Cybersecurity strategies for the Oil & Gas industry

Introduction

The arrival of technological innovations such as the Industrial Internet of Things and automation has improved operational efficiency, reducing costs and optimizing production in the oil sector. However, as systems become more interconnected and digitized, cyber risks are also increasing.

Cyber-attacks cause disruptions and damage to infrastructures and employees. In this context, it is important to reaffirm the urgent need to implement strong and efficient cybersecurity strategies. Cybersecurity in Oil & Gas is a significant practice in the monitoring, protection, and secure management of resources in the sector.

Below, the best industrial cybersecurity solutions for protecting oil industry systems are discussed. These strategies are essential to ensure the success of production operations and the stability of the operations carried out, guaranteeing operational continuity, sustainable development, and security in an industry that is important to the global economy.

Importance of cybersecurity in the oil and gas industry

Cybersecurity in the oil industry is important due to the complexity of each link in the hydrocarbon supply chain (figure 1). Control and management systems, such as SCADA and DCS, are vital for the safe and efficient operation of these activities, but their interconnectedness makes them vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

Disruption of these systems can have serious consequences, not only economically, but also on national security and the stability of international energy markets. Implementing robust cybersecurity strategies, including continuous monitoring, threat detection, and disaster recovery plans, is essential to protect critical infrastructure, ensure operational continuity, and mitigate the risks associated with cyberattacks.

Key reasons

The oil and gas sector is an attractive target for cyber-attacks due to its relevance in the global economy. Because of this, industrial control systems (ICS) are a critical factor in ensuring optimal infrastructure management. However, any type of security breach in these systems can have serious repercussions on public safety and the environment.

The increasing interconnection with advanced systems represents new vulnerabilities by providing more entry points for attackers. In addition, the sensitive information handled in this industry is valuable to competitors and malicious actors. For these reasons, cybersecurity in Oil & Gas is essential to protect operations and ensure the continuity and security of the sector.

Potential impact

Failure to have good cybersecurity management in the oil and gas sector can have devastating consequences. In terms of security, attackers can take operational control of a plant through malware, disrupting energy production and distribution, leaving entire populations without supply.

The energy supply chain, which spans from the extraction to the distribution of oil and gas, is an inherently complex process and vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The disruption of this process, due to the growing threat of hacks (figure 2), affects the companies involved, and also has global repercussions for the energy industry.

Environmentally, tampering with critical systems can lead to spills and explosions, causing irreversible damage. Economically, loss of valuable data and disruption of operations can result in huge financial losses and affect market stability. Threats generated by malware can also lead to erroneous responses, increasing the risk of accidents and damage to employees and equipment. Cybersecurity is therefore crucial to protect this sector.

Therefore, it is essential to implement a robust cybersecurity strategy that includes continuous monitoring, threat detection, layered security, personnel training, and disaster recovery plans. These measures are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with hacks, ensure the integrity and continuity of operations in the oil industry, and maintain the stability of the global energy supply.

Threat growth

Digitalization has offered a number of benefits to the oil and gas industry. However, it has also generated new types of cyber risks that require immediate attention.

Due to the sensitivity of the issue, the World Energy Council has come to consider cybersecurity as one of the main issues for the energy industry², especially in North America and Europe, having more mature infrastructure.

Operational technology systems, traditionally focused on high availability, are now exposed to risks due to digitization and modernization. Technologies such as IIoT and Big Data have increased connectivity to the Internet, exponentially raising vulnerability to cyber-attacks. These advances towards digital transformation must be accompanied by a robust cybersecurity framework to protect interconnected systems and mitigate emerging risks.

Cybersecurity strategies for the oil and gas industry

Risk assessment

This strategy allows prioritizing security efforts by identifying critical assets, conducting risk assessments, identifying vulnerabilities, prioritizing security measures, and allocating resources accordingly. The purpose of this methodology is to direct economic and operational resources to the sectors most in need, thus maximizing the effectiveness of energy cybersecurity solutions.

Performing a risk assessment is the first step to identifying the specific vulnerabilities of cybersecurity systems in Oil & Gas. A proper assessment should consider various threats, such as sabotage, industrial espionage, and potential disruptions to industrial processes. Once these threats are identified and assessed, organizations can develop specific mitigation strategies to protect their most critical assets.

