Oil and Gas

Explore Sectrio’s solutions today: Solutions | Products | Services | SOC For most Operational Technology (OT) operators, an IT security policy is often the default policy instrument for ICS security. The IT security policy is even relied upon for complex OT systems including remote sites.   This brings forth a clear mismatch between OT security priorities and IT security intricacies, leading to large gaps in the enterprise security posture.   Why should one have a separate OT security policy?  The inherent architecture of OT systems and the critical role it plays in running businesses and critical infrastructure should be sufficient for OT operators to develop and deploy specific policies for OT security. That is however not the case.   Most businesses we have been speaking to do not have a security policy that is specific to OT and considers the unique needs of OT security.   In fact, even the IT security policies that we have encountered have not been modified by businesses in any way to account for OT systems, devices, and network specifics.    Having a separate OT security and governance policy also helps with:  Organizations that have an OT security policy in place are less susceptible to cyberattacks if the policy prescriptions are adhered to with diligence and sincerity. Often, organizations with a comprehensive OT security policy in place are seen to have a more robust approach to cybersecurity.   When policies are deployed with strong interventions including ICS security solutions, practices, and training, each intervention acts as a force multiplier for the overall enterprise security posture.   Practices such as secure remote access, micro-segmentation, building DMZs, and layered security (defense-in-depth) are all the outcomes of policy guidance.    In enterprises that do not have an OT security policy, security measures are deployed in a piecemeal manner and are often a result of reactive rather than proactive inclinations.   In such entities, a compliance mandate could also drive security measures but only to the extent that the mandate prescribes.   There is usually no inclination to go beyond and explore new territories and methods for improving security.   Cost benefits  of having an OT Security Policy Having a policy for OT security also proves to be cost-effective in the long run. This is because an entity that has a comprehensive OT security policy in place doesn’t have to worry about new compliance mandates or threats and may already be compliant with standards such as IEC 62443 whose variants are being incorporated in national mandates on OT cybersecurity.   Since the entity has implemented the policy suggestions in a timebound manner, it has been able to do so in a more cost-sensitive manner without having to resort to affording a single outgo of a significant amount.   Further, by avoiding the downtimes caused by cyber incidents and poor response to incidents, OT security policy-driven businesses can save even more. They are also able to present a higher level of credibility to their customers, shareholders, and to all stakeholders thanks to the adoption of a more responsible approach to cybersecurity.   All this adds up to significant value addition to the business when one considers the long run.   Getting started with an OT security policy   If your business has a governance, risk, and compliance program, then you can build on that by engaging a mature ICS vendor who can draft an OT security policy for you.   In case you don’t have a GRC policy then we recommend you start with an ICS risk and gap assessment to identify the parameters for framing the policy.   Sectrio has enabled many enterprises in the manufacturing, oil and gas, maritime, and other sectors to frame a comprehensive OT/ICS security policy for their operations.   We can also modify your existing OT/ICS policy to ensure relevance and better implementation. From pre-policy framing exercises to monitoring the implementation and effectiveness with the right KPIs and outcomes, we can help you derive and deploy the right OT/ICS security policy. Our policy development practice team is at hand to help.   Book a consultation with our OT/ICS Policy and Governance Expert now. Contact Us  Thinking of an ICS security training program for your employees? Talk to us for a custom package.   

An industry veteran brought out an interesting point at a recently concluded cybersecurity conference. As per him, cybersecurity in the oil and gas industry across upstream, midstream and downstream segments involved a complex play of OEM priorities, asset and site complexities, varying plant specificities, and employee awareness levels. Despite being labeled as critical infrastructure in many countries, as per him, many sector participants were yet to realize the gravity of the consequences arising from deploying adequate cybersecurity levels.   As an industry, the oil and gas sector does face some unique challenges. Beyond everything that is known, certain practices are yet to face security scrutiny. These include reliance on cybersecurity tactics that are IT-focused and miss out on security for Operational Technology/Industrial Control System security altogether. Explore Sectrio’s solutions today: Solutions | Products | Services | SOC The lack of an institutionally embedded approach for OT security that informs all aspects of operations is another challenge that merits mention.   As per Sectrio’s threat research team, oil and gas sector entities lost over 7 TB in data in the first 5 months of the calendar year 2024 to cyberattacks. These include attacks traced back to APT groups and sophisticated threat actors.   Key security challenges in the oil and gas sector   How can oil and gas industry sector entities manage their cybersecurity priorities better?  The path to cyber maturity in the oil and gas sector is a journey and needs to pass through the following milestones:   Where can the Oil and Gas Sectrio start?  No matter where your oil and gas firm is in the cybersecurity level or maturity, an IEC 62443 and NIST CSF based ICS risk and gap assessment can help you plan your journey. Not only does such an assessment expose gaps it also outlines residual risks that can be matched with risk tolerance/appetite to ensure risks are well within acceptable limits.   All measures that are recommended after an IEC 62443-based risk assessment should be implemented in letter and spirit to ensure that every security gap is addressed.   Once the gaps are addressed, a security operations center can be established to ensure the institutionalization and replication of ICS security measures. This will also ensure the propagation of security best practices and prevent the erosion of such knowledge over a period of time.   Talk to Sectrio to secure your oil and gas infrastructure   Sectrio is working with leading oil and gas companies to secure their ICS infrastructure. In addition to solutions and SOC for securing ICS infrastructure, we can also conduct cyber risk and gap assessment exercises to identify and address the security gaps as per IEC 62443.    Thinking of an ICS security training program for your employees? Talk to us for a custom package.