Energy Tomorrow Blog
Protecting America's Critical Energy Infrastructure
colonial pipeline cybersecurity infrastructure safety standards
Suzanne Lemieux
Posted May 10, 2021
Over the weekend, Colonial Pipeline Company experienced a cybersecurity attack, which has since been identified as ransomware, forcing the shutdown of one piece of U.S. critical energy infrastructure. Colonial Pipeline is issuing updates about their operations and response activities as well as precautionary and other measures they’ve taken to protect the safety and security of their energy systems. Read their press statements here.
As Colonial Pipeline consults with law enforcement and other federal agencies, the broader U.S. natural gas and oil industry continues to focus on mitigating cybersecurity risks and adapting to this evolving threat landscape. In recent months, ransomware attacks have disrupted public services in major U.S. cities as well as businesses in healthcare and manufacturing, among other essential industries. We encourage government policies that allow companies to innovate and refine processes that protect against future incidents.
API member companies are committed to protecting America’s critical oil and natural gas infrastructure, safeguarding intellectual property and providing affordable, reliable energy for everyday use.
Cybersecurity Key to Protecting Critical Energy Infrastructure
cybersecurity infrastructure security
Sam Winstel
Posted August 7, 2020
Modern, resilient natural gas and oil infrastructure is vital to maintaining U.S. energy affordability and economic competitiveness. As the industry undergoes rapid digitalization, reliability remains fundamental to energy operations, particularly as cybersecurity risks present emerging challenges.
The U.S. has been subject to an increasing volume of malicious cyberattacks from China, Russia and other foreign adversaries, posing a persistent threat to our national security and grid reliability. Within the next two years, 2.5 billion industrial devices will be brought online in the energy industry, meaning the need to protect our critical infrastructure assets has never been more urgent.
Industry’s Continued Leadership in Preventing Cyberattacks
Jessica Lutz
Posted February 1, 2019
Industry's Leadership, and Coordination with Government, is What Prevents Cyberattacks
cybersecurity natural gas pipelines infrastructure security
Jessica Lutz
Posted December 20, 2018
With the release of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on pipeline cybersecurity, conducted at the request of Senator Cantwell and Congressman Pallone, it has become apparent that there is lingering confusion about the security of natural gas and oil pipelines. So, let’s clear things up: industry is deeply engaged in efforts to understand the threat, coordinate with cybersecurity experts across the board, and stay ahead of our adversaries. Our industry utilizes best-in-class international cybersecurity standards, close collaboration with government, and proven frameworks that – in contrast to prescriptive government-imposed standards or regulations – are the best ways to stay ahead of emerging threats and bolster the cybersecurity of natural gas and oil companies and the energy infrastructure they operate.
Report Highlights Industry’s Leadership in Protecting Infrastructure from Cyberattacks
cybersecurity security natural gas pipelines infrastructure
Jessica Lutz
Posted October 31, 2018
A new report illustrates just how prepared natural gas and oil companies are when it comes to defending themselves and American energy consumers against malicious cyber threats – a fundamental component of the industry’s resiliency and something we’ve demonstrated time and again.
Yes, Let’s Talk About How Industry is Advancing Cybersecurity
natural gas security pipelines infrastructure cybersecurity
Mark Green
Posted September 7, 2018
Cybersecurity continues to be a major focus of the natural gas and oil industry, which recognizes that the need to protect the country’s energy infrastructure is vital for our economy and security. According to federal officials, cyberattacks are increasing across many industries, which has the attention of corporate executives in our industry and reinforces their ongoing efforts to keep our nation’s pipelines and other natural gas and oil facilities safe.
Even so, because natural gas is the leading fuel for generating electricity, there have been calls for congressional hearings to discuss threats to the U.S. natural gas pipeline network. It’s a conversation our industry welcomes.Report Backs Resilience of Natural Gas Infrastructure
natural gas security electric-grid cybersecurity
Jessica Lutz
Posted August 10, 2018
A newly released report from the Natural Gas Council demonstrates the resiliency of our nation’s natural gas industry – even in the face of extreme weather events or direct threats to the system, whether physical or cyber.
Protecting Infrastructure Against Cyber Threats
natural gas electric-grid security pipelines infrastructure cybersecurity
Mark Green
Posted June 12, 2018
Administration officials continue to push the idea of propping up failing coal and nuclear plants to ensure the health of the U.S. power system by asserting that the nation’s natural gas infrastructure is at heightened risk of cyber attack and other threats. There’s simply no substantiated evidence supporting their claim.
Here’s what you need to know about the security of our country’s natural gas infrastructure and industry’s efforts to guard against potential cyber threats.