Network protection

Among the best practices for cybersecurity management and network monitoring there are:

• Network segmentation: Fragmenting networks into isolated segments limits the movement of cyberattackers, so that even if one segment is affected, access to other parts of the network is not guaranteed.
• Access control: Restrict who can access OT systems and the actions they can perform, preventing unauthorized tampering and reducing the risk of disruptions.
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): Their main function is to monitor network traffic in order to detect suspicious activity and alert on a possible threat for a quick response.
• Continuous monitoring: Involves the continuous collection and analysis of logs to identify suspicious activity, in case IDS/IPS can be circumvented.
• Response plan: It is an essential strategy for the control of cyber risks, since it allows containing, eradicating, and recovering from possible threats, minimizing their effects to a great extent.

Software maintenance

Industrial automation and control systems have driven new applications and operating models in the oil sector. However, such connectivity broadens the exposure to threats and increases the frequency of cyber-attacks against industrial equipment, representing serious security issues. To ensure the protection and resilience of these systems throughout their lifetime, it is essential to implement a robust software maintenance and upgrade strategy.

This cybersecurity management practice is necessary to effectively manage vulnerabilities and ensure that systems are protected against emerging threats. As security systems become obsolete, proactively managing security patches and software updates becomes an indispensable practice. This ensures that systems are kept up to date with the latest defenses against cyber-attacks, preserving the integrity and operability of critical infrastructure in the oil and gas industry.

Considerations for cybersecurity in Oil & Gas

Key technologies

Firewalls, for example, segment critical equipment into work cells, allowing operations to continue regardless of incidents in other areas of the network. This segmentation protects assets from the consequences of human error or possible attacks.

Intrusion prevention systems are another crucial technology for mitigating cyber risks, as they evaluate network traffic based on a deep understanding of native OT protocols, allowing only trusted traffic. Such technology is used in conjunction with other tools, such as portable inspectors, which are ideal for removing malware from the supply chain and extending the life of assets.

These technologies, when effectively integrated, provide a comprehensive defense against cyber threats, ensuring resilience and operational continuity in the oil and gas industry.

Job training

Cybersecurity training is crucial for asset protection in a process control environment in the oil and gas industry. Unlike traditional industrial technology systems, process control assets include industrial automation and control systems, which require specialized protection. It is critical to continually train Oil & Gas cybersecurity professionals to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and address security risks, manage security programs, and maintain complex IT and OT systems.

This focus on training and understanding current security issues enables professionals to work effectively with oil and gas companies, helping them to better address risks and threats to their business. Proper training of professionals ensures that companies operate safely, productively, and profitably, protecting both their critical infrastructure and daily operations.

Continuous improvement

Developments in cybersecurity in the oil and gas industry enable organizations to adapt and respond to changes and threats in the operating environment. This process ensures that cybersecurity management systems remain effective and relevant as threats and regulatory requirements evolve over time.

Applying continuous improvement in cybersecurity involves regularly reviewing and updating security policies, procedures, and controls. This process begins with strategic planning, developing a master plan to guide the actions to be taken. The implementation of this plan will involve adjustments to processes and policies, as well as the incorporation of new security controls. The use of continuous improvement ensures that cybersecurity management is aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives by protecting facilities and assets from damage and ensuring secure and efficient operations.

Conclusions

Cybersecurity in Oil & Gas has become an issue for the industry due to the increasing cyber risks associated with technological advances. The interconnection of systems and the adoption of technologies have increased the range of vulnerabilities, making it necessary to implement strategies to secure systems. Among these strategies are risk assessment, network protection, and software maintenance, as key practices that limit the reach of attackers and improve incident detection and response, thus ensuring operational continuity.

The consequences of cyber attacks in the Oil & Gas industry can be severe, affecting both production and worker safety. Therefore, it is crucial to implement coordinated strategies and use advanced security tools that protect networks and information systems. These measures help mitigate risks and ensure stable and secure operations, protecting critical infrastructure, confidential process information, as well as industry personnel.

References

1. https://nubiral.com/ciberseguridad-en-oil-gas/
2. https://www.ey.com/en_es/oil-gas/how-digitalization-in-oil-and-gas-is-creating-security-risks