The Latest Cybersecurity In The Petrochemical Industry Statistics Explained
About 49% of petrochemical firms don’t have a cybersecurity professional to help manage their cyber risks.
The statistic that about 49% of petrochemical firms do not employ a cybersecurity professional indicates a significant gap in addressing cybersecurity risks within the industry. Given the highly sensitive and critical nature of petrochemical infrastructure, the absence of dedicated cybersecurity expertise suggests a potential vulnerability to cyber threats such as hacking, data breaches, and other malicious activities. This lack of dedicated professionals focused on managing cyber risks could leave these firms exposed to potentially damaging cyber incidents that could impact both their operations and the broader industry. It underscores the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity measures and investing in adequate resources to protect against potential cybersecurity threats.
Approximately $1.87 billion will be spent on cybersecurity in the oil and gas industry, including petrochemicals, by 2021.
The statistic that approximately $1.87 billion will be spent on cybersecurity in the oil and gas industry, including petrochemicals, by 2021 highlights the growing emphasis and investment in protecting critical infrastructure against cyber threats. The oil and gas sector is a prime target for cyber attacks due to its strategic importance and interconnected operations. With the increasing digitization and integration of technology in these industries, there is a heightened need to safeguard sensitive data, operational systems, and assets from potential breaches and disruptions. The significant financial allocation towards cybersecurity initiatives signifies the recognition of the evolving cyber risks and the proactive measures being taken to enhance resilience and mitigate potential damages in the oil and gas sector.
Nearly 40% of all cyberattacks on industrial systems hit the energy and petrochemical sector.
The statistic indicates that approximately 40% of all cyberattacks targeting industrial systems specifically target the energy and petrochemical sector. This highlights the heightened vulnerability of these critical infrastructure sectors to cyber threats, which can have significant implications on the operational integrity, safety, and reliability of energy and petrochemical facilities. Given the importance of these sectors in supporting essential services and the economy, the statistic underscores the urgent need for rigorous cybersecurity measures, investments in threat detection and response capabilities, and collaboration among stakeholders to mitigate cyber risks and protect against potential disruptions to energy and petrochemical operations.
Attackers successfully infiltrated the systems of 8 out of 10 companies in the petrochemical industry in 2020.
This statistic indicates a significant cybersecurity vulnerability within the petrochemical industry in 2020. It suggests that a high proportion of companies (80%) in this sector were targeted and compromised by attackers, highlighting the severity of the threat landscape they are facing. The successful infiltration of these systems could lead to data breaches, operational disruptions, financial losses, and potentially even pose safety risks to the infrastructure and personnel. This statistic underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures, training, and incident response protocols within the petrochemical industry to safeguard against cyber threats and protect sensitive information, critical processes, and assets.
Malware is the most common type of cybersecurity attack on the petrochemical industry, at 53% of all incidents.
The statistic presented indicates that among all types of cybersecurity attacks targeting the petrochemical industry, malware is the most prevalent, accounting for 53% of all incidents. This suggests that malicious software designed to infiltrate, disrupt, or damage computer systems is the primary method utilized by cybercriminals to compromise the cybersecurity of petrochemical companies. This finding underscores the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and employee training, to mitigate the risk of malware attacks and protect critical infrastructure within the petrochemical industry. Additionally, it highlights the need for continuous monitoring and swift incident response protocols to effectively combat the persistent threat of malware in the cyber landscape of the petrochemical sector.
Nearly 70% of petrochemical companies have no policies to address cybersecurity during a merger or acquisition.
The statistic implies that a significant portion, around 70%, of petrochemical companies lack established policies specifically addressing cybersecurity concerns during a merger or acquisition process. This suggests a potential vulnerability within the industry, as cybersecurity risks can be heightened during transitional periods such as mergers or acquisitions. The lack of formal policies around cybersecurity in these situations could leave petrochemical companies open to potential breaches or data security issues, which could have broader implications for both the companies involved and the industry as a whole. Addressing this gap in policies and ensuring a strong focus on cybersecurity during such transitions is essential to protect sensitive data, systems, and operations within the petrochemical sector.
Only 60% of companies in the sector are making significant investments in cybersecurity defenses.
The statistic “Only 60% of companies in the sector are making significant investments in cybersecurity defenses” suggests that a sizable portion of companies within the sector are not prioritizing or allocating resources to protect their digital assets adequately. This could leave a significant number of organizations vulnerable to cyber threats and security breaches. The statistic underscores a potential gap in awareness or understanding of the importance of cybersecurity measures, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action to mitigate risks and ensure the protection of sensitive data and systems within the sector.
Phishing and social engineering attacks account for 32% of all cybersecurity attacks in the petrochemical industry.
This statistic suggests that phishing and social engineering attacks are significant threats within the petrochemical industry, comprising a substantial portion of all cybersecurity incidents. Phishing attacks typically involve deceptive methods to trick individuals into providing sensitive information or access credentials, while social engineering attacks exploit psychological manipulation to gain unauthorized access to systems or data. The fact that these types of attacks account for 32% of all cybersecurity incidents in the petrochemical industry highlights the need for enhanced security measures, employee awareness training, and robust defense mechanisms to mitigate the risks associated with such threats and protect critical infrastructure and sensitive information within the sector.
Around 40% of petrochemical companies have experienced a shutdown or operational data loss due to a cybersecurity incident.
The statistic indicates that a significant proportion, around 40%, of petrochemical companies have encountered a shutdown or loss of operational data as a result of cybersecurity incidents. This highlights the susceptibility of petrochemical companies to cyber threats and the potential impact of such incidents on their operations. The finding underscores the importance of bolstering cybersecurity measures within the petrochemical industry to mitigate risks and prevent disruptions caused by cyber attacks. It also emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring, assessment, and improvement of cybersecurity practices to safeguard critical assets and maintain the reliability and security of petrochemical operations.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity in the petrochemical industry is a critical concern that cannot be overlooked. The statistics highlight the growing threats faced by this sector and emphasize the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive data and critical infrastructure. It is imperative for companies in the petrochemical industry to prioritize cybersecurity investments and implement comprehensive strategies to mitigate cyber risks effectively. By addressing these challenges head-on, the industry can strengthen its resilience against cyber threats and ensure the integrity and security of its operations.
References
0. – https://www.cybersecurityventures.com
1. – https://www.www.dragos.com
2. – https://www.dergipark.org.tr
3. – https://www.www.kaspersky.com
4. – https://www.www2.deloitte.com
5. – https://www.www.fortinet.com
