Global automation, contract manufacturing and extended supply chains, the shift to service business models as well as the growth of remote monitoring of critical systems have driven integration of ICS and SCADA systems with ERP and MES and Cloud based systems and the internet.

With expanding networks and ever higher levels of automation, critical infrastructure has become increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Attacks on critical infrastructure are particularly worrying because they can lead to severe consequences for communities, economy, society, and governments. Successful attacks can result in shortages of water, energy, food, health services, or transport and communications.

Digitalization has brought many benefits to Oil, Gas and Energy companies. It has also significantly increased cyber risks and exposed vulnerabilities in the operational technology used extensively in the sector which was not designed to be connected to the internet and lacks robust built-in security.