Oil and gas environments often combine corporate IT, field operations, specialized applications and vendor access. The boundaries between those systems matter, especially when an outside connection can reach something operationally important.
Oil and gas companies depend on technology to communicate, operate, serve customers and protect business information.
Huff Data Systems provides managed IT, cybersecurity, Microsoft 365, cloud and business continuity services designed around the operational needs of each organization.
Technology Priorities
Common technology priorities can include:
- distributed locations
- field connectivity
- business IT and operational technology boundaries
- vendor access
- sensitive exploration and operational data
- business continuity
The correct design depends on the organization's actual systems, data, locations and contractual or regulatory requirements.
Managed IT
Managed IT can provide centralized oversight of computers, networks, servers, cloud services, Microsoft 365, support, backups and technology planning.
A managed approach is intended to reduce preventable downtime and create repeatable processes for maintaining technology.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity should use multiple layers.
Important areas include:
- Asset and software inventory
- Patch management
- Endpoint protection
- Identity security
- Multi-factor authentication
- Email protection
- Network security
- Data protection
- Backup and recovery
- Security monitoring
- Incident response
- Vendor management
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 security should include controlled administration, strong authentication, appropriate sharing policies, email security, user lifecycle management and logging.
Business Continuity
Organizations should identify critical applications, recovery priorities and acceptable downtime.
Backup systems should be monitored and recovery procedures tested.
Vendor Risk
Third-party software and service providers may require access to business systems or data.
Organizations should document vendor access, limit privileges and remove access when it is no longer required.
Compliance
Industry requirements vary.
Regulations and contractual obligations should be reviewed with qualified legal or compliance professionals. Huff Data Systems can assist with the technical controls and evidence needed to support the organization's program.
Technology Roadmap
A roadmap can organize technology projects according to business risk and operational value.
Typical roadmap items include hardware lifecycle, network upgrades, security improvements, cloud projects, Microsoft 365 improvements, business continuity and compliance initiatives.
Common questions
Can managed IT support specialized industry software?
An MSP can manage the operating systems, network, security and supporting infrastructure while coordinating with the software vendor. The software vendor remains responsible for product-specific support unless another arrangement exists.
Does cybersecurity need to be different for every industry?
Foundational controls are similar, but risk, data sensitivity, operations and regulatory requirements vary. Security should be adapted accordingly.
Can Huff Data Systems support multiple locations?
Yes, subject to service scope and location. Centralized standards are particularly useful for multi-location organizations.
Talk with Huff Data
Victoria: 361-570-7240 Houston: 713-493-2051