GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Petroleum Industry Statistics

Increased cyber threats and attacks in the petroleum industry, with potential consequences ranging from financial losses to physical harm, highlighting the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Petroleum Industry Statistics

  • Cyber attacks against oil and gas operations could cost the U.S. economy as much as $2.2 trillion over five years,
  • Around 70% of top-tier U.S. oil and gas companies believe digitalization can increase their revenues by 5% to 6%,
  • The oil and gas sector experienced a 438% rise in cyber attacks over the last 4 years,
  • Up to 40% of cyber attacks were directed at energy firms including gas and oil in the year 2012,
  • Approximately 68% of oil and gas companies experienced at least one significant cybersecurity incident in 2016,
  • The percentage of cyber-attacks on OT infrastructure has increased over three years from 19% to 43%,
  • 35% of oil and gas organizations have a low maturity level when it comes to understanding cybersecurity risks,
  • About 46% of industrial businesses in petrochemical manufacturing have experienced a cyber-attack in their operational technology infrastructure,
  • 83% of oil and gas sector respondents in the Middle East have never tested their cybersecurity response plan,
  • Nearly 16% of oil and gas organizations took three days to a week to recover from a cyber attack,
  • The global market for industrial cybersecurity in the oil and gas sector was valued at $1.27 billion in 2018,
  • The cybersecurity skills shortage affects 70% of organizations in the energy sector, including oil and gas,
  • The global cybersecurity spending in the energy sector, including oil and gas, is expected to reach $1.9 billion by 2020,
  • Nearly 60% of security breaches in energy sector, including oil and gas, originate from inside the organization,
  • 74% of oil and gas companies admit not being equipped to monitor OT cyber threats,
  • About 48% of oil and gas industry leaders believe that they do not bear primary responsibility for cybersecurity,

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Petroleum Industry Statistics Explained

Cyber attacks against oil and gas operations could cost the U.S. economy as much as $2.2 trillion over five years,

The statistic suggests that cyber attacks targeting oil and gas operations in the United States have the potential to result in substantial economic losses amounting to around $2.2 trillion over a five-year period. These attacks could involve malicious activities such as hacking into critical infrastructure, disrupting operations, stealing sensitive data, or causing physical damage. The significant financial impact reflects the importance of the oil and gas industry to the U.S. economy and the vulnerabilities that exist within these sectors in terms of cybersecurity. Such attacks can disrupt energy supply chains, lead to production shutdowns, impact national security, and have far-reaching consequences for businesses and consumers alike. Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and threat detection capabilities is crucial for safeguarding these critical infrastructure assets.

Around 70% of top-tier U.S. oil and gas companies believe digitalization can increase their revenues by 5% to 6%,

The statistic suggests that the majority of leading oil and gas companies in the United States see digitalization as a significant opportunity for revenue growth. Specifically, around 70% of these companies believe that implementing digital technologies can lead to a revenue increase of 5% to 6%. This indicates a strong conviction within the industry that leveraging digital solutions such as automation, data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) can play a crucial role in driving financial performance. By embracing digitalization, these companies are positioning themselves to enhance operational efficiency, optimize production processes, and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the evolving energy landscape.

The oil and gas sector experienced a 438% rise in cyber attacks over the last 4 years,

The statistic stating that the oil and gas sector experienced a 438% rise in cyber attacks over the last 4 years suggests a significant and alarming increase in cybersecurity threats faced by companies within the industry. The 438% rise indicates that the number of cyber attacks targeting oil and gas companies has more than quadrupled during this time frame. This trend highlights the growing vulnerability of the sector to cyber threats and the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and strategies. It also underscores the importance of investing in robust cybersecurity systems and protocols to protect critical infrastructure, sensitive data, and assets from potential cyber attacks.

Up to 40% of cyber attacks were directed at energy firms including gas and oil in the year 2012,

The statistic indicates that in the year 2012, up to 40% of cyber attacks targeted energy firms, particularly gas and oil companies. This high percentage suggests that the energy sector was a significant target for cyber attacks during that period. Such attacks on energy companies can have serious consequences, including disruption of operations, theft of sensitive information, and potential risks to national security. It underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity measures within the energy industry to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the reliability and security of energy supplies.

