Join or Sign in

Register for your free asmag.com membership or if you are already a member,
sign in using your preferred method below.

To check your latest product inquiries, manage newsletter preference, update personal / company profile, or download member-exclusive reports, log in to your account now!
Login asmag.comMember Registration
https://www.asmag.com/rankings/survey.aspx
INSIGHTS

Oil and gas: Ways to achieve a successful security implementation

Oil and gas: Ways to achieve a successful security implementation
Security is of vital importance for oil and gas operators. How to properly implement security systems at oil and gas sites, then, become critical. This article looks at ways to make security implementations successful and effective at oil and gas sites.
Security is of vital importance for oil and gas operators. How to properly implement security systems at oil and gas sites, then, become critical. This article looks at ways to make security implementations successful and effective at oil and gas sites.
 

Focus on integration

 
A security system is typically consisted of various subsystems including video surveillance and access control. Integrating them on an open, unified platform can boost security at the oil and gas site and make operators’ life easier.
 
“Combining security solutions into one integrated platform enables security teams to respond more effectively to potential threats by allowing them to consolidate data from multiple sources. Creating a unified platform by integrating access control systems with compatible video monitoring systems, sensors, and alarms allows security teams to maintain a higher level of awareness across oil and gas facilities,” said Alex Holmström, Global Sales Director at acre security.
 
“A unified platform provides oil and gas facilities with better insight into their security operations. By integrating video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and more into one fully integrated solution, we gain intelligence that previously wasn’t available to us. As we continue to identify new ways to bring systems together, the greater chance we have to ensure safety, security, and operations,” said Greg Colaluca, GM of Intellicene.
 
According to Andreas Conrad, VP of Marketing, Physical Security at the Safety, Infrastructure and Geospatial Division of Hexagon, integration is not a new concept in oil and gas but nevertheless remains quite effective.
 
“Ten years ago, we worked with one of the world's largest companies in the oil and gas sector to remotely monitor and manage security for 25 locations including asset storage locations, transportation hubs, shipping and receiving locations, manufacturing facilities, education centers, and administration buildings. The PSIM and VMS solutions were used to connect and correlate access control, intercoms, analytics, cameras, and other systems and sensors, and bring real-time situational awareness. Not only did it mean operators could manage day-to-day security tasks more efficiently and effectively, but the company also saved over US$1 million in its first year,” he said.
 

Maintain cyber hygiene

 
Cyberattacks and related incidents represent real threats for gas and oil operators. In August, oilfield services company Halliburton confirmed that it had been the target of a cyberattack, a breach that affected operations at the company’s North Houston campus and disrupted global connectivity networks. Then, in May 2021, U.S.-based Colonial Pipeline suffered a ransomware attack, for which the company shut down its operations and paid the requested ransom, resulting in the largest cyberattack on an oil infrastructure target in the history of the United States.
 
This makes cybersecurity important for all sectors in the industry. “Oil and gas operations also face significant cybersecurity threats, which should be considered when evaluating physical security solutions,” Colaluca said. “Video surveillance and solutions should have their own proactive cyber security measures to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks and ensure secure communication between operator clients and servers.”
 
“Transporting oil and gas through pipelines, tankers and other means can be susceptible to attacks, theft, spills and accidents. But enhancing cybersecurity measures can help mitigate the risk of threats targeting pipeline control systems,” said Clay Cassard, VP of Global Enterprise Mobile Video, NA Critical Infrastructure and Carriers at Motorola Solutions. “[For] downstream facilities such as refineries and storage depots … as cyber-threats continue to be a concern, organizations should look into enhancing cybersecurity measures for critical systems controlling the refining processes to help prevent cyberattacks and data breaches.”
 

Be aware of regulatory frameworks

 
An important factor to be aware of is regulatory frameworks. “A good example is the European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection (EPCIP) framework which aims to improve the protection of critical infrastructure in the EU. Meanwhile, eyes are on the next steps in the U.S. as its national chemical security program, Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) expired earlier this year,” Conrad said.
 

Understand site/engage stakeholders

 
Finally, it’s important for integrators to understand the customer site and engage all stakeholders involved.
 
“Security integrators definitely need to involve key stakeholders from Security and Operational teams for the oil and gas companies they are performing the work for. Health, Safety and Environmental teams of oil and gas teams have also been given authority for security system implementation, so they should be brought in early to the conversations. It is also important for security integrators to understand how first responders (whether internal or external law-enforcement) will be notified in the event of an emergency,” Cassard said. “Understanding key network infrastructure at oil and gas sites is critical to understand how to ensure the integrity of connectivity. So also is understanding the modality used whether wireless devices, copper or fiber connections.”


Product Adopted:
Other
Subscribe to Newsletter
Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in physical security

Share to: