Refinery operators running ICS (Industrial Controls Systems) have many concerns, such as keeping the plant running smoothly. In this universe, information technology isn’t necessarily a high priority. However, information assets play an increasingly important role in the refining process, which means that understanding cyber security threats is vital, perhaps even…
Damon J. Small, MSc.IA, CISSP, is Technical Director at NCC Group North America, a security consultancy with 35 global offices, 2,000 employees and 15,000 clients, where he consults with global leaders in critical infrastructure defense with specialty in oil and gas, aerospace and healthcare. You can reach him at nccgroup@cdc.agency.
Oil and gas operations are commonly found in remote locations far from company headquarters. Now, it's possible to monitor pump operations, collate and analyze seismic data, and track employees around the world from almost anywhere. Whether employees are in the office or in the field, the internet and related applications enable a greater multidirectional flow of information – and control – than ever before.