API Pipeline Cybersecurity Standard Certified by DHS as Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2023 - The American Petroleum Institute (API) today announced that API Standard (Std) 1164, Pipeline Control Systems Cybersecurity, has earned Designation and Certification by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATTs) under the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002, commonly referred to as the SAFETY Act. 

The SAFETY Act was passed into law in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It provides incentives for the development and deployment of anti-terrorism technologies while establishing liability limitations for claims resulting from an act of terrorism where QATTs have been deployed. API Std 1164 will now be included on the exclusive list of DHS Approved Products for Homeland Security, offering value to companies utilizing the standard as part of their cybersecurity management systems. 

“This DHS Certification recognizes our industry’s commitment to establishing standards that enhance national security and safety by making critical pipeline infrastructure more resilient against cyber-attacks,” API Standards & Segment Services Vice President Alexa Burr said. “We are proud that DHS has approved Std 1164 as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology.” 

The SAFETY Act Certification gives API members and others that use the management system approach of API Std 1164, 3rd edition important liability protections if a cyber terrorist attack impacts their pipeline operations. API Standard 780, Security Risk Assessment Methodology for the Petroleum and Petrochemical Industries, also earned the SAFETY Act Designation and Certification in 2020, identifying it as a QATT and providing the same protections for natural gas and oil facilities utilizing the standard.  

API standards are developed under an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited process, ensuring that API standards are not only technically rigorous, but are developed using consensus, due process and balance across stakeholder interests. API’s ANSI accreditation also facilitates acceptance of API standards by state, federal and increasingly international regulators. 

API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports more than 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our approximately 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence®, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability. 

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