GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Oil Industry Statistics

Cyber attacks have increased by 116% in the oil industry from 2019 to 2020, highlighting the growing importance of prioritizing cybersecurity measures in this sector.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Oil Industry Statistics

  • 43% of cyber-attacks are aimed at small businesses but only 14% are prepared to defend themselves.
  • The Oil and Gas industry is the second most susceptible to cyber-attacks impacting operational technology.
  • Cyber-attacks in oil and gas industry has resulted in losses around $1 billion total.
  • Over 60% of oil and gas sector organizations faced severe cyber attack in the past year (2020).
  • 68% of oil and gas companies have reported at least one security compromise in 2016.
  • Only 35% oil and gas companies deploy industrial cybersecurity across their enterprise to protect against cyberattacks.
  • Around 500 companies in the petrochemical industry faced a coordinated attack in 2014 that lasted for one month.
  • 73% of businesses gather data on employee behavior but only 40% are using it to monitor and mitigate cyber threats.
  • 32% of reported incidents in the oil and gas industry are related to phishing or spear-phishing.
  • Nearly 40% of all industrial cyber attacks are targeted to the Energy sector, which includes oil and gas.
  • Oil and gas operations are 300% more likely to encounter cyber-attacks than other sectors.
  • It is estimated that there was a 110% rise in ransomware attacks on the oil and gas industry since 2020.
  • 41% of malware attacks on the energy sector were ransomware attacks.
  • Cybersecurity in the oil and gas industry was estimated to be $1.97 billion in 2020.
  • Oil and gas organizations experience an average of over 500,000 attempted cyber attacks every day.
  • 70% of energy industry professionals are concerned about potential cyber attacks to their organization.

Table of Contents

The Latest Cybersecurity In The Oil Industry Statistics Explained

43% of cyber-attacks are aimed at small businesses but only 14% are prepared to defend themselves.

This statistic highlights a concerning trend in cybersecurity where small businesses are increasingly targeted by cyber-attacks, with 43% of all attacks aimed specifically at them. Despite the high risk faced by small businesses, only 14% are adequately prepared to defend themselves against such threats. This indicates a significant gap between the level of cyber threat faced by small businesses and their capacity to effectively protect their sensitive data and networks. Failure to address this gap could lead to severe financial losses, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences for small businesses. It is crucial for small businesses to prioritize cybersecurity measures and invest in appropriate defenses to mitigate these risks.

The Oil and Gas industry is the second most susceptible to cyber-attacks impacting operational technology.

This statistic suggests that the Oil and Gas industry ranks second in terms of vulnerability to cyber-attacks that target their operational technology systems. Operational technology refers to the hardware and software used to control physical processes and devices in industrial settings, including in the exploration, production, and distribution of oil and gas. The industry’s susceptibility to cyber-attacks highlights the potential risks associated with breaches or disruptions to these systems, which could have serious consequences on the efficient functioning, safety, and reliability of operations within the sector. The statistic underscores the importance for companies in the Oil and Gas industry to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their operational technology infrastructure from potential cyber threats.

Cyber-attacks in oil and gas industry has resulted in losses around $1 billion total.

The statistic that cyber-attacks in the oil and gas industry have resulted in losses totaling around $1 billion implies a significant financial impact on companies within the sector. The figure suggests that these attacks, possibly ranging from data breaches to ransomware incidents, have led to substantial financial ramifications, including costs associated with mitigating the attacks, restoring systems, investigating the breaches, and potential loss of revenue. This statistic highlights the growing threat that cyber-attacks pose to critical infrastructure industries like oil and gas, emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and protocols to safeguard against such incidents and protect against financial losses and operational disruptions.

Over 60% of oil and gas sector organizations faced severe cyber attack in the past year (2020).

