Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Skip to main content
Home
    • Contact Panasonic
    • Save Page
    • Home
    • Trends
    • Connected World
    • Addressing Cybersecurity Concerns for Oil and Gas Industry with Rugged Mobility
    Back to Resource Center

    Addressing Cybersecurity Concerns for Oil and Gas Industry with Rugged Mobility

    • Contact us
      • Twitter
      • Facebook
      • Linkedin
      • Email

    Addressing Cybersecurity Concerns for Oil and Gas Industry with Rugged Mobility

    Jim Dempsey

    Secure mobile communications are critical to oil and gas operations. A Ponemon Institute study reported, “68% of respondents said their operations have had at least one security compromise in the past year, resulting in the loss of confidential information or OT disruption,” and “61% say their organization’s industrial control systems protection and security is inadequate.” The security of mobile devices, the data they contain, and the communication they enable have become increasingly important. Computing devices that are in the hands of offshore mobile workers need to be built not only to survive harsh environments, but do so securely.

    Understand the cyber-threat landscape

    For offshore operations, it isn’t enough to assume the devices and communication protocols being used offer sufficient to protect the enterprise any longer. Offshore Energy Today identifies its top 10 cybersecurity issues threatening the industry with its most important issue being “lack of awareness about cybersecurity among employees.” It’s important that the risks and prevention of cyber-attack are communicated throughout the operation and that regular updates are delivered along with advice on what individuals can do to keep their company protected.

    Complete security at the edge of the network

    While oil and gas companies deploy highly secure applications and communications protocols to protect their industrial control networks and reduce downtime, they need to consider the devices on the edge of their networks. The devices that connect to these systems are often vulnerable to intrusion even if specialized software has been installed in them. Full protection requires that secure features are built into the hardware itself so that sophisticated cyber-attacks that circumvent software protections are thwarted at the hardware level. Rugged mobile devices go beyond what consumer-grade tablets and laptops can do with software solutions that don’t provide this level of protection.

    The varied uses of wireless communication go beyond voice and text communication to include Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, wireless oil-exploration efforts, remote performance monitoring, and non-voice services that use General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) for monitoring well head activity. Because these other connections may travel over the same network infrastructure, cyber breaches can expand across the network to allow attackers access to systems beyond workers’ mobile devices. The Offshore Energy Today report recognizes the possible effects of this kind of vulnerability when it lists its third most important threat as “using standard IT products with known vulnerabilities in the production environment.” IT departments should consider the various ways cyber attacks penetrate their enterprises and look for mobile devices that embed security measures in hardware to thwart any attacks that may get through software and operating systems level protections.

    Oil and gas companies should opt for purpose-built enterprise grade mobile devices that fit the following criteria:

    1. Layered security approach

    Security begins with the devices at the edge of the enterprise and the applications they host. Oil and gas companies need to protect their systems and operations at every level so that cyber threats are deflected at multiple points.Opt for enterprise-grade mobile devices that have security built in on the hardware and software levels.

    2. Low failure rates to ensure uptime

    Resilient mobile computers that continue to perform even after long work shifts under hostile conditions let workers monitor conditions and avert failures that can cause disruption and loss of production.

    3. Rugged durability to meet harsh offshore environments

    Exposure to harsh environmental conditions can make consumer grade mobile computers useless. Select rugged devices that can easily survive water, dirt, oil, and drops to keep operations running smoothly.

    4. Flexible form factor

    Different jobs require different ways of interacting with computers so that workers have the most appropriate form factors for their tasks. Options like the Panasonic Toughbook 20, a 2-in-1 computer that easily converts from a tablet to a laptop by connecting its companion keyboard, ensures that workers can type on physicals keyboard when necessary.

    Panasonic mobility solutions are designed to enhance offshore operations and boost cybersecurity. Our complete portfolio of laptops, tablets, 2-in-1 devices and handhelds are ideal for the demanding conditions of the oil and gas industry. For more information on secure and rugged mobile solutions for offshore operations, please stop by the Panasonic booth #4205 at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2017

    • Computers & Tablets
    • Enterprise
    • Mobility
    • Oil & Gas

    Related Posts

    Joyous Father Pushes Swings with His Cute Little Daughter on Them. Happy Family Spends Time Together one Sunny Summer Day in the Idyllics Backyard.
    Sustainability & Environment

    Shining a light on the true value of solar power

    Like we've been saying: solar power is good for you and great for Earth. Here's why.
    Learn more
    Happy family mother housewife and child   in laundry with washing machine
    Financial & Incentives

    The price of solar electricity has dropped 89% in 10 years

    Music to homeowners' ears: gains in efficiency and acceptance bring solar panel prices way down.
    Learn more
    Woman with candle at home because of power cut
    Sustainability & Environment

    Be ready for power outages with renewable technology

    With more of us working, schooling & operating businesses from home, reliable electricity is now a must-have.
    Learn more
    Production of solar panels.
    Trends & Technology

    The rise of solar module OEM and what it means for homeowners

    Why are solar module manufacturers shifting to original equipment manufacturers to make their panels?
    Learn more
    Group of friends sitting on front porch laughing
    Sustainability & Environment

    One third of Oahu homes now solar powered

    How solar energy is powering Hawaii's homes and economy.
    Learn more
    Untouched sandy beach with palms trees and azure ocean
    Sustainability & Environment

    Rooftop solar booming in Hawaii as utility launches Quick Connect

    Aloha State homeowners embrace the sun's abundant energy with a little help from their power company.
    Learn more
    Modern passive house with solar panels and white roof for energy efficiency.
    Homeowner Insights

    6 Key Benefits of Creating a Solar-Powered Home

    Has switching your home to solar power become a no-brainer?
    Learn more
    asian family with one child having fun in the woods
    Homeowner Insights

    Why you should unify your home energy system in 2021

    Purchasing the components of your solar & storage system from a single brand has its benefits.
    Learn more
    Sunset over solar panels
    Trends & Technology

    Solar-plus-storage poised to become more financially attractive, but seasonal solutions remain key

    The current and future state of solar power and energy storage in America.
    Learn more
    Father and son hiking through the mountain at sunrise
    Trends & Technology

    4 home renewable energy predictions in 2021

    Panasonic's Dan Glaser gives his residential renewable energy predictions and outlook for 2021.
    Learn more
    Wooden blocks with the word ROI and green arrow up. High level of business profitability. Return on investment, invested capital, rate. Success. Growth. Analytics. Report
    Financial & Incentives

    How quickly will your solar panels pay for themselves?

    Understanding payback period and return on investment of your solar panel purchase.
    Learn more
    Businesswomen discussing by table in office
    Financial & Incentives

    How to accelerate solar adoption for the underserved

    As solar panels have become more affordable, there's no reason home solar has to be exclusive to upper income households.
    Learn more
    Back to Trends

    Contact Sales

    Thank you for your submission. A Panasonic representative will contact you.

    Contact Support

    Thank you for your submission. A Panasonic representative will contact you.

    • About Us
    • News
    • Careers
    • Investor Relations
    • Social Impact
    • Contact Us
    • Do Not Sell My Data

    Get the Latest on Panasonic Trends

    Thanks for signing up!

    Connect with us

    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Linkedin
    • Instagram Link
    • Youtube

    Select Country/Language

    • United States - English
    • Canada - English
    • Canada - Français
    © 2020 Panasonic Corporation of North America. All Rights Reserved.
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms
    • Panasonic Global
    • Consumer
    • Industrial
    Reviewed by Accessible 360
    Reviewed by Accessible 360