Terna, Europe’s largest independent electricity transmission operator and Italy’s sole TSO, is responsible for maintaining the National Transmission Grid and ensuring uninterrupted power delivery across the country. In a landscape increasingly influenced by geopolitical dynamics and interconnected European power systems, cybersecurity has become essential to operational continuity. With cyber and OT security now a strategic priority, Terna is strengthening resilience through advanced technologies that enable rapid, effective response to evolving threats.
| The Challenge
Terna’s OT systems have long life cycles and now must interact more frequently with modern IT environments, increasing exposure to sophisticated threats. As Paolo Migliore, Cyber Security Architectures & Engineering at Terna, explains, traditional USB drives used by field operators to transfer data became a major risk as substations shifted from isolated environments to remotely accessible infrastructure. While convenient, USB devices can easily introduce malware, and without consistent verification, even a single contaminated drive could compromise critical operations.
| The Solution
To eliminate the risk posed by unmanaged USB devices, Terna adopted TXOne Networks’ Portable Inspector Pro — a tamper-proof USB drive that not only provides secure storage but also performs automatic, agent-less malware scans on any host system upon connection. Integrated with the ElementOne management console, it collects device health information and generates clear, immediate reports for operators. After a successful pilot, Terna deployed the solution to roughly 400 field personnel, requiring no training thanks to its true plug-and-play design. As Migliore explains, teams can now work confidently, knowing the operational environment is safer and better protected.
“Because the technology is truly plug & play, there was no need for extensive training — colleagues in the fi eld could use it immediately, without changing their routines.” said Paolo Migliore, Cyber Security Architectures & Engineering at Terna.
| The Benefits
Portable Inspector Pro has greatly reduced the infection risks associated with traditional USB usage, giving field operators a simple and intuitive tool that visually indicates whether a device is safe — without requiring technical expertise. Beyond malware prevention, the solution enables automatic collection of system status data, improving visibility, on-site assessment, and maintenance planning. This has strengthened collaboration across Cyber, OT, and IT teams, increased operational resilience, and reinforced trust in Terna’s asset protection.
For Terna, OT security is a core element of its industrial strategy, and the collaboration with TXOne Networks shows how practical, targeted risk mitigation can deliver fast, tangible results — even in large, complex environments. As Migliore notes, Portable Inspector Pro has proven to be a solution that brings together simplicity, strong threat prevention, and increased system resilience.
