Critical infrastructure in focus: Major fire at substation leads to blackout

The large-scale power outage in the Reutlingen area following a fire at a substation raises fundamental questions about the security of critical infrastructures.
A deliberate cause cannot currently be ruled out.

The incident highlights the high vulnerability of central supply systems.

Cybersecurity expert Mirko Ross emphasized on Tagesschau:
“We must rethink and rebuild our protection concepts – Germany still has significant catching up to do in this area.”

Hybrid threats in particular, where physical attacks and cyber risks intersect, pose new challenges for operators. Traditional security approaches are no longer sufficient.

For organizations, this means:

  • Holistic security strategies across both physical and digital domains
  • Continuous adaptation to dynamic threat landscapes
  • Investments in resilience, detection, and response capabilities

The incident is a clear signal: The protection of critical infrastructures must be rethought and consistently implemented.

Watch the interview in the Tagesschau here (starting at 11:52):

Blackout in Reutlingen - Mirko Ross on critical infrastructure security in Tagesschau
Konrad Buck

Konrad Buck

Head of Press and Media Relations

Background & Expert Access for Media

We offer journalists access to in-depth background information beyond our publicly available materials, including:
  • Detailed insights into asvin’s products and technologies

  • Assessments of current cyber incidents and explanations of the security landscape

  • Expert commentary and background briefings — our CEO, Mirko Ross, is a recognised expert and experienced media source on the cyber threat landscape, hacktivism, regulation and the use of AI.
Media contact
I speak openly, fact-based, and without PR spin. I am a former IT journalist with decades of experience in the IT and cybersecurity space, familiar with the highs and lows of the industry. Off-the-record discussions are possible upon request.