On May 27, the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration announced a Security Directive designed to “better identify, protect against, and respond to threats to critical companies in the pipeline sector.”
The Security Directive comes in the wake of the Colonial Pipeline shutdown following a ransomware attack.
Highlights of the Security Directive
Critical pipeline owners and operators will be required to:
- Report confirmed and potential cybersecurity incidents to the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
- Designate a Cybersecurity Coordinator, to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Review current practices and identify gaps and related remediation measures, and report the results to TSA within 30 days
TSA is also considering additional mandatory measures to assist the pipeline industry in enhancing it cybersecurity programs and practices.
Previous Security Guidance for Pipeline Owners and Operators