Industry is Calling for More Pipeline Cybersecurity Regulations – Are You Ready?
You know there’s a lack of oversight when a trade association openly calls for the federal government to issue more regulations. In response to the Colonial Pipeline cybersecurity breach, the Industrial Energy Consumers of America (IECA) have urged lawmakers to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reliability oversight and mandatory requirements to improve the physical and cybersecurity of natural gas pipelines.
“Unlike electricity, there are no mandatory standards and there is no federal oversight of natural gas pipeline reliability,” IECA said in a statement. “Our nation cannot have electricity reliability without a secure and reliable supply of natural gas.”
IECA believes natural gas pipelines should have the same oversight as electricity, both physical and cybersecurity. In its letter to the House of Representatives, FERC stated it had reviewed H.R. 370, 3119, 2928 and 2931, and none of these bills would provide the safeguards required to protect LNG pipelines in the U.S.
The IECA acknowledges the increased prices that would come as a result of additional regulations on natural gas pipelines, which undoubtedly would be passed on to its members. However, as the cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline and its aftermath showed, another breach could lead to even more economic troubles for everyone connected to these industries.
In short, if you’re a manufacturer supplying products for the IECA members or the natural gas industry, you could be obligated to adhere to more regulations sooner than later.
With that in mind, it’s time to partner with a cybersecurity expert like 2W Tech. We are a full-service IT consulting firm that specializes in cybersecurity solutions and can help your organization maintain compliance with industry standards you must adhere to through our Cybersecurity Compliance Program. Contact us today.
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