Last updated on Jun 17, 2025

What are the best practices for managing cybersecurity in hazardous environments?

Cybersecurity is a vital concern for any industrial system, but especially for those that operate in hazardous environments, such as oil and gas, chemical, nuclear, or mining sectors. A cyberattack on these systems could have severe consequences for the safety of workers, the environment, and the public. Therefore, it is essential to follow some best practices for managing cybersecurity in hazardous environments, which we will discuss in this article.

1 Assess the risks

The first step to managing cybersecurity in hazardous environments is to assess the risks that your system faces. This includes identifying the potential threats, vulnerabilities, and impacts of a cyberattack on your system, as well as the regulatory and legal requirements that you have to comply with. A risk assessment should cover both the technical and human aspects of cybersecurity, such as the hardware, software, network, communication, policies, procedures, and training. A risk assessment should also be updated regularly to reflect the changes in your system and the threat landscape.

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Akash Bhattacharyya

Food Technologist Turned Tech Enthusiast | AI & Software Development Learner | Certified in Gen-AI, Data Analytics & Consulting.
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Managing cybersecurity in hazardous environments requires precision and proactive control. Start by isolating OT from IT systems to prevent breaches. Use industrial-grade, secure devices built for extreme conditions. Limit user access with role-based controls and regularly update software, even during planned downtime. Monitor networks in real-time with tools that support industrial protocols. Train staff to understand both physical and digital risks, and ensure strong vendor security standards. Most importantly, have a clear incident response plan that covers both cyber threats and operational hazards. In these environments, cybersecurity is safety.

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Julio Humberto Andaur Moya

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Programa de integración y formación de empleos vocacionales Inscripciones abiertas ahora Perfil de la personalidad solamente CL $25000 (US $30) #orientacioneducacionaldocentespa #orientadoreducacionaldocentespa Juntos en la inclusión educativa social Reflexiones sobre la luz en las tinieblas Aprender a ayudar en la vocación de servicio Julioandaurmoya@gmail.com NIVELES DE ACCESO : 1 PERFIL DE LA PERSONALIDAD 2 CAPACITACIÓN 3 EMPLEO EN EL ÁREA TE ESPERAMOS PACIENTEMENTE EN SAN ANTONIO PUERTO CHILE PLANIFICAR Y HACER CONFIANZA CURSOS PARA EL EMPLEO INCLUSIÓN DE LA EXCLUSIÓN ACCESO A LA ATENCIÓN PRESENCIAL Y ON LINE

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Akash Bhattacharyya

Food Technologist Turned Tech Enthusiast | AI & Software Development Learner | Certified in Gen-AI, Data Analytics & Consulting.
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Managing cybersecurity in hazardous environments demands a strategic balance of safety, reliability, and control. Begin by segmenting operational technology (OT) from IT systems to reduce attack surfaces. Regular software updates and patches are critical, even if they must be scheduled during maintenance windows. Use real-time monitoring tools that support industrial protocols like Modbus or OPC-UA to detect anomalies early. Train staff on both cyber hygiene and physical safety protocols, and enforce strict vendor security checks. Finally, develop a robust incident response plan that covers both digital threats and operational disruptions. In hazardous settings, cybersecurity isn’t just about data—it’s about lives, safety, and continuity.

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Diego Fagoaga Ruiz

CEO | Experto en Seguros y Estrategias Comerciales | Transformando el Crecimiento Sostenible y la Confianza a través de Más de 20 Años de Liderazgo y Experiencia en la Industria
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Segmentación de redes para aislar sistemas críticos. Accesos mínimos necesarios (principio de menor privilegio). Monitoreo en tiempo real de comportamientos anómalos. Capacitación constante al personal operativo. Planes de respuesta ante incidentes claros y probados.

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2 Implement the controls

The second step to managing cybersecurity in hazardous environments is to implement the controls that can mitigate the risks that you have identified. These controls can be classified into three categories: physical, technical, and administrative. Physical controls are the measures that protect the access and integrity of your system's hardware and infrastructure, such as locks, alarms, cameras, or guards. Technical controls are the measures that protect the functionality and performance of your system's software and network, such as firewalls, encryption, authentication, or backup. Administrative controls are the measures that govern the behavior and awareness of your system's users and operators, such as policies, procedures, training, or audits.

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Alexis Enrique G.

Alexis Enrique Gomez Zamora
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Desde mi experiencia en Auranix Solutions, sé que en entornos peligrosos, la ciberseguridad no es un lujo técnico. Es un escudo estratégico que define si una operación sobrevive… o colapsa. Cuando trabajo con organizaciones en sectores críticos, siempre insisto en lo mismo: Los controles no solo deben implementarse, deben integrarse con inteligencia. Controles físicos que protejan el acceso real. Controles técnicos que garanticen rendimiento y defensa. Controles administrativos que alineen personas y procesos. No se trata de poner candados por todos lados. Se trata de entender el sistema como un todo y diseñar seguridad que respire con el negocio.

