The “JCDC Builds Foundation for Pipelines Cyber Defense Planning Effort” article highlights the criticality of the oil and natural gas (ONG) subsector to our national security and prosperity, emphasizing the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. The 2023 JCDC Pipelines Cyber Defense Planning Effort, an industry-wide collaboration, addressed challenges such as ransomware incidents and persistent targeting by threat actors, presenting a detailed ONG Pipelines Reference Architecture to guide investment, planning, and operations. By fostering collaboration between midstream pipeline owner-operators and ICS vendors, this effort laid a foundation for the industry to proactively strengthen the cybersecurity of the nation’s largest natural gas pipelines.
The cyber defense planning effort showcased a robust public-private partnership, resulting in a voluntary model, the ONG Pipelines Reference Architecture, to fortify digital networks against compromises. The industry-wide collaboration and insights provided by participants, including large and small pipeline operators and key vendors, have yielded sound and tested network design principles and approaches to securing pipeline operations. It represents a significant step toward real change in the nation’s cybersecurity landscape, as envisioned by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission and codified by Congress.
The positive feedback from participants further underscores the constructive and insightful environment fostered by the JCDC, emphasizing the productive use of time and the meaningful and actionable results achieved through this collaborative effort.
