American Gas Association members sign on to pipeline security guidelines

The American Gas Association (AGA) recently highlighted its AGA Commitment to Cyber and Physical Security, a framework for its member natural gas utilities to employ in securing the country’s natural gas pipelines from threats.

The commitment includes the adoption and implementation of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Pipeline Security Guidelines, which is a voluntary security structure designed by the government and industry stakeholders, including members of the Pipeline Sector and Government Coordinating Councils. Additionally, members are committing to applying the National Institute of Standards and Technology Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity.

Beyond the framework, AGA members are forming their security measures around a number of government issued security standards, models, guidelines and information sharing resources, like the U.S. Department of Energy Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Industrial Control System Computer Emergency Readiness Team.

“At AGA, security awareness is part of our culture and daily practice,” AGA Engineering and Operations Vice President Christina Sames said. “Through public/private partnerships with federal, state, and local governments, we are able to remain vigilant and strengthen our offensive security posture, helping ensure the continued safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to our customers.”