Australia will issue rules for ‘risky’ solar inverters

Cybersecurity standards for solar inverters, batteries and electric vehicle chargers are being developed by the Australian government amid concerns some equipment could leave the nation exposed to foreign interference.

The issue emerged in two Senate estimates hearings on Monday, as home affairs and energy department officials were quizzed over the government’s use of the technology, particularly equipment from Chinese manufacturers.

The questions came months after a report from the Cyber Security Co-operative Research Centre warned internet-connected devices, including solar inverters, could introduce security vulnerabilities if not correctly regulated.