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.
A prime example was the damage caused by ransomware to Colonial Pipeline in 2021, perpetrated by the criminal group DarkSide. The intrusion affected the company’s information technology systems, leading to the preventive shutdown of pipeline operations to contain the threat.
The attack revealed the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to this type of attack and accelerated regulatory and cybersecurity initiatives for the energy sector, reinforcing the importance of protecting the convergence between IT and OT.
Threat growth
- Digitization has offered a number of benefits to the oil and gas industry. However, it has also created new types of cyber risks that require immediate attention. Among the most significant threats are:
- Ransomware attacks targeting industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT): These attacks seek to encrypt critical systems that monitor and control physical processes, such as extraction, transportation, and refining, causing operations to grind to a halt and seeking financial extortion. The main countermeasure is the implementation of a “zero trust” architecture in the OT environment, which involves strict network segmentation to isolate critical control systems from the rest of the corporate network.
- Vulnerabilities in legacy systems and lack of software updates. Much of the OT infrastructure in the oil and gas sector is based on older systems that use unsupported operating systems and cannot be easily updated or patched due to high availability requirements. This makes them an easy target for attackers exploiting known vulnerabilities.
- Internal threats: Employees, contractors, or partners with access to the network may intentionally or unintentionally cause a security incident. This can range from stealing confidential information to manipulating control systems to sabotage operations. To counter these threats, monitoring user activity and using behavioral analysis tools (UBA) to detect suspicious or anomalous activity will be of great help.
- Risks in the supply chain and third-party access. Oil & Gas companies rely on a wide network of suppliers and contractors for the maintenance and support of their operations. If one of these third parties suffers a cyberattack, it can be used as a gateway to the company’s network. To mitigate this risk, it is necessary to implement a robust third-party risk management program that includes assessing the cybersecurity posture of suppliers.
Cybersecurity strategies for the oil and gas industry
Framework Implementation
International organizations such as NIST, IEC 62443, and the TSA have developed regulatory frameworks
and mandates that serve as guidelines for strengthening security in operational technology (OT) environments and industrial control systems (ICS).
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework establishes a function-based approach that includes identifying, protecting, detecting, responding, and recovering, with the aim of managing cyber risks in a systematic manner. Complementarily, the IEC 62443 standard focuses on industrial automation and control systems, covering the entire asset lifecycle and promoting practices and
controls for OT protocols.
Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States United States has established compliance mandates for critical infrastructure operators, focused on ensuring asset visibility, the application of network access controls, and security policy management.
The implementation of these frameworks offers oil companies a regulatory defense model for the protection of cyber-physical systems (CPS), reducing the likelihood of devastating incidents.
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
- https://nubiral.com/ciberseguridad-en-oil-gas/
- https://www.ey.com/en_es/oil-gas/how-digitalization-in-oil-and-gas-is-creating-security-risks
FAQs
How can the oil industry improve cybersecurity?
Improving cybersecurity in oil and gas requires adopting frameworks such as NIST and IEC 62443, complying with mandates such as those from the TSA, and securing operational technology (OT) with practices such as segmentation, vulnerability management, and early threat detection in industrial control systems (ICS).
What are the biggest threats to operational technology systems?
The most common threats include ransomware attacks, vulnerabilities in unpatched legacy systems, malicious and accidental insider threats, and supply chain risks through third parties.
Why are operational technology (OT) systems in this industry so vulnerable?
The main vulnerability lies in the widespread use of systems that cannot be easily updated or patched. In addition, the growing interconnection between IT and OT networks has increased the attack surface.
What is the first step in securing an OT environment?
Gain complete visibility. It is essential to know what assets exist on the industrial network and how they communicate with each other in order to detect any anomalous activity.
