropriate alternative power solutions, and installing whole-home surge protectors, you can build resilience and ensure your safety in an increasingly uncertain world.
Here are a few of the articles that I used in my research, if you’re interested in reading more:
https://www.borncity.com/blog/2024/01/29/cybersecurity-die-risiken-bei-solaranlagen/https://homeland.house.gov/
https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402899#:~:text=China%20installed%20more%20solar%20panels%20in%202023,be%20used%20to%20disrupt%20U.S.%20military%20communications
https://borncity.com/win/2024/11/28/deye-deactivates-solar-inverters-in-usa-uk-and-pakistan/
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/rogue-communication-devices-found-on-chinese-made-solar-power-inverters/748242#:~:text=The%20devices%20raise%20security%20concerns%20because%20Chinese,to%20foreign%20grids%2C%20security%20experts%20told%20Reuters
https://www.borncity.com/blog/2023/10/10/deye-wechselrichter-schwachstellen-und-zugriff-des-anbieters-auf-das-netzwerk/
Read the full article here