IT security for oil and gas companies

Oil and gas companies need to be proactive in taking initiatives to implement tools that can protect them from information technology (IT) threats. First, it must gain an understanding of the basics of security threats and solutions by working in conjunction with the company's IT department. Then, a comprehensive security program must be developed and implemented. Essentially it has to be a five-part solution beginning with the most important: infrastructure visibility. By properly establishing policies, procedures, and operational models, companies that have the best visibility throughout the infrastructure can determine their security needs on the basis of specified applications and data. This would allow companies to adjust their security posture in real time, enabling them to operate the network at the highest efficiency and productivity levels with maximum security without hindering corporate profitability.