The responsibility of protecting the United States pipeline system is carried out by Transport Security Administration (TSA), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the department of transport and private owners. The TSA plays an oversight role on the physical, transmission and cybersecurity of the transport systems. The agency was formed after the 9/11 terror attack to protect citizens and goods on transportation (TSA, n.d.).
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is the agency at the helm of protecting citizens and the environment from contamination as a result of disasters that occur when energy like liquefied gas and other hazardous materials leak when in transport. The agency formulates policies, sets and enforces transportation standards, educated and trains first responders and the public, as well as carrying out research on how to prevent accidents (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, n.d.).
The pipeline operators also play a great role in ensuring safety of their products when in transport. Their interests are represented by the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, American Gas Association, American Public Gas Association, American Petroleum Institute (API), and Association of Oil Pipe Lines (GAO, 2019). The department of homeland security (DHS) is responsible for saving lives, protecting properties and the environment, as well as helping the affected with the basic needs.
To mitigate risks on SCADA networks first identify all SCADA networks, disconnect any unnecessary connection on the network and conduct regular assessment checks.
