2018 Pipeline Security Guidelines

©

Pipeline Security Guidelines
March 2018

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Table of Contents
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1
1.2

Background and Purpose ............................................................................................... 1
Scope.............................................................................................................................. 1

2 Corporate Security Program .................................................................................................... 2
3 Corporate Security Plan ........................................................................................................... 4
3.1
3.2

Introduction.................................................................................................................... 4
Security Plan Elements .................................................................................................. 4

4 Risk Analysis.............................................................................................................................. 6
4.1
4.2
4.3

Introduction.................................................................................................................... 6
Criticality Assessment ................................................................................................... 6
Security Vulnerability Assessment ................................................................................ 7

5 Criticality ................................................................................................................................... 8
5.1
5.2

Introduction.................................................................................................................... 8
Facility Criticality .......................................................................................................... 8

6 Facility Security Measures ..................................................................................................... 10
6.1
6.2
6.3

Introduction.................................................................................................................. 10
Baseline and Enhanced Security Measures.................................................................. 10
Site-Specific Security Measures .................................................................................. 10

7 Pipeline Cyber Asset Security Measures ............................................................................... 16
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4

Introduction.................................................................................................................. 16
Pipeline Cyber Assets Identification............................................................................ 16
Security Measures for Pipeline Cyber Assets.............................................................. 16
Cyber Security Planning and Implementation Guidance ............................................. 21

8 Protective Measures for National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Alerts ................ 22
Appendix A – Recurring Actions ............................................................................................... 23
Appendix B – TSA Notification Criteria ................................................................................... 25
Appendix C – Acronyms............................................................................................................. 26
Appendix D – Reference Documents ......................................................................................... 27

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Introduction

1

INTRODUCTION

Under the provisions of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (Public Law 107-71), the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established on November 19, 2001 with
responsibility for civil aviation security and “security responsibilities over other modes of
transportation that are exercised by the Department of Transportation.” On September 8, 2002,
TSA initiated its pipeline security efforts. Those responsibilities now reside within the Office of
Security Policy and Industry Engagement’s Surface Division.

1.1

Background and Purpose

In executing its responsibility for national pipeline security, TSA originally utilized the Pipeline
Security Information Circular, issued on September 5, 2002, by the Department of
Transportation’s (DOT) Office of Pipeline Safety as the primary Federal guideline for industry
security. Complementing this document, and also adopted by TSA, was the DOT-issued Pipeline
Security Contingency Planning Guidance of June 2002.
Recognizing that the Security Circular required updating, TSA initiated a process to amend the
Federal security guidance. The 2010 Pipeline Security Guidelines were developed with the
assistance of industry and government members of the Pipeline Sector and Government
Coordinating Councils, industry association representatives, and other interested parties. This
document was soon revised resulting in the 2011 Pipeline Security Guidelines.
The advancement of security practices to meet the ever changing threat environment in both the
physical and cyber security realms required that the guidelines be updated again. Utilizing a
similar industry and government collaborative approach, TSA developed this document, which
supersedes the 2011 version of the Pipeline Security Guidelines.
The security measures in this guidance provide the basis for TSA’s Pipeline Security Program
Corporate Security Reviews and Critical Facility Security Reviews. This document is guidance
and does not impose requirements on any person or company. The term “should” means that
TSA recommends the actions described. Nothing in this document shall supersede Federal
statutory or regulatory requirements.

1.2

Scope

These guidelines are applicable to operational natural gas and hazardous liquid transmission
pipeline systems, natural gas distribution pipeline systems, and liquefied natural gas facility
operators. Additionally, they apply to operational pipeline systems that transport materials
categorized as toxic inhalation hazards (TIH). TIH materials are gases or liquids that are known
or presumed on the basis of tests to be so toxic to humans as to pose a health hazard in the event
of a release during transportation. (See the Hazardous Materials Regulations: 49 CFR parts
171-180.)

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Corporate Security Program
Operators of pipeline systems not included in the descriptions above are encouraged to
implement the security measures contained herein to the extent appropriate to their particular
system.

