Power grids, gas pipelines, and other critical systems now run on the same kind of internet-connected computers as your office. That's efficient, but it also means a cyberattack on one system can knock out others like dominoes. ATENA built a security toolkit that watches these connected industrial systems in real time, spots unusual behavior before it becomes a crisis, and helps operators react fast when something goes wrong. Think of it as a smart alarm system for the industrial backbone that keeps your lights on and gas flowing.
Power grids, gas networks, and other critical infrastructure increasingly rely on internet-connected control systems that blur the line between IT and industrial operations. When these systems are interconnected across multiple operators, a single cyberattack can cascade and shut down essential services across an entire region. Operators need real-time threat detection and automated response tools built specifically for industrial environments — not just repurposed IT security products.
An integrated cybersecurity tool suite with anomaly detection, risk assessment, and automated response capabilities for industrial control systems. The prototype went through two software releases, was validated across smart grid and gas network use cases, and underwent a final validation phase — all documented across 52 deliverables including 4 dedicated demonstration reports.
If you are an electric utility dealing with the growing cybersecurity risk of interconnected smart grid devices — this project developed an integrated security tool suite that detects anomalies in real time and enables fast automated response before a breach cascades across your network. The tools were validated in smart grid use cases by a 13-partner consortium including 6 industry players.
If you are a gas network operator worried about cyber threats to your pipeline control systems — this project built and validated security tools specifically for Active Gas Network environments. The suite handles the complexity of multi-operator scenarios where IT and operational technology converge, with two software releases tested and a final prototype validation completed.
If you are a cybersecurity firm looking to offer specialized OT security services to utility clients — this project produced market-oriented anomaly detection algorithms and risk assessment tools for industrial control systems. Built by 13 partners across 7 countries with EUR 6,889,925 in EU funding, the technology was designed to reach operational industrial maturity.
The project received EUR 6,889,925 in EU funding across 13 partners, indicating substantial R&D investment behind the technology. Pricing for the integrated tool suite would depend on Leonardo and the consortium partners who built the components. Contact the consortium through their project website for licensing terms and deployment costs.
The project was specifically designed for complex, multi-operator critical infrastructure with large numbers of interconnected devices. The objective describes handling scenarios where protected boundaries extend well beyond a single plant. Based on available project data, the tools were validated in smart grid and gas network use cases representing real-world scale.
Leonardo (Italy) coordinated the project with 12 other partners across 7 countries. Under Horizon 2020 rules, each partner typically owns the IP they generated. Leonardo and the project website (atena-h2020.eu) are the starting points for licensing discussions.
While ATENA predates NIS2, it directly addresses core requirements: real-time threat detection, incident response coordination, and cross-operator security for critical infrastructure. The tools were designed for exactly the type of essential service operators that NIS2 now mandates to implement robust cybersecurity measures.
The project closed in May 2019, so specific software versions would need updating. However, the core anomaly detection and risk assessment algorithms for industrial control systems remain highly relevant as OT/IT convergence accelerates. Leonardo, as a major defense and security company, has likely continued developing these capabilities commercially.
ATENA was built specifically for Industrial and Automation Control Systems (IACS) environments. The project addresses OT/IT convergence with software-defined security in distributed environments. The integrated tool suite went through two releases and final validation, indicating it was tested against real operational architectures.
The 13-partner consortium spans 7 countries (BE, EE, ES, IL, IT, LU, PT) with a strong commercial orientation — 6 industry partners make up 46% of the consortium, including 2 SMEs. Leonardo, one of Europe's largest defense and security companies, led the project, bringing deep expertise in critical infrastructure protection. The mix of 3 universities and 4 research organizations provided the algorithmic foundations, while industry partners ensured the tools were built for real operational environments. The EUR 6,889,925 EU investment and Innovation Action funding type signal this was designed to produce near-market-ready technology, not academic papers. For a business buyer, Leonardo's involvement as coordinator adds credibility and a clear commercial path for the results.
Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy) coordinated this project. As a publicly traded defense and security company, their cybersecurity division handles critical infrastructure solutions.
Want an introduction to the ATENA consortium to discuss licensing or deployment? SciTransfer can connect you with the right technical contact at Leonardo or the relevant partner for your use case.
