AN INDUSTRY UNDER ATTACK: PROTECTING THE OIL & GAS SECTOR
Special contribution from Gaetan
The oil and gas sector is facing a new reality where the rapid digital transformation and the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) optimize operations but also expose the industry to critical vulnerabilities. This fusion, which is key to optimizing industrial processes, becomes a major entry point for cyberattacks. With the increasing need for remote access for greater flexibility and the wider adoption of cloud technologies, these systems are becoming more complex targets, posing significant risks to data security and physical infrastructure.
The oil and gas industry must rethink its cybersecurity strategies to secure IT/OT integration, manage interconnected environments, and deploy strategies tailored to the specific challenges of upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. Implementing a unified security governance model, where a Chief Security Officer (CSO) oversees all aspects of security, is a crucial step in enhancing resilience against the growing cyber threats.