Achieving Security Excellence in the Energy, Oil, and Gas Sector

The threat landscape in critical infrastructure has been rapidly intensifying over the last several years, and it’s expected to remain high for the foreseeable future. U.S. utilities faced a near 70% jump in cyberattacks in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The Department of Homeland Security’s 2025 Threat Assessment warns that domestic and foreign adversaries are expected to continue targeting critical infrastructure through prepositioning, cyber and physical attacks.

Businesses in the oil, gas and energy sectors house high-value assets, making them prime targets for a wide range of security threats, from theft and vandalism to terrorism and cyber attacks. As a result, these businesses face pressing and increasingly complex security challenges that require a multilayered solution.

Multilayered security is the only strategy for true peace of mind

Effectively protecting critical infrastructure requires a multipronged approach that includes a combination of three essential components: manned guarding, technology and intel.

While each of these three approaches offers distinct benefits, only in tandem can they ensure businesses' assets are protected from threats.

Top security officers are indispensable

Any effective security solution must begin with people. Highly trained, experienced guards who care about their work and are passionate about their job are essential when it comes to preventing attacks and responding appropriately when they occur. 

Security guards are the frontline protectors of critical infrastructure, and making sure they undergo comprehensive training is extremely important. This should include pre-placement screening, safety training, ISOP training, defensive driver training, regulatory monthly training and customer service training, while ensuring compliance with all licensing, training and site requirements. 

Guards trained through site-specific security programs that simulate real-life scenarios are especially prepared to manage emergencies. Equally important parts of their training are comprehensive protection strategies, robust emergency response plans, and a deep understanding of cultural contexts.

Effective security onboarding means a lower risk of accidents, security breaches, ineffective emergency response, legal and regulatory compliance issues, and damage to reputation and stakeholder trust.

AI-powered surveillance: detecting threats in real time

Combining human presence with technology enables quicker responses and enhanced detection through AI. The human element remains crucial, allowing security personnel to act from a more informed position, supported by AI-driven insights.

Thanks to innovations in security technology, AI-powered surveillance can recognize and trigger alerts for a wide range of incidents, including movement detection, object recognition, gun detection, loitering, fights, crowding, mask usage, slips and falls, and other subtle movements. AI is designed to detect anomalies, distinguishing between harmless objects, movements, or animals, and potential threats, such as unauthorized persons or vehicles. In fact, advanced AI can even flag vehicles with license plates that aren’t in the company’s system.

Leveraging AI-powered cameras alongside specialized personnel provides significantly better visibility and perimeter coverage, offering far greater effectiveness than relying on either personnel or cameras alone. 

Sophisticated intelligence helps you prepare for any situation

Together with personnel and technology, a strong security partner must have access to a reputable risk forecast, informing companies on global events that could pose a threat, such as political unrest and war. One example is the Global Risk Forecast from Crisis24, a GardaWorld company. This publication provides a comprehensive outlook of key events around the world most likely to impact your operations in 2025.

Emergency preparedness security programs are also essential, as they allow companies to take the necessary steps to prepare for and respond to events such as outages, work stoppages and severe weather conditions. 

The right security partner keeps your assets safe

Investing in skilled security personnel, state-of-the-art security technology and reputable intel optimizes the protection of critical energy assets. This multilayered approach provides immediate benefits, including enhanced employee safety and reduced outside threats, while also ensuring long-term business continuity, operational efficiency and cost control. 

When selecting a partner, it’s essential to choose one that prioritizes proper employee training, has proven experience with businesses like yours, and uses the latest technology and intel to protect infrastructure without compromise. 

At GardaWorld, we focus on comprehensive training and are certified as a Great Place To Work. As a result, we ensure that our guards and officers are equipped, eager and determined to protect your site and assets. We use the Crisis24 Global Risk Forecast to stay up to date on the latest world events to help mitigate threats before they happen, and we utilize AI-powered technology to enhance our security strategies. If you’re looking to take your security system to the next level, GardaWorld is here for you. Let’s talk.