Oil & Gas Industry
Network Visibility Software
NP-View is the proven platform to visualize your network and to verify network segmentation instantly.
Is Your OT Network Vulnerable?
In the year 2022, the oil and gas sector was the 5th most affected industry by ransomware with a total of 21 reported incidents happening throughout the year. Now more than ever it is important to build resilience in your network to prevent incidents from occurring.
The increasing digitization of operations has increased reliance on ICS and SCADA systems. These systems are crucial for monitoring and controlling various processes in oil and gas facilities, such as drilling, production, and refining.
However, the challenge in the industry is that many of these control systems were initially designed without sufficient security considerations, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. As a result, there is a heightened emphasis on improving network visibility to enhance cybersecurity in the oil and gas sector.
Attacks on Industrial Sector Hit Record in Second Quarter of 2023
NP-View builds robust network visibility for operational efficiency, and to assist in protecting critical infrastructure from cyberattacks, which could have severe consequences for safety, environmental integrity, and overall business continuity in the oil and gas sector.
- Automated non-intrusive generation of comprehensive network topology maps which take the place of manual drawings that can quickly get outdated.
- Optimize operations with network visualization models used to simplify complex network structures and enhance troubleshooting capabilities.
- Enhanced network context provided within the topology map via imported network asset and vulnerability data.
- Simplify ruleset analysis with unified table view, color highlights and annotations for security compliance verification and justification.
- Save time and labor reviewing access rules with dynamic drill down to the exact source location in the configuration file and highlighting overly permissive rules.
- Identify, mitigate, and minimize the potential cybersecurity impact of human error.
- Gain instant visibility of the network environment’s segmentation policy.
- Strengthen defenses and understanding of network segmentation policy by providing a visual matrix detailing zone-to-zone communication access permissions.
- Document all communication pathways to and from critical assets.
- Identify potential misconfigurations that enable unintended access permissions.
Oil and Gas FAQ
The oil and gas industry’s reliance on critical infrastructure, high financial stakes, sensitivity of data, safety concerns, global supply chain dependencies, geopolitical factors, regulatory requirements, technological complexity, and the need for maintaining operational continuity all contribute to the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the sector.
The oil and gas industry faces various cybersecurity risks due to its reliance on digital technologies, interconnected systems, and the critical nature of its infrastructure. Some key risks include:
- Cyberattacks on Industrial Control Systems (ICS)
- Ransomware Attacks
- Data Theft and Espionage
Addressing these risks requires a comprehensive and proactive cybersecurity strategy, including regular risk assessments, employee training, the implementation of security best practices, and the deployment of advanced technologies to detect and mitigate cyber threats.
ISO 27001:
- ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard for information security management systems. It provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information, including data related to oil and gas operations.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework:
- The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity is widely adopted across industries, including oil and gas. It offers a risk-based approach to managing and improving cybersecurity.
ISA/IEC 62443:
- The ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards focuses specifically on the security of industrial automation and control systems (IACS). These standards provide guidelines for establishing a secure industrial cybersecurity program.
NERC CIP:
- The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards are relevant to the energy sector, including oil and gas. These standards aim to secure the reliability of the bulk power system by addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
API RP 1164:
- The American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice 1164 provides guidelines for pipeline SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system cybersecurity. It offers recommendations for protecting pipeline control systems from cyber threats.
IEC 62433:
- IEC 62433 is an international standard that provides guidelines for the management of cybersecurity in the energy sector, including oil and gas. It addresses issues related to risk assessment, security policies, and security controls.
OGI Cybersecurity Framework:
- The Oil and Gas Information Sharing and Analysis Center (OG-ISAC) has developed a Cybersecurity Framework tailored to the oil and natural gas industry. This framework helps organizations identify, protect, detect, respond to, and recover from cyber threats.
C2M2:
- The Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2) is a framework developed by the Department of Energy (DOE) to assess and improve the cybersecurity capabilities of an organization. It provides a structured approach to evaluating and enhancing cybersecurity practices.
ENISA Good Practice Guide for Smart Grid Cybersecurity:
- The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has developed a guide that includes good practices for securing smart grids, which are increasingly relevant to the digital transformation of the oil and gas industry.
ICS-CERT:
- The Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT), operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, provides guidance and resources for securing industrial control systems, which are critical in the oil and gas sector.
It’s important to note that compliance with these standards may vary depending on the specific operations, location, and regulatory environment of a given oil and gas organization. Many companies adopt a combination of these standards, adapting them to their unique circumstances to create a robust cybersecurity posture. Regular updates and continuous improvement are key aspects of maintaining effective cybersecurity in this dynamic and evolving field.
