NATO CEPS Cyber Risk Study continues this week with a visit to the Dutch Pipeline Organisation

The NATO ENSEC COE continues its on-going project – the inspection of European pipeline companies which are a part of the NATO Central European Pipeline System (CEPS). Subject Matter Experts from the NATO ENSEC COE have already visited Belgian Pipeline Organization (BPO) last year, and now headed to the Dutch Pipeline Organisation (DPO) to continue the ongoing Cyber Risk Study.

Centre’s Subject Matter Experts team from the Research and Lessons Learned Division (RLLD) was welcomed by Mr. M. M. Vanagten Emim, Director of Dutch Pipeline Organisation (DPO). NATO ENSEC COE representatives have delivered three briefings on related cyber security issues. Subject matter expert Vytautas Paul Butrimas spoke about cyber threats to energy systems, Dr. Tadas Jakštas tackled the question of interdependencies of OT and IT, and Col. Dr. Reiner Zimmermann covered sensor issues. After presentations, meeting participants discussed about better ways of strengthening security of strategic objects and control stations through cyber security perspective.

Later this week the inspection trip will continue to the Netherlands. There are planed visits to Access Pits, Dispatch, Centres, Fuel Depot, and Port of Rotterdam facilities. Observations will be concluded with a summary report that will present recommendations for making the pipeline operations and the protection of critical energy infrastructure safer and more reliable in the current cyber threat environment.

he NATO Central Europe Pipeline System programme manages the operation, financing and maintenance of an integrated, cross-border fuel pipeline and storage system in support of NATO's operational military requirements during peacetime, crisis and conflicts, including expeditionary operations.