Three Strategies for More Secure Pipeline Operations

In the United States, the Transportation Security Agency has issued mandatory directives for pipeline security. Meeting those guidelines may require less effort than companies anticipate.

The safe movement of liquids and gases across the pipeline infrastructure of the United States is critical. Whether pipelines are delivering fuels for transportation or home energy, feedstocks used to manufacture a wide variety of plastics and specialty chemicals, or any of the myriad other products that keep nations running, pipeline companies must ensure that operation continues without incident 24/7. 

Recently, the strategies to keep pipelines operational have come under even more scrutiny. A series of attacks targeting grids, pipelines, and terminals since 2012 has revealed that “security through obscurity”—the assumption that pipelines are outside of hackers’ notice, so they are unlikely to be targeted—is no longer a viable option. Today, organizations must take an active role in implementing strong cybersecurity to protect their pipelines.  Emerson’s Eric Cytrynowicz, RTU product manager, and Martin Johnson, director of product marketing for the energy and transportation solutions business, co-authored an article in the February 2023 issue in Pipeline and Gas Journal on three strategies for more secure pipeline operations.