The company Centro de Innovación de Servicios Gestionados Avanzados (CiSGA) and the CTC Technological Centre are collaborating on the development of an advanced digital twin designed to enhance the security and resilience of critical infrastructures. The PROTWIN project (Digital Twin service for the simulation of the PROtection level of infrastructures) introduces an innovative management model focused on strengthening facility robustness, preventing risks, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the protection and operability of these essential services.
During this 36-month initiative, a system that facilitates real-time optimisation of any asset will be established. The project aims to consolidate a suite of services into a single model, enabling comprehensive audits, risk assessments and scenario simulations that encompass potential attacks, system failures or human errors.
With funding exceeding 950,000 euros, PROTWIN is positioned to become a key resource in the management and preventive maintenance of critical infrastructures. According to the National Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection and Cybersecurity (CNPIC), these infrastructures are vital as they provide essential services that maintain core societal functions such as health, security and the socio-economic well-being of citizens. They also ensure the effective operation of state institutions and public administrations.
While the complete list of these infrastructures is confidential for national security reasons, it is known that Spain has over 3,500 recognised critical infrastructures spanning various sectors, including telecommunications, water supply, energy, transport and finance. Therefore, any malfunction within these infrastructures can have a profound impact on the nation. Recent acts of sabotage on critical infrastructures in Tenerife, for instance, have incurred damages exceeding one million euros.
PROTWIN will leverage advanced simulation technologies, artificial intelligence, 3D modelling and real-time data analysis to pinpoint vulnerabilities and optimise strategic decision-making in managing these infrastructures. The resulting digital twin is expected to be capable of assessing complex scenarios and enabling organisations to anticipate potential risks and mitigate their impacts proactively. As part of this initiative, a pilot test will be conducted at a data processing centre (DPC) during the implementation phase.
The choice to test the model on DPC reflects the pivotal role these infrastructures play in the digital transformation of the economy. Their functioning and operability are crucial for the seamless operation of services such as streaming platforms, artificial intelligence, mobile applications, cloud solutions and e-commerce.
With the increasing demand for these services, DPC have seen exponential global growth alongside a rise in the risks associated with potential attacks or operational errors. According to a report by the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of an unplanned DPC outage amounts to 8,000 euros per minute.
Therefore, this initiative aims to mitigate a range of threats, including power outages, issues due to technological obsolescence, power surges, cooling system failures, interconnections of critical infrastructures, natural disasters, human errors and cyber-attacks.
PROTWIN is a project approved under the ‘Public-Private Partnership Projects 2023. Project CPP2023-010669 funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by ERDF, EU.’ It stands as a paradigmatic example of regional organisations’ capacity to cooperate in developing high-value solutions.
The collaboration between CiSGA and CTC showcases how partnerships between entities can propel disruptive projects that directly contribute towards security and sustainable development. PROTWIN is a 100% Cantabrian initiative, underscoring the innovative spirit of the region’s companies.
Project CPP2023-010669 funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by ERDF, EU.
