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On Wednesday, the APGA Security Task Group (TG) heard from two officials from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA is responsible for the security of America’s critical infrastructure including the pipelines that public natural gas utilities operate. This update was especially timely, as there has been a lot of activity in the aftermath of the Colonial Pipeline ransomware incident that occurred earlier this year. While TSA is appropriately requiring security regulations for the nation’s critical pipeline systems through issuing Security Directives (SDs), there is an expectation that all operators in the oil and natural gas sector are taking necessary steps to institute cyber security best practices to prevent ransomware and other attacks on America’s critical infrastructure. TSA passed along valuable information, especially on future deliverables, such as more frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the SDs and plans for further, potential oversight of public natural gas utilities. APGA staff will be sure to share details on TSA activity, as it becomes finalized.

Also, given the importance of protecting against physical and cybersecurity threats, all APGA members are encouraged to participate in the Security TG. Helpful information is posted on the APGA Community, and all of the task group members receive updates from APGA staff on what the federal government is doing with regards to physical and cybersecurity.

For questions on this article, please contact Stuart Saulters of APGA staff by phone at 202-544-1334 or by email at ssaulters@apga.org.