The energy sector provides critical infrastructure that supports communities, public services, and private enterprises. As pioneers in adopting connected devices, the energy industry leverages technology to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. Beyond cost savings, these technologies have provided invaluable data for monitoring and improving systems over time. While connected devices boost productivity, they also introduce vulnerabilities to threats and exploits. Consequently, robust security controls are essential to protect their functionality and data from malicious interference within an ever-evolving threat landscape.

Traditionally, physical security relied on measures like fences, gates, and locks to prevent unauthorized access. However, as devices connected to the network, cybersecurity emerged as a crucial component for business continuity. Cybersecurity has historically focused on maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of technology and systems. With the advent of Industry 4.0 and increased dependence on connected devices, the separation between physical and cybersecurity teams is diminishing. Almost all physical controls now involve some level of device connectivity. For example, video surveillance systems utilize connected devices, and access controls like wireless keycards or remote-activated gates incorporate cybersecurity technology. The future of security programs depends on integrating these previously siloed physical and cyber teams, as today's cyber breaches become tomorrow's cyber-physical incidents.

As businesses automate and strive for greater operational efficiency, security programs must protect an unprecedented number of interconnected devices against threats and vulnerabilities. These programs need the flexibility to manage evolving physical and cyber risks, while complying with regulatory requirements. By establishing a comprehensive security risk assessment framework, companies can anticipate future security challenges in the current threat environment. This proactive approach enables safe and sustainable growth in an interconnected and technologically advanced world.

Despite rigorous efforts to implement strong cybersecurity measures, organizations' cyber assets remain targets for breaches and attacks. An effective response to this challenge lies in developing a security program that is adaptable to changing circumstances and grounded in a solid security risk assessment framework. Managing security risks involves a careful balance of securing assets and maintaining compliance without impeding business operations. Security operations depend on a multitude of standards, policies, processes, documented and undocumented data, and often limited resources to navigate a shifting risk environment.

Security programs are tasked with managing physical and cyber risks. These risks are continually evolving as threats become more sophisticated. Security risks are unique to each asset based on the assets' threats and vulnerabilities. A structured Security Risk Assessment is necessary to integrate information across asset, threat, and vulnerability assessments to identify high, medium, and low risks. Correctly identifying security risks is essential for understanding where resources are needed, facilitating integrated planning, and aligning with the company's management system.

The evolving threat landscape demands robust, adaptable security programs with strong risk management. Security risk assessments which include both cyber and physical security input are more likely to have better cyber-physical control and protection at an asset. Organizations can proactively manage the higher risk threats and vulnerabilities through a cyber-physical lens. This strategic approach is essential for safeguarding critical infrastructure, promoting sustainable growth, and aligning security initiatives with business objectives and regulatory compliance.