Approximately 68% of oil and gas companies experienced at least one significant cybersecurity incident in 2016,

The statistic indicates that in 2016, around 68% of oil and gas companies encountered at least one notable cybersecurity incident. This suggests that a significant majority of companies operating in the oil and gas sector faced cyber threats that potentially resulted in breaches, data loss, or disruptions to their operations. The high prevalence of such incidents highlights the susceptibility of oil and gas companies to cyber attacks, emphasizing the importance of enhancing cybersecurity measures within the industry to safeguard sensitive data, protect critical infrastructure, and mitigate potential risks to business continuity and operational efficiency.

The percentage of cyber-attacks on OT infrastructure has increased over three years from 19% to 43%,

The statistic indicates a notable trend in the frequency of cyber-attacks targeting Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure over a three-year period. Specifically, the percentage of cyber-attacks on OT infrastructure has more than doubled, rising from 19% to 43%. This significant increase suggests a growing vulnerability and impact of cyber threats on critical systems that control industrial processes and essential services. The trend highlights the need for increased cybersecurity measures and vigilance to protect OT infrastructure from malicious activities that can disrupt operations, compromise safety, and lead to severe consequences for organizations and society as a whole.

35% of oil and gas organizations have a low maturity level when it comes to understanding cybersecurity risks,

This statistic indicates that 35% of oil and gas organizations have a low level of maturity in understanding cybersecurity risks. This suggests that a significant portion of companies in the industry may have inadequate knowledge and preparedness when it comes to safeguarding their operations against cybersecurity threats. Given the critical importance of cybersecurity in protecting sensitive information and infrastructure within the oil and gas sector, this statistic highlights a potential area of concern for these organizations in terms of managing and mitigating cyber risks effectively. Addressing this lack of maturity in cybersecurity understanding is crucial for these companies to enhance their resilience and protect themselves from potential cyber threats that could have serious consequences on their operations and data security.

About 46% of industrial businesses in petrochemical manufacturing have experienced a cyber-attack in their operational technology infrastructure,

The statistic highlights a concerning trend within the petrochemical manufacturing industry, indicating that approximately 46% of industrial businesses in this sector have faced cyber-attacks targeting their operational technology infrastructure. This suggests a significant vulnerability within these organizations, potentially exposing them to disruptions in their production processes, data breaches, financial losses, and other detrimental effects. The prevalence of cyber-attacks in this industry underscores the critical importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures and protocols to safeguard against such threats and protect the integrity and security of operational technology systems. Addressing these vulnerabilities through proactive cybersecurity measures will be essential in mitigating the risks posed by cyber-attacks in petrochemical manufacturing businesses.

83% of oil and gas sector respondents in the Middle East have never tested their cybersecurity response plan,

The statistic that 83% of oil and gas sector respondents in the Middle East have never tested their cybersecurity response plan indicates a concerning lack of preparedness and proactive risk management within the industry. The failure to conduct regular testing of cybersecurity response plans leaves these organizations vulnerable to potential cyber threats and attacks, which could have severe consequences on not only their operations but also the broader energy sector. Without periodic testing, these companies may not be aware of potential weaknesses in their response strategies, hindering their ability to effectively mitigate and respond to cyber incidents. Addressing this gap in cybersecurity preparedness is crucial for safeguarding critical infrastructure and maintaining the stability and security of the oil and gas sector in the Middle East.

Nearly 16% of oil and gas organizations took three days to a week to recover from a cyber attack,

The statistic indicates that approximately 16% of oil and gas organizations experienced a significant impact from a cyber attack, taking them three days to a week to fully recover from the attack. This data suggests that despite preventive measures in place, a notable proportion of these organizations faced challenges in responding to and mitigating the consequences of cyber attacks. The prolonged recovery time can have serious implications for the affected organizations, including financial losses, operational disruptions, damage to their reputation, and potential data breaches. It underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and incident response protocols in place to minimize the impact of cyber threats on critical industries such as oil and gas.

