Achieving energy resilience: Deep insight into threats, assets and national policy is the first step

Resilience is the new buzzword in the energy sector. Amidst mounting threats of cyberattacks, terrorism and natural disasters, executives and security leaders recognize it is impossible to prevent every disruptive incident. Instead, energy companies must develop resiliency: the ability to adapt in a changing environment to survive and prosper.

But while many energy companies maintain business continuity plans, true resilience requires moving beyond this standard approach to become more innovative and adaptive in this heightened threat environment. As continued attacks put our national security at risk, achieving resilience for the energy sector is of dire importance.

Resilience is still an emerging discipline. In 2017, the International Organization for Standardization identified several key attributes of a resilient organization: sharing information and knowledge; understanding and influencing business, political and social environments; and anticipating change. In essence, resilience begins with situational awareness. For energy companies, this requires a focus on three key types of information: threats, assets and national policy in Washington.