Strengthening Security in the Energy Sector

The energy sector powers economies and communities alike, making its security a matter of national and global stability. At the same time, the industry faces an increasingly complex — and fast-moving — threat landscape.

From extreme weather events to sophisticated cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, energy providers must navigate a broad spectrum of risks. Geopolitical tensions, regulatory demands, and rapid technology shifts only add to the challenge.

What’s more, the energy sector is highly dependent on a vast network of suppliers, contractors, and third-party vendors for everything from fuel and equipment to software and security services. This interconnected web introduces significant vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals, state-sponsored attackers, or even insider threats. 

Key risks in the energy supply chain

• Cybersecurity weaknesses in third-party vendors: Many energy companies rely on external vendors for IT services, industrial control systems (ICS), and operational technology (OT). If these vendors lack strong cybersecurity protocols, they can become entry points for cyberattacks.
• Physical security gaps in equipment manufacturing & transportation: Critical infrastructure components such as transformers, pipelines, and control systems often originate from multiple global suppliers. If these parts are tampered with or delayed, they can cause operational disruptions.
• Geopolitical risks & dependence on foreign suppliers: Many energy companies source materials and technology from international markets. Political instability, trade restrictions, or conflicts can disrupt access to essential resources.
• Lack of visibility & oversight: Many energy providers struggle to track all the entities in their supply chain, making it difficult to enforce security standards consistently. 

Insider threats: a hidden security risk

While external threats like cyberattacks and physical breaches often dominate security discussions, insider threats pose an equally significant risk. Employees, contractors, and even business partners can intentionally or unintentionally compromise security, leading to data breaches, operational sabotage, or financial fraud.

Types of insider threats include:

• Malicious insiders: Employees or contractors who deliberately leak sensitive information, sabotage systems, or enable external attackers for personal or ideological reasons.
• Negligent insiders: Workers who unintentionally expose the organization to risk, such as by mishandling sensitive data, clicking on phishing links, or using weak passwords.
• Compromised insiders: Employees who have had their credentials stolen or devices hacked, allowing attackers to infiltrate the organization without detection.

Given these realities, security must go beyond traditional, reactive measures. A more integrated, proactive approach is needed—one that balances resilience with operational efficiency. 

Security as an investment, not a cost

Organizations often view security as an expense, but the real cost lies in disruptions, compliance failures, and reputational damage. Consider these examples:

• Cyberattacks: In August 2024, energy services giant Halliburton suffered a ransomware attack that led to the shutdown of critical IT systems and disconnection from customers. The incident resulted in a financial loss of approximately $35 million.
• Regulatory penalties: Exelon companies, including Atlantic City Electric Company, Delmarva Power & Light Company, and others, were penalized by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) for violating Facility Rating standards (FAC-009-1). These violations highlighted the importance of maintaining accurate facility ratings to ensure the reliability of the Bulk Power System.
• Loss of trust: The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in May 2021 led to significant fuel shortages across the Southeastern United States. The incident not only disrupted fuel supply but also eroded public trust in national infrastructure defense capabilities.

The takeaway: beyond financial impact, operational disruptions compromise reliability and customer confidence. 

The good news is that security innovations now enable energy providers to boost protection while improving efficiency. 

Technology as a force multiplier

Advancements in security technology offer powerful tools for risk mitigation:

• AI-driven surveillance and predictive analytics enable real-time weather risk mapping, helping organizations anticipate and respond to climate-related disruptions.
• Threat intelligence platforms provide instant situational awareness, allowing teams to respond to cyber and physical threats with greater precision.
• High-tech monitoring solutions—including drones, mobile surveillance units (MSUs), biometric access control, and thermal imaging—ensure continuous oversight of critical infrastructure.

These tools can significantly enhance security. However, without a unified strategy, disparate technologies and multiple vendors create inefficiencies and accountability gaps. 

The problem with fragmented security

Many energy organizations rely on a patchwork of security providers and systems, each addressing different aspects of risk. This fragmented approach leads to:

• Inefficiencies: Redundant efforts and inconsistent security coverage.
• Compliance challenges: Difficulty maintaining uniform adherence to strict regulatory standards.
• Lack of clear accountability: When multiple vendors are involved, determining responsibility for failures or breaches becomes complicated.

A more effective model is an integrated security approach, where all security functions—guarding, technology, threat intelligence—operate as part of a cohesive system. 

The power of integration

By consolidating security services under a single framework, organizations can:

• Improve efficiency through streamlined processes and vendor consolidation.
• Enhance response times by ensuring real-time coordination between security personnel and automated monitoring systems.
• Strengthen accountability with a clear chain of command in the event of security incidents.

A unified approach enables proactive threat detection, faster incident resolution, and better compliance management. Instead of juggling multiple contracts and solutions, energy providers can focus on their core mission: delivering reliable power in an increasingly uncertain world. 

The human factor: security personnel as a strategic asset

Technology is critical, but people remain the first line of defense in energy security. Security teams provide situational awareness and rapid decision-making that automated systems alone cannot replicate.

However, the security industry faces workforce challenges, including high turnover and irregular schedules. These issues can impact service quality and increase costs. Addressing them requires a commitment to:

• Retention and training: Investing in personnel development improves effectiveness and reduces turnover.
• Employee well-being: A positive work environment translates into more engaged, proactive security teams.

GardaWorld Security’s recognition as a Great Place to Work® underscores the value of employee engagement in delivering consistent, high-quality security services. A motivated workforce is demonstrably more effective at mitigating risk and responding to security incidents. 

Security as a competitive advantage

For energy providers, security isn’t just about protection—it’s a business enabler. A well-integrated security strategy:

• Builds trust with stakeholders, regulators, and customers.
• Ensures regulatory compliance, reducing the risk of penalties.
• Enhances resilience, strengthening an organization’s ability to withstand and recover from disruptions.

With a unified security model that combines technology, intelligence, and skilled personnel, energy companies can better safeguard operations while driving long-term success.

Ready to upgrade your security strategy? Speak with an expert today.