Securing The Digital Transformation in Tank Terminals

TanQuid’s head of people & technology, Thomas Knutzen, explains how tank terminals can implement cybersecurity to their digital strategies In recent years, many companies and IT departments have been occupied with the topic of digitalisation. Many efficiencies have been realised with the help of digital tools, especially in traditional office roles such as finance and HR. A particular challenge in the tank storage industry, however, was and is the digitalisation of operational processes in the field. Traditionally, long-lasting components are used in operational technology (OT), where a service life of 20 years is not uncommon. As a result, digitalisation in the field is often associated with a significant amount of capex in order to modernise entire sections of the facilities. In addition, legal rules and regulations sometimes make it difficult to use modern technologies in the sensitive environment of hazardous liquids. Recently, another challenge has been added to the list. The topic of cybersecurity is on everyone’s lips after many incidents in this sector. Entire companies have been affected by encryption and other attacks in recent years. The consequences are...