The global market for industrial cybersecurity in the oil and gas sector was valued at $1.27 billion in 2018,

The statistic indicates that in the year 2018, the global market for industrial cybersecurity specifically within the oil and gas sector was estimated to be worth $1.27 billion. This value represents the total amount spent on cybersecurity products, services, and solutions tailored to protect the industrial systems and data within the oil and gas industry from cyber threats. The significance of this statistic lies in highlighting the increasing recognition of the importance of strong cybersecurity measures within critical infrastructure sectors like oil and gas, where vulnerabilities can have serious economic, environmental, and safety implications. The market value serves as a marker for the investments made by oil and gas companies in securing their operations against evolving cyber risks.

The cybersecurity skills shortage affects 70% of organizations in the energy sector, including oil and gas,

The statistic indicates that a significant majority of organizations operating in the energy sector, particularly in the oil and gas industry, are experiencing a shortage of cybersecurity skills. This means that 70% of these organizations do not have enough qualified personnel to adequately protect their digital assets and infrastructure from cyber threats. The lack of cybersecurity expertise poses a serious risk to these organizations, as they may be more vulnerable to cyber attacks, data breaches, and other security incidents. This highlights the urgent need for these organizations to address this skills gap by investing in training, hiring cybersecurity professionals, and implementing robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard their operations and data.

The global cybersecurity spending in the energy sector, including oil and gas, is expected to reach $1.9 billion by 2020,

The statistic indicates that worldwide investment in cybersecurity within the energy sector, which encompasses industries such as oil and gas, is projected to grow to $1.9 billion by the year 2020. This significant increase suggests a growing recognition of the importance of cybersecurity measures in protecting critical energy infrastructure from cyber threats and breaches. As the energy sector becomes more digitized and interconnected, the need for robust cybersecurity strategies and investments has become paramount to safeguard assets, operations, and sensitive data from malicious actors. The statistic underscores the sector’s proactive efforts to enhance its cybersecurity posture in the face of evolving cyber risks and vulnerabilities.

Nearly 60% of security breaches in energy sector, including oil and gas, originate from inside the organization,

The statistic suggests that the energy sector, specifically within oil and gas companies, faces a significant vulnerability with nearly 60% of security breaches originating from internal sources within the organization. This indicates that threats to sensitive information and infrastructure come not only from external malicious actors, but also from individuals within the company itself. Such breaches could result from intentional actions driven by employees or contractors, as well as unintentional mistakes or oversights that lead to security vulnerabilities. Understanding and addressing this internal threat landscape is crucial for energy companies to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses and protect their assets from potential breaches and data compromises.

74% of oil and gas companies admit not being equipped to monitor OT cyber threats,

The statistic that 74% of oil and gas companies admit not being equipped to monitor OT (Operational Technology) cyber threats highlights a concerning vulnerability within the industry. Operational Technology systems are crucial for the monitoring and control of physical processes in sectors like oil and gas. The admission by a large majority of companies within this sector reveals a potential gap in cybersecurity preparedness, indicating a risk of potential cyber attacks that could disrupt critical operations, compromise safety, and lead to significant financial losses. This statistic underscores the urgent need for oil and gas companies to prioritize cybersecurity measures and invest in enhancing their capabilities to protect their OT systems from evolving cyber threats.

About 48% of oil and gas industry leaders believe that they do not bear primary responsibility for cybersecurity,

The statistic indicates that nearly half, specifically 48%, of executives in the oil and gas industry do not perceive themselves as having the primary responsibility for cybersecurity within their organizations. This suggests a potential lack of understanding or recognition of the critical role that cybersecurity plays in protecting sensitive data, infrastructure, and operations within the industry. Such a perspective could lead to inadequate investment in cybersecurity measures, leaving these organizations vulnerable to cyber threats and compromising their overall security posture. It highlights the importance of increasing awareness and promoting a culture of cybersecurity responsibility among industry leaders to enhance protection against evolving cyber risks.

Conclusion

Overall, the statistics presented highlight the critical importance of cybersecurity in the petroleum industry. The increasing number of cyber attacks and the potential impacts on operations underscore the need for proactive measures to safeguard sensitive information and critical infrastructure. It is clear that investing in robust cybersecurity measures is essential to protect the industry and ensure the smooth functioning of oil and gas operations in an increasingly digital world.

References

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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.

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