Overview
As cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure grow in frequency and sophistication, the Oil & Gas sector has become a primary target for state-sponsored attacks, ransomware groups, and cybercriminals. Recognizing these risks, a European government-led consortium engaged Cerberus to fortify the cybersecurity posture of its offshore drilling platforms.
The project required securing Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS), which are essential for platform operations, against cyber intrusions that could result in equipment failure, environmental disasters, and financial losses exceeding billions of dollars. Cerberus implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity framework, leveraging its proprietary XDR (Extended Detection & Response), EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response), AI-driven threat intelligence models, and patented security protocols tailored for OT environments.
Challenges
High-Risk, Isolated Offshore Infrastructure
Offshore platforms operate in remote and harsh environments, making physical security and network segmentation critical. Cyber intrusions targeting these systems could result in:
- Remote hijacking of drilling equipment, leading to production halts.
- Manipulation of safety-critical systems, such as gas leak detection and blowout preventers.
- Disruption of communication channels, impacting coordination between offshore and onshore teams.
Operational Technology (OT) Vulnerabilities
Unlike traditional IT systems, OT networks in oil & gas platforms were not originally designed with cybersecurity in mind. These environments required:
- Zero-downtime security integration to avoid disrupting operations.
- Protection against malware specifically targeting industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA, and PLCs.
- Custom AI-driven threat detection models to recognize anomalies unique to offshore drilling operations.
Compliance with Global Security Regulations
The consortium had to comply with multiple cybersecurity frameworks, including:
- NIST 800-82 for securing industrial control systems.
- IEC 62443 for OT cybersecurity.
- GDPR and national cybersecurity directives for data protection.
Failure to meet these standards could result in regulatory fines, reputational damage, and increased risk exposure.
Cerberus’ Approach & Proprietary Solutions
AI-Driven XDR & EDR Deployment for OT Security
Cerberus deployed its proprietary XDR and EDR platforms, customized for OT environments and ICS networks. This included:
- Real-Time OT Threat Intelligence: AI models trained on historical attack data specific to offshore drilling.
- Advanced Anomaly Detection: Proprietary machine learning (ML) models identifying irregular behaviors in SCADA systems.
- Automated Incident Response for OT: AI-driven playbooks isolating compromised network segments within milliseconds.
Zero-Trust Security Framework for Industrial Networks
- Network Micro-Segmentation: Prevented lateral movement of malware across drilling systems.
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Ensured that only authorized personnel could access OT networks.
- Encrypted Data Transmission Protocols: Patented telecommunication security models safeguarded remote monitoring and control systems.
Industrial Firewalls & Secure Remote Access
- Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) tailored for ICS and SCADA environments were deployed.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Remote Access prevented unauthorized logins.
- VPN Hardening restricted access to onshore command centers only.
Cybersecurity Training & Incident Response Planning
- 250+ platform operators trained in cyber hygiene and real-time threat response.
- Simulated cyberattacks conducted through Red Team/Blue Team exercises to test and enhance resilience.
- Incident Response Plan (IRP) deployed, ensuring rapid containment of threats like Triton malware (a known OT-targeting attack).
Results & Impact
Offshore Platforms Secured Against Cyber Threats
- 100% network segmentation achieved, preventing unauthorized access to critical OT systems.
- 98.5% of cyber threats neutralized before impact, ensuring zero operational disruptions.
- Multiple breach attempts blocked, including ransomware and nation-state APT attacks.
AI-Powered Threat Detection & Cost Savings
- Cyber threat response times reduced by 87%, allowing sub-second reaction times.
- False positive rates lowered by 72%, improving incident response efficiency.
- Estimated prevention of $1.2 billion in potential downtime and production losses.
Compliance & Industry Leadership
- Full adherence to IEC 62443, NIST 800-82, and GDPR regulations.
- Recognized as a cybersecurity best-practice case study for the European energy sector.
- Implemented a scalable security model, enabling future expansion of the protection framework across multiple offshore sites.
Conclusion
The successful deployment of Cerberus’ proprietary XDR, EDR, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, and patented telecommunication security models ensured that offshore drilling platforms remained operational, resilient, and secure from evolving cyber threats.
By integrating zero-trust architecture, real-time AI-powered threat detection, and automated response mechanisms, Cerberus helped establish a new standard for cybersecurity in the Oil & Gas sector.
As offshore energy projects become increasingly digitized, Cerberus remains the trusted partner for securing mission-critical infrastructure.
Looking to safeguard your Oil & Gas operations? Contact Cerberus today to explore how our cutting-edge cybersecurity technology can protect your offshore platforms.
