10 Cyber Security Best Practices for Energy Sector

Axay Desai
December 29, 2022
IAM

The energy sector is a critical infrastructure for transformation, and as such, it is vital to ensure that it is protected from cyber threats. In this blog post, we will outline the top 10 cyber security best practices for the energy sector. By following these best practices, energy companies can help to protect their systems and data from cyber attacks and ensure the continuity and reliability of their operations.

1. Implement strong passwords:

One of the most basic, but important, security measures that energy companies can take is to use strong, unique passwords for all of their systems and accounts. Strong passwords should be at least 8 characters long and include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords can help to ensure that they are not easily guessable or subject to brute force attacks.

2. Use two-factor authentication:

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of authentication in addition to a password. This can be something like a security token or a one-time code sent to a mobile device. Implementing 2FA can help to prevent unauthorized access to energy systems, even if an attacker has obtained a user’s password.

3. Implement network segmentation:

Network segmentation is the practice of dividing a network into smaller, isolated segments, each with its own security controls. By implementing network segmentation, energy companies can limit access to critical systems and prevent unauthorized access or the spread of malware.

4. Use encryption:

Encrypting data at rest and in transit can help to protect it from unauthorized access or tampering. Energy companies should consider implementing encryption for sensitive data, such as customer or financial information, as well as for communications between systems and devices.

5. Conduct regular security assessments:

Regular security assessments can help energy companies to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in their systems and infrastructure. These assessments should include penetration testing and vulnerability scanning to identify weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers.

6. Implement security monitoring and logging:

Monitoring and logging can help energy companies to identify and respond to potential security threats in real-time. By monitoring their systems and networks for unusual activity, energy companies can detect and respond to potential attacks before they can cause damage.

7. Train employees on security best practices:

Energy companies should provide regular training to their employees on security best practices, including how to identify and avoid phishing attacks, how to create strong passwords, and how to report potential security issues.

8. Use secure communication protocols:

Energy companies should use secure communication protocols, such as SSL/TLS or VPNs, to protect data transmitted between systems and devices. This can help to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks and other types of cyber threats.

9. Work with a trusted security partner:

Partnering with a trusted security vendor can help energy companies to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in their systems and infrastructure. These vendors can provide valuable insights and expertise on how to secure energy systems and data.

10. Develop a security incident response plan:

Having a well-defined security incident response plan in place can help energy companies to effectively respond to and recover from cyber attacks or other security incidents. This plan should outline the steps that should be taken to contain the incident, assess the damage, and restore normal operations.

Conclusion:

Cyber security is a critical concern for the energy sector, and it is essential for energy companies to implement strong security measures, take a holistic approach, and to consider implementing a cloud-native and converged IAM solution such as ObserveID and partner with a team who is highly experienced in IAM and OT/Industrial Control System cybersecurity.

Axay Desai

Axay has more than 25 years of industry experience both as a successful entrepreneur and industry veteran. His career began as a Senior Oracle Professional for nearly 15 years where he developed a strong reputation amongst industry peers and colleagues. Following that, Axay decided to focus on his passion for using his knowledge and experience to create and launch start-ups.

About ObserveID:

ObserveID is a cloud-native workforce identity security platform that maximizes productivity without compromising identity security. With ObserveID you can enforce the right level of access to the right identities and resources at the right time just with a click of a button—matching the scale, velocity, and changing needs of enterprises that operate in hybrid, multi cloud environments.

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