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Julio Humberto Andaur Moya

representante legal y propietario..
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Programa de integración y formación de empleos vocacionales Inscripciones abiertas ahora Perfil de la personalidad solamente CL $25000 (US $30) #orientacioneducacionaldocentespa #orientadoreducacionaldocentespa Juntos en la inclusión educativa social Reflexiones sobre la luz en las tinieblas Aprender a ayudar en la vocación de servicio Julioandaurmoya@gmail.com NIVELES DE ACCESO : 1 PERFIL DE LA PERSONALIDAD 2 CAPACITACIÓN 3 EMPLEO EN EL ÁREA TE ESPERAMOS PACIENTEMENTE EN SAN ANTONIO PUERTO CHILE PLANIFICAR Y HACER CONFIANZA CURSOS PARA EL EMPLEO INCLUSIÓN DE LA EXCLUSIÓN ACCESO A LA ATENCIÓN PRESENCIAL Y ON LINE

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3 Monitor the performance

The third step to managing cybersecurity in hazardous environments is to monitor the performance of your system and the effectiveness of your controls. This involves collecting and analyzing data from your system's components, such as sensors, actuators, controllers, or servers, as well as from external sources, such as threat intelligence or incident reports. Monitoring can help you detect and respond to any anomalies, errors, or breaches that may occur in your system, as well as to measure and improve your system's reliability, availability, and resilience.

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Julio Humberto Andaur Moya

representante legal y propietario..
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Programa de integración y formación de empleos vocacionales Inscripciones abiertas ahora Perfil de la personalidad solamente CL $25000 (US $30) #orientacioneducacionaldocentespa #orientadoreducacionaldocentespa Juntos en la inclusión educativa social Reflexiones sobre la luz en las tinieblas Aprender a ayudar en la vocación de servicio Julioandaurmoya@gmail.com NIVELES DE ACCESO : 1 PERFIL DE LA PERSONALIDAD 2 CAPACITACIÓN 3 EMPLEO EN EL ÁREA TE ESPERAMOS PACIENTEMENTE EN SAN ANTONIO PUERTO CHILE PLANIFICAR Y HACER CONFIANZA CURSOS PARA EL EMPLEO INCLUSIÓN DE LA EXCLUSIÓN ACCESO A LA ATENCIÓN PRESENCIAL Y ON LINE

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4 Update the system

The fourth step to managing cybersecurity in hazardous environments is to update your system regularly to keep up with the evolving technologies and threats. This includes applying patches, upgrades, or changes to your system's hardware, software, network, or communication, as well as reviewing and revising your system's design, configuration, or architecture. Updating your system can help you enhance your system's functionality, performance, and security, as well as to reduce your system's vulnerabilities, inefficiencies, or obsolescence.

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Julio Humberto Andaur Moya

representante legal y propietario..
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Programa de integración y formación de empleos vocacionales Inscripciones abiertas ahora Perfil de la personalidad solamente CL $25000 (US $30) #orientacioneducacionaldocentespa #orientadoreducacionaldocentespa Juntos en la inclusión educativa social Reflexiones sobre la luz en las tinieblas Aprender a ayudar en la vocación de servicio Julioandaurmoya@gmail.com NIVELES DE ACCESO : 1 PERFIL DE LA PERSONALIDAD 2 CAPACITACIÓN 3 EMPLEO EN EL ÁREA TE ESPERAMOS PACIENTEMENTE EN SAN ANTONIO PUERTO CHILE PLANIFICAR Y HACER CONFIANZA CURSOS PARA EL EMPLEO INCLUSIÓN DE LA EXCLUSIÓN ACCESO A LA ATENCIÓN PRESENCIAL Y ON LINE

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5 Test the system

The fifth step to managing cybersecurity in hazardous environments is to test your system periodically to verify its functionality, performance, and security. This includes conducting simulations, inspections, or audits to check your system's components, controls, or processes, as well as performing exercises, drills, or scenarios to evaluate your system's response, recovery, or continuity. Testing your system can help you identify and correct any defects, gaps, or weaknesses in your system, as well as to validate and improve your system's compliance, readiness, or robustness.

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Julio Humberto Andaur Moya

representante legal y propietario..
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Programa de integración y formación de empleos vocacionales Inscripciones abiertas ahora Perfil de la personalidad solamente CL $25000 (US $30) #orientacioneducacionaldocentespa #orientadoreducacionaldocentespa Juntos en la inclusión educativa social Reflexiones sobre la luz en las tinieblas Aprender a ayudar en la vocación de servicio Julioandaurmoya@gmail.com NIVELES DE ACCESO : 1 PERFIL DE LA PERSONALIDAD 2 CAPACITACIÓN 3 EMPLEO EN EL ÁREA TE ESPERAMOS PACIENTEMENTE EN SAN ANTONIO PUERTO CHILE PLANIFICAR Y HACER CONFIANZA CURSOS PARA EL EMPLEO INCLUSIÓN DE LA EXCLUSIÓN ACCESO A LA ATENCIÓN PRESENCIAL Y ON LINE

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6 Learn from the experience

The sixth and final step to managing cybersecurity in hazardous environments is to learn from your own and others' experience to continuously improve your system and your practices. This includes collecting and sharing feedback, lessons, or best practices from your system's operation, maintenance, or incidents, as well as from other similar or relevant systems, organizations, or sectors. Learning from the experience can help you gain insights, knowledge, or skills that can help you optimize your system's functionality, performance, and security, as well as to anticipate, prevent, or mitigate future cyberattacks.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best practices for managing cybersecurity in hazardous environments?

1

2

3

4

5

6

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1 Assess the risks

2 Implement the controls

3 Monitor the performance

4 Update the system

5 Test the system

6 Learn from the experience

7 Here’s what else to consider

Control Engineering

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