Telework Cybersecurity Controls (TCC)

Overview

The oil and gas industry is critical to Saudi Arabia’s economy and a high-value target for cyberattacks. As organizations in this sector adopt remote work models, ensuring the security of operational data, critical infrastructure, and intellectual property is essential. Our Telework Cybersecurity Controls (TCC) services are specifically designed to address the unique challenges of remote work in the oil and gas sector, while ensuring compliance with Saudi cybersecurity standards like the NCA’s ECC, CCC, and CSCC frameworks.

Service Offerings

1. Remote Work Risk Assessment for Oil & Gas Operations

• Critical Asset Analysis:
  • Identify and classify critical oil and gas assets, including SCADA systems, control centers, and operational data.
• Sector-Specific Risk Assessment:
  • Assess risks unique to remote work in upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
• Compliance Gap Analysis:
  • Evaluate alignment with Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) frameworks, such as ECC and CSCC.

2. Secure Remote Access Solutions for Operational Continuity

• Purpose: Penetration testing, or ethical hacking, simulates real-world attacks to test the effectiveness of an organization’s security defenses. The goal is to actively exploit vulnerabilities to see if an attacker could breach systems or gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
• How it Works: Penetration testers (or “ethical hackers”) use a variety of tools and techniques to attempt to exploit weaknesses in applications, networks, and security configurations. They may attempt to gain access via social engineering, exploiting misconfigurations, or brute-force attacks.
• Outcome: A pen test provides a deeper, more practical understanding of how an attacker might bypass an organization’s defenses. The test reveals not only the vulnerabilities but also the potential impact of successful exploitation, helping organizations address the most critical security risks.
• Example: A pen test might show that an attacker can gain unauthorized access through a poorly secured web application or exploit weak password policies to escalate privileges within an organization’s network.

3. Endpoint Security Management for Industrial Devices

• Hardened Endpoint Protection:
  • Deploy advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions tailored for laptops, tablets, and mobile devices used in remote oil and gas operations.
• OT Endpoint Security:
  • Extend security controls to operational technology (OT) devices used in remote monitoring and maintenance of pipelines and refineries.
• Secure BYOD Policy:
  • Define and enforce security policies for personal devices accessing sensitive corporate and operational networks.

4. Data Protection and Privacy for Oil & Gas Data

• Encryption for Proprietary Data:
  • Ensure encryption for sensitive operational data, including geological exploration data and pipeline monitoring systems.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP):
  • Deploy DLP solutions to prevent unauthorized access, transfer, or leakage of intellectual property and trade secrets.
• Saudi-Specific Data Localization:
  • Ensure compliance with local data sovereignty requirements, keeping critical data within Saudi borders.

5. Secure Collaboration for Distributed Teams

• Safe Communication Platforms:
  • Configure and secure collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and custom platforms for technical discussions and project management.
• Controlled Sharing of Engineering Documents:
  • Protect access to sensitive files such as CAD designs, refinery blueprints, and pipeline data.
• Audit and Logging:
  • Enable detailed logging of user activity on collaboration platforms to detect unauthorized actions.

6. Incident Response and Crisis Management for Remote Scenarios

• Oil & Gas-Specific Incident Response Planning:
  • Develop incident response playbooks tailored to potential threats like ransomware, phishing, and targeted attacks on industrial control systems.
• Breach Containment for OT and IT:
  • Ensure rapid containment and mitigation of cyber incidents in both IT and OT environments.
• Post-Incident Compliance Reporting:
  • Provide reports to stakeholders, including regulators, in compliance with Saudi NCA guidelines.

7. Cybersecurity Awareness and Training for Oil & Gas Workforce

• Remote Workforce Training:
  • Train employees on recognizing phishing attacks, securing endpoints, and following remote work security protocols.
• Simulation-Based Exercises:
  • Conduct sector-specific simulations, such as phishing attacks targeting engineers and technicians.
• Leadership Training:
  • Educate executives and board members on the risks and responsibilities of managing remote cybersecurity.

8. Monitoring and Reporting for Critical Operations

• 24/7 Security Monitoring:
  • Monitor remote user activity and system logs with SIEM solutions configured for oil and gas operational environments.
• Real-Time Threat Detection:
  • Use AI-driven behavioral analytics to detect anomalies in remote work systems, including access to SCADA networks.
• Compliance Reporting:
  • Generate compliance reports for Saudi regulatory bodies, including the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) and Ministry of Energy.

Key Benefits for Oil & Gas Corporations

• Enhanced Security Posture:
  • Protect remote access to SCADA systems, refinery data, and other critical assets.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Ensure alignment with Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity standards, such as ECC and CSCC.
• Operational Continuity:
  • Maintain productivity in remote work settings while safeguarding sensitive data.
• Custom Solutions for Oil & Gas:
  • Tailored services designed for upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
• Proactive Risk Management:
  • Minimize the risk of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.

Who Can Benefit?

• National and multinational oil and gas corporations operating in Saudi Arabia.
• Organizations involved in oil exploration, pipeline management, and refinery operations.
• Companies managing OT systems, SCADA networks, and industrial IoT devices.
• Vendors and subcontractors providing remote services to the oil and gas sector.

Why Choose Us?

• Sector-Specific Expertise:
  • Extensive experience securing IT and OT environments in the oil and gas sector.
• Saudi Compliance Mastery:
  • • In-depth knowledge of the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) frameworks and requirements.
• Cutting-Edge Technologies:
  • Partnerships with leading cybersecurity vendors for robust protection.
• Comprehensive Coverage:
  • End-to-end services for IT, OT, and remote work environments.
• 24/7 Support:
  • Around-the-clock monitoring and response to ensure operational uptime.

Delivery Models

• Advisory Services:
  • Expert consulting to design and implement telework cybersecurity controls.
• Managed Security Services (MSS):
  • Continuous monitoring, compliance management, and threat response for remote setups.
• Project-Based Engagements:
  • Focused projects to secure specific aspects of remote work, such as VPN deployment or endpoint security.