Oil & Gas OT Cybersecurity

"Oil and gas organizations must address the cyber challenges of sprawling global infrastructure, major safety hazards, the threat of nation-state cyber attacks and growing regulatory compliance scrutiny."

Oil and Gas Cyber Security Challenges

Safety, Integrity and Availability are clear priority risk considerations associated with the Oil and Gas sector.

The safety of people, the environment and oil & gas operational assets is ensured by a combination of mechanical and computerized (operational technology/industrial control systems) based controls. Combined they provide process control, safeguarding, dependable real-time data integrity and near-continuous availability to support business operations.

With the continued prevalence of digitalization, convergence and connectivity with mainstream technologies, these priority risk considerations are being exposed to a wider range of cyber threats.

With increasing regulatory compliance scrutiny, it is now more apparent than ever that a structured OT cyber security risk management strategy is essential to effectively manage risk.

Situational Awareness

Perception (What is happening?)

Complex and high-impact cyber attacks targeting oil & gas operations are increasing
Multiple attack vectors: from malware targeting control and safety systems, to ransomware locking companies out of IT systems resulting in operational shutdowns
Systems obsolescence, increased enterprise connectivity and lack of OT cyber awareness are compounding the threat landscape
Nation-state actors specifically target energy infrastructure for geopolitical objectives

Comprehension (Why do I care?)

The industry's unique physical-cyber convergence makes organizations vulnerable to exploitation, including commandeering of OT systems to disrupt operations or cause physical destruction
Increasing regulatory requirements such as TSA Pipeline Security Directives, CFATS for chemical facilities, and API standards require demonstrated risk management
Consequences of non-conformance range from financial penalties to suspension of operating licenses
Environmental disasters from cyber incidents can result in massive liability and reputational damage

OT Systems We Secure

Pipeline SCADA

Pipeline control systems, leak detection, flow computers, RTUs, and remote pump/compressor stations across vast geographic areas.

Refining & Processing

DCS platforms, advanced process control, safety instrumented systems (SIS), and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Offshore Platforms

Platform automation, subsea controls, drilling systems, and production optimization platforms in remote maritime environments.

Terminal Operations

Loading/unloading automation, tank farm monitoring, blend optimization, and custody transfer systems.

Safety Systems

Emergency shutdown systems (ESD), fire and gas detection, burner management systems (BMS), and safety integrity level (SIL) rated controls.

Asset Monitoring

Corrosion monitoring, vibration analysis, predictive maintenance systems, and condition monitoring platforms.

Oil and Gas Risk Management

A Holistic Approach

For organizations with limited OT cyber security risk management, OTFIELD recommends a holistic approach when defining an effective strategy.

The first step is to understand risk and consequences. This means identifying the most critical OT functions essential to business operations, and the potential consequences of a cyber attack. We leverage your system custodians' and engineers' knowledge to identify methods an adversary could use to compromise critical functions.

Two-Stage Journey

Stage 1: Risk Analysis & Prioritization

Objective: Identify and prioritize risks that result in high-consequence events

Identify critical OT functions essential to operations
Analyze potential cyber attack scenarios and consequences
Leverage technical architecture, procedures, and operational insights
Consider third-party service providers and supply chain risks
Evaluate against real-world industry cyber scenarios
Assess current risk exposure vs. organizational risk appetite

This provides justification for OT cyber security improvements by answering "What, Why and How?"

Stage 2: OT Cyber Security Framework (OT-CSF)

Objective: Establish formalized policies, procedures, and best practices for OT cyber security

Framework Alignment:

ISA/IEC 62443 - Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security
NIST CSF - Cybersecurity Framework
API 1164 - Pipeline SCADA Security
ISO/IEC 27001/27002/27019 - Information Security Management

Minimum OT-CSF Components:

Formal governance model (accountable, responsible, supporting, consulted roles)
End-to-end operating model (operations through OT asset support)
Regulatory compliance requirements (TSA, CFATS, state-specific mandates)
Asset inventory and management (all OT assets requiring support)
Network architecture documentation (logical and physical diagrams)
Incident response plan (based on real-world industry scenarios)
Workforce development (training curriculum and awareness)
OT cyber security procedural controls (access control, change management, portable media, backup/recovery)
Performance monitoring and reporting (management reviews, continuous improvement)

Supplementary Controls

As organizational OT cyber maturity increases, foundational controls can be supplemented with advanced capabilities:

Assurance & Audit

Internal compliance self-assessment
Independent third-party audits
Supplier/vendor security requirements in contracts

Technology Solutions

Network monitoring and threat detection
Asset monitoring and vulnerability detection
Privileged access management (PAM)

Critical Questions to Ask

Organizations must be realistic about their ability to execute and sustain a strategy:

Are budgets adequate?
Do the right skills exist in-house?
Can our suppliers and service vendors support the requirements?
Do governance mechanisms exist to enable business leaders to make decisions and support the cyber security program?

The ultimate aim is to reduce exposure to weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious threat actors, while ensuring controls are sustainable and effective.

Regulatory & Compliance Landscape

TSA Pipeline Security Directives - Critical pipeline security and incident reporting requirements
CFATS (Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards) - For facilities with certain chemicals
API 1164 - Pipeline SCADA security standard
NIST 800-82 - Guide to Industrial Control Systems Security
ISA/IEC 62443 - Industrial automation and control systems security

Don't Operate at High Risk

Operating an oil & gas asset without an appropriate OT cyber security strategy and relevant controls is high risk. Discover your level of risk exposure and learn how we can support effective OT cyber security return on investment.

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Defend More. React Less.

SAFEGUARDING OIL & GAS OPERATIONS