The statistic stating that over 60% of oil and gas sector organizations faced severe cyber attacks in the past year highlights a significant and concerning trend within the industry. This high percentage indicates that a majority of companies within the oil and gas sector were targeted and affected by cyber attacks in 2020. Such attacks can have serious consequences, including operational disruptions, data breaches, financial losses, and potential threats to national security. It underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, investments in robust defense mechanisms, and increased awareness and preparedness to mitigate the risks and vulnerabilities faced by organizations operating in the oil and gas sector.

68% of oil and gas companies have reported at least one security compromise in 2016.

The statistic that 68% of oil and gas companies reported at least one security compromise in 2016 indicates a substantial level of vulnerability within the industry to cyber threats. This data suggests that a majority of oil and gas companies were impacted by security breaches during that year, highlighting the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and protocols within the sector. Such compromises can have severe consequences, ranging from financial losses to reputational damage, as well as potential risks to operational safety. Therefore, it is imperative for oil and gas companies to prioritize cybersecurity efforts to safeguard their data, assets, and operations against increasing cyber threats in the digital age.

Only 35% oil and gas companies deploy industrial cybersecurity across their enterprise to protect against cyberattacks.

The statistic indicates that only a minority, specifically 35%, of oil and gas companies have implemented industrial cybersecurity measures across their entire enterprise to safeguard against cyberattacks. This suggests that a significant portion of companies within this industry may be vulnerable to cyber threats, including potential breaches in their infrastructure and sensitive data. Given the critical importance of maintaining operational integrity and protecting against potential economic and safety risks in the oil and gas sector, the relatively low adoption rate of industrial cybersecurity measures highlights the potential need for increased focus and investment in improving cybersecurity practices within these companies.

Around 500 companies in the petrochemical industry faced a coordinated attack in 2014 that lasted for one month.

The statistic indicates that approximately 500 companies within the petrochemical industry were targeted in a coordinated attack during the year 2014. This attack was sustained over a duration of one month, suggesting a significant and widespread threat to the security and operations of these companies. Such a large-scale and organized attack highlights the vulnerability of the petrochemical industry to cyber threats and underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard critical infrastructure and proprietary information within the sector. The incident likely resulted in substantial disruptions, financial losses, and concerns about the resilience of the industry to future cyber attacks, emphasizing the importance of proactive security measures and incident response protocols in the face of evolving cybersecurity risks.

73% of businesses gather data on employee behavior but only 40% are using it to monitor and mitigate cyber threats.

This statistic indicates that a majority of businesses, specifically 73%, collect data on employee behavior, which can be valuable information for understanding potential cybersecurity risks. However, only 40% of these businesses actively utilize this data to effectively monitor and address cyber threats. This gap between data collection and practical application suggests a missed opportunity for organizations to leverage employee behavior data as a strategic asset in enhancing their cybersecurity defenses. By improving the utilization of this information, businesses can strengthen their cybersecurity posture and better protect their sensitive data and systems from potential threats.

32% of reported incidents in the oil and gas industry are related to phishing or spear-phishing.

The statistic that 32% of reported incidents in the oil and gas industry are related to phishing or spear-phishing indicates the prevalence and significance of cyber threats within this sector. Phishing and spear-phishing attacks involve malicious attempts to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information or accessing harmful links, posing a serious risk to the security and operational integrity of oil and gas companies. This statistic highlights the vulnerability of the industry to cyber attacks and emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and employee training to mitigate these threats and safeguard critical infrastructure and assets.

Nearly 40% of all industrial cyber attacks are targeted to the Energy sector, which includes oil and gas.

This statistic indicates that a significant proportion, approximately 40%, of cyber attacks in industrial settings specifically target the Energy sector, which encompasses key industries such as oil and gas. The high percentage highlights the vulnerability of the Energy sector to cyber threats and the potential impact on critical infrastructure and services. Given the interconnected nature of these industries and their importance to global economies, the prevalence of attacks in this sector emphasizes the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and vigilance to mitigate risks and protect essential operations and assets from potentially devastating cyber incidents.

Oil and gas operations are 300% more likely to encounter cyber-attacks than other sectors.

