Oil and gas cybersecurity protects £24 billion in UK energy infrastructure from cyber threats targeting offshore platforms, refineries, and pipeline networks. Energy sector attacks increased 78% in 2024, with USB-borne and AI malware representing the primary attack vector against isolated operational technology systems.
Protecting Critical Energy Infrastructure
The oil and gas industry faces unprecedented cybersecurity challenges as digital transformation increases connectivity between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems. Offshore platforms, refineries, pipeline networks, and drilling operations rely on complex industrial control systems that require specialised security approaches designed for harsh, remote environments.
Unique Energy Sector Challenges
Remote Operations Environment
Oil and gas facilities often operate in isolated locations with limited connectivity, making real-time security monitoring and incident response extremely challenging. Offshore platforms and remote drilling sites may have intermittent communications, creating extended vulnerability windows.
Safety-Critical System Dependencies
Energy operations involve safety-critical systems where cybersecurity incidents can result in environmental disasters, equipment damage, or personnel injury. Security measures must protect these systems without compromising operational safety or regulatory compliance.
Legacy Infrastructure Integration
Oil and gas operations combine decades-old mechanical systems with modern digital controls. This hybrid environment creates complex security challenges where traditional IT security solutions cannot operate effectively.
Energy Sector Threat Intelligence
The UK’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy reports concerning trends in energy cybersecurity:
- £3.7 billion potential economic impact from major energy cyber incidents
- 156% increase in ransomware attacks against energy infrastructure since 2023
- 67% of successful attacks originate through compromised maintenance procedures
- Average 84 hours to restore operations following significant cyber incidents
Assess Your Energy Infrastructure Risk – Get a confidential cybersecurity assessment from our oil & gas specialists to prevent attackers exploiting the 84-hour recovery vulnerability window.
Critical Attack Vectors in Oil & Gas Operations
Industrial Control System Targeting
SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and distributed control systems (DCS) managing drilling, refining, and distribution processes face sophisticated attacks designed to disrupt operations or cause equipment damage. Learn more about these evolving risks in our industrial cybersecurity overview.
Offshore Platform Vulnerabilities
Isolated offshore installations rely on periodic connectivity for data transfer and system updates. These communication windows create opportunities for cyber attackers whilst the remote environment complicates response and containment efforts.
Pipeline Network Risks
Extensive pipeline networks spanning thousands of miles contain numerous connection points and monitoring stations. Successful attacks on pipeline control systems can disrupt energy supplies and cause significant operational and economic impact.
Maintenance and Update Procedures
Routine maintenance activities regularly involve USB devices and portable media for software updates, diagnostic data collection, and system configuration. These essential procedures create ongoing security risks if proper removable media controls are not enforced.
Energy Security Success Story
A major North Sea oil operator prevented a potential £45 million production disruption by implementing comprehensive cybersecurity measures across their offshore platforms. Their approach included hardware-based USB scanning at all platform entry points, preventing malware from reaching critical drilling and production control systems whilst maintaining the maintenance access essential for safe operations.
Request a customised demonstration of our ruggedised cybersecurity solutions designed specifically for harsh offshore and remote energy environments
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The Unmatched Power of TYREX: Measurable Success
Advanced Energy Sector Threat Protection
Nation-State Attack Defense
Energy infrastructure faces sophisticated attacks from state-sponsored groups seeking operational disruption, intelligence gathering, or economic impact. Advanced security measures provide defence against these persistent, well-resourced threats.
Environmental Protection
Cybersecurity incidents in oil and gas operations can result in significant environmental damage. Security frameworks designed for energy operations help prevent incidents that could cause pollution or ecological harm.
Supply Chain Security
Energy operations depend on numerous suppliers for equipment, software, and services. Comprehensive security approaches validate the integrity of these supply-chain elements, preventing compromised components from reaching critical systems.
Regulatory Compliance for Energy Operations
Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations
Energy operators designated as operators of essential services must demonstrate robust cybersecurity measures under UK NIS Regulations, including specific requirements for operational technology protection.
Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations
These regulations require comprehensive safety management systems that increasingly include cybersecurity measures to prevent pollution incidents caused by system failures.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Requirements
The HSE expects energy operators to manage cybersecurity risks that could impact worker safety or environmental protection, particularly for offshore and major hazard facilities.
