The Hidden Danger in Oil & Gas Networks: Unsecure Cellular & Satellite Connections

The oil and gas industry faces a growing cybersecurity crisis, particularly when it comes to securing remote sites, pipelines, and drilling operations. With high-value operations spread across vast geographical areas, companies struggle to implement robust security measures that protect their operational technology (OT) networks from modern cyber threats.

Through numerous discussions with industry professionals, we have gained valuable insights into the cybersecurity concerns shaping the industry today. These conversations reveal why securing remote sites is a major challenge, what companies are doing about it, and how industry-wide vulnerabilities must be addressed.

The Growing Concern: Unprotected Cellular and Satellite Networks

One of the biggest security gaps in the oil and gas sector is the lack of security in cellular and satellite networks. These technologies are widely used to connect remote drilling sites, pipelines, and production facilities to central control hubs, yet they are inherently vulnerable to cyberattacks.

• Unreliable Connectivity: Traditional cellular networks are not designed for mission-critical security applications, leading to potential downtime and security risks.
• Satellite Networks Aren’t Secure by Default: Many companies are evaluating low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite providers as a backup connectivity solution, but these too present security challenges.
• High Stakes: A cyberattack on an oilfield’s communications network could disrupt operations, lead to significant financial loss, or even pose environmental hazards.

The question isn’t whether oil and gas companies need stronger security—it’s how they can achieve it without excessive cost and complexity.

Industry-Wide Decision-Making Challenges

Many organizations recognize the urgent need for enhanced security but face roadblocks in implementing modern solutions. Through our discussions, we identified several key challenges that decision-makers in oil and gas face when evaluating cybersecurity solutions:

• Legacy Thinking & Resistance to Change – Many security teams still operate with outdated strategies, relying on decades-old infrastructure that wasn’t built for today’s cyber threat landscape. 
• Complex Vendor Ecosystem – Managing cybersecurity across multiple remote sites requires coordination between IT, OT, and third-party contractors, leading to potential blind spots in security coverage. 
• Balancing Cost & Security – Companies must find solutions that enhance security without adding excessive costs or operational burdens. 
• The Contractor Access Problem – Many breaches originate from third-party vendors accessing critical systems. Organizations must find ways to secure remote access without increasing attack surfaces.

How Oil & Gas Companies Can Strengthen Security for Remote Sites

As companies explore solutions, several emerging security strategies have shown promise for protecting OT networks without introducing unnecessary complexity.

• Zero Trust Architecture – Instead of assuming a network is secure, Zero Trust operates under the premise that every connection must be authenticated and continuously verified.
• Microsegmentation – By isolating different parts of the network, companies can limit lateral movement, making it significantly harder for attackers to gain widespread access.
• Secure Satellite & Cellular Connectivity – Rather than relying on standard off-the-shelf solutions, oil and gas companies need a secure overlay network that protects data transmissions across unreliable connections.
• Passwordless, Phishing-Resistant Authentication – Removing passwords from remote access protocols eliminates one of the most common attack vectors for OT environments.

The Future of Oil & Gas Cybersecurity

Our ongoing conversations with industry leaders reinforce the fact that the oil and gas sector is at a crossroads. Companies can either continue using outdated security measures that leave them vulnerable or adopt modern security frameworks designed for today’s complex, remote-connected environments.

The key takeaway? Cybersecurity can’t be an afterthought. Organizations that proactively secure their remote operations now will not only protect their assets but also ensure business continuity, regulatory compliance, and long-term success.

Want to learn more about securing your oil & gas infrastructure?

Join our exclusive webinar on March 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST, where we’ll break down the top cybersecurity strategies for securing remote sites, preventing cyber threats, and ensuring operational resilience.

Register Now to reserve your spot!