This statistic suggests that the likelihood of oil and gas operations experiencing cyber-attacks is three times higher compared to other sectors. In other words, these industries are significantly more vulnerable to cyber threats, which could potentially lead to data breaches, operational disruptions, and financial losses. Factors contributing to this increased risk in the oil and gas sector may include the critical infrastructure nature of the industry, the high value of assets, and the complex supply chain networks involved. As a result, it is essential for companies in the oil and gas sector to prioritize cybersecurity measures and invest in robust defense systems to safeguard their operations from potential cyber threats.

It is estimated that there was a 110% rise in ransomware attacks on the oil and gas industry since 2020.

The statistic indicates a significant increase in ransomware attacks targeting the oil and gas industry, specifically highlighting a 110% rise in such attacks since 2020. This means that the number of ransomware incidents targeting companies within the oil and gas sector has more than doubled during this period. Such a sharp increase is concerning as ransomware attacks can have severe consequences, including operational disruption, data loss, and financial damages. This statistic underscores the growing cybersecurity threats faced by the oil and gas industry and emphasizes the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data.

41% of malware attacks on the energy sector were ransomware attacks.

This statistic indicates that approximately 41% of malware attacks targeting the energy sector are classified as ransomware attacks, which involve cybercriminals encrypting the victim’s data and demanding a ransom for its release. Ransomware attacks are particularly concerning for the energy sector as they can disrupt critical infrastructure and operations, leading to potential financial losses and even endangering public safety. This statistic underscores the increasing threat of ransomware in the energy industry and highlights the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect against such attacks.

Cybersecurity in the oil and gas industry was estimated to be $1.97 billion in 2020.

The statistic “Cybersecurity in the oil and gas industry was estimated to be $1.97 billion in 2020” represents the estimated financial investment that the oil and gas industry allocated towards cybersecurity measures in the year 2020. This figure indicates the amount of money that companies operating in the oil and gas sector spent on various strategies, technologies, and resources to safeguard their digital infrastructure and data from cyber threats and attacks. The substantial investment in cybersecurity highlights the industry’s recognition of the growing importance of protecting critical assets, sensitive information, and operational processes from potential cyber risks, given the increasing digitalization and interconnectedness of oil and gas operations.

Oil and gas organizations experience an average of over 500,000 attempted cyber attacks every day.

This statistic indicates that oil and gas organizations are highly targeted by cyber attackers, with an average of over 500,000 attempted cyber attacks occurring daily. The sheer volume of these attacks highlights the significant cyber security risks faced by the industry. Cyber attacks can have serious consequences for oil and gas companies, including potential disruptions to operations, data breaches, financial losses, and compromised safety measures. Therefore, it is crucial for these organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures and invest in robust defenses to protect their sensitive data and critical infrastructure from malicious actors.

70% of energy industry professionals are concerned about potential cyber attacks to their organization.

The statistic stating that 70% of energy industry professionals are concerned about potential cyber attacks to their organization suggests that a significant majority within the industry perceive cyber threats as a significant risk. This high level of concern likely stems from the increasing digitization and interconnectedness of energy systems, making them more vulnerable to cyber vulnerabilities. The statistic emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity measures within the energy sector and highlights the need for proactive strategies to address potential cyber threats and safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive data.

Conclusion

Despite the increasing number of cyber threats in the oil industry, the statistics presented in this blog post highlight the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and assets. By staying informed about potential risks and investing in advanced security technologies, companies in the oil industry can mitigate the impact of cyber attacks and safeguard their operations from potential disruptions.

References

0. – https://www.www.entrust.com

1. – https://www.oilprice.com

2. – https://www.learn.g2.com

3. – https://www.cyware.com

4. – https://www.www.cisomag.com

5. – https://www.www.verdict.co.uk

6. – https://www.www.greycampus.com

7. – https://www.cybersecurity-magazine.com

8. – https://www.www.petrolink.com

9. – https://www.www.securitymagazine.com

10. – https://www.oilmanmagazine.com

11. – https://www.www.hstoday.us

12. – https://www.www.controlglobal.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!