K-REX Console
The CONSOLE can be placed on a desk, which makes it convenient for any standard work environment. This USB media decontamination solution protects your critical infrastructures from cyber threats.
Features
- Available in 4G, 5G, WiFi, wired and offline
- 10 inch HD screen
- Weight: 12kg
K-REX Totem
The TOTEM can be positionned on the floor, at the entrance of reception halls or in any public areas. This USB decontamination solution comprises a small platform to hold your hard drive during the antivirus scan.
Features
- Available in 4G, 5G, WiFi, wired and offline
- 24 inch HD screen
- Weight: 54kg
K-REX Satallite
The SATELLITE USB decontamination station can be hung on a wall. It is particularly adapted to confined spaces such as ships or meeting rooms. With 5 anti-virus and 2 anti-malware running simultaneously, the SATELLITE is able to scan and clean your USB devices and prevent cyber threats or viruses from spreading through your information system.
Features
- Available in 4G, 5G, WiFi, wired and offline
- 7 inch HD screen
- Weight: 6kg
K-REX Mobile
The MOBILE is a movable USB decontamination station. Ruggedized with the MIL-STD-810G and ATEX military standards, it is designed for environments requiring mobility. With up to 5 antivirus and 2 optional anti-malware scanners running simultaneously, it is able to scan any USB or removable devices and prevent malwares or viruses from spreading through your information system.
Features
- Available in 4G, 5G, WiFi, wired, offline and ATEX versions
- 10 inch HD screen
- Weight: 1.3kg
Secure Your Agency’s Critical Data Today
Protecting the UK’s government and defence data from USB-borne threats requires a dedicated, robust, and physical solution. Software alone is no longer enough. Tyrex provides the military-grade hardware, specialised expertise, and certified assurance needed to secure your organisation’s most sensitive digital assets.
Comprehensive Oil & Gas Cybersecurity Solutions
Offshore Platform Protection:
Ruggedised security solutions designed for harsh marine environments provide reliable protection in conditions including salt spray, extreme temperatures, and continuous vibration. These systems operate effectively in offshore installations where traditional IT equipment cannot function.
Refinery and Processing Security:
Advanced cybersecurity measures for complex refining operations that process hazardous materials under strict safety requirements. These solutions protect industrial control systems whilst maintaining the safety interlocks essential for personnel and environmental protection.
Cybersecurity in Oil and Gas Industry Applications
Upstream Operations
Exploration, drilling, and production operations require cybersecurity solutions that operate effectively in remote environments whilst protecting safety-critical systems and environmental monitoring equipment.
Midstream Infrastructure
Pipeline networks, storage facilities, and transportation systems need comprehensive security measures that protect distributed control systems spanning vast geographic areas.
Downstream Processing
Refineries, petrochemical plants, and distribution terminals require advanced cybersecurity approaches that protect complex processing systems whilst maintaining operational efficiency and safety standards.
Production System Protection
- Isolated networks for safety-critical drilling and production controls
- Hardware-based USB scanning for all maintenance and update procedures
- Real-time monitoring of industrial control system communications
Pipeline and Distribution Security
- Comprehensive protection for SCADA systems managing pipeline networks
- Secure communication protocols for remote monitoring stations
- Advanced threat detection designed for distributed industrial systems
Processing and Refining Security
- Multi-layered protection for complex refining control systems
- Network segmentation between process control and business systems
- Emergency shutdown system protection with cybersecurity integration
Offshore and Remote Security
- Satellite communication protection for offshore data transfers
- Portable security solutions for drilling rig and platform operations
- Comprehensive incident response procedures designed for remote environments
Secure Your Energy Operations
Oil and gas cybersecurity requires specialised expertise that understands the unique challenges of energy operations including safety requirements, environmental considerations, and remote operational environments. Protecting your energy infrastructure demands proven security solutions that maintain operational efficiency whilst providing robust protection.
With energy sector attacks increasing 156% and average recovery times of 84 hours, your oil and gas operations cannot afford reactive cybersecurity. Every day without comprehensive protection increases your exposure to catastrophic production shutdowns, environmental incidents, and regulatory penalties.
Secure Your Energy Infrastructure NowContact our oil and gas cybersecurity specialists today for a confidential security assessment designed specifically for energy operations.
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