2

CORPORATE SECURITY PROGRAM

A risk-based corporate security program should be established and implemented by each pipeline
operator to address and document the organization’s policies and procedures for managing
security related threats, incidents, and responses. In addition, each operator should:


Develop a corporate security plan as described in Section 3;



Ensure sufficient resources, to include trained staff and equipment, are provided to
effectively execute the corporate security program;



Ensure identified security deficiencies have appropriate financial resources allocated in
the corporate budgeting and purchasing processes;



Assign a qualified primary and alternate staff member to manage the corporate security
program;



Develop and maintain a cyber/Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
security plan, or incorporate cyber/SCADA security measures in the corporate security
plan;



Develop and maintain security elements within the corporate incident response and
recovery plan;



Implement appropriate threat level protective measures upon receipt of a pertinent
National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin or Alert; and



Notify TSA of security incidents meeting the criteria provided in Appendix B by phone
or email as soon as possible.

Figure 1 identifies the major steps that each pipeline operator should take in creating and
implementing a corporate security program and the relevant sections in the guidelines where
specific details are provided.

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Corporate Security Program
Figure 1: Corporate Security Program Overview

Corporate Security Program Overview
Pipeline operators should develop a corporate security plan
for their organization.
(Section 3)
Pipeline operators should conduct a criticality assessment
for all facilities.
(Section 4.2)

Critical Facility?
Yes
No

Pipeline operators should adopt
baseline security measures at all
facilities.
(Sections 6 and 7)

Pipeline operators should conduct a
SVA for each critical facility.
(Section 4.3)

Pipeline operators should adopt
baseline and enhanced security
measures at each critical facility.
(Sections 6 and 7)

In response to pertinent NTAS bulletins or alerts, pipeline operators
should implement additional protective measures.
(Section 8)

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Corporate Security Plan

3

CORPORATE SECURITY PLAN

3.1

Introduction

Operators should develop and implement a security plan customized to the needs of the
company. The corporate security plan should be comprehensive in scope, systematic in its
development, and risk-based reflecting the security environment. At a minimum, the plan
should:


Identify the primary and alternate security manager or officer responsible for executing
and maintaining the plan;



Document the company’s security-related policies and procedures, to include, but not
limited to, methodologies used and timelines established for conducting criticality
assessments, risk assessments, and security vulnerability assessments (SVAs), if
applicable;



Reference other company plans, policies and procedures such as insider threat, business
continuity, incident response and recovery plans;



Be reviewed on an annual basis, and updated as required based on findings from
assessments, major modifications to the system or any of its facilities, substantial changes
to the environment in which it operates, or other significant changes;



Be protected from unauthorized access based on company policy; and,



Be provided to TSA for review upon request.

3.2

Security Plan Elements

This section identifies and provides a brief description of the recommended elements of a
corporate security plan. In developing their plan, operators should incorporate these elements in
a format that is most suitable to their organization.


System(s) Description - Identify the pipeline system(s) to which the plan applies.



Security Administration and Management Structure - Identify the person(s) primarily
responsible for the corporate security program, and describe the responsibilities and
duties of personnel assigned to security functions.



Risk Analysis and Assessments - Describe the methodology used to conduct security
risk analysis to include criticality assessments and SVAs.



Physical Security and Access Control Measures - Describe the corporate policies and
procedures employed to reduce security risks throughout the company.



Equipment Maintenance and Testing - Discuss policies and procedures for ensuring
security systems and equipment are maintained and function properly.

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Corporate Security Plan


Personnel Screening - Describe policies and procedures for conducting employee
background checks, including criteria for disqualification and process for appeal, in
compliance with Federal and state laws. Describe company policies for contractor
personnel background checks.



Communications - Describe the policies and procedures employed to ensure effective
communication is maintained on both a routine and emergency basis. The description
should include, but not be limited to, types of equipment used, communication methods
between personnel, facilities, off-site responders, and procedures for notification of
government and law enforcement agencies.



Personnel Training - Describe security training requirements, to include training in
security equipment operation, security awareness, and security incident recognition and
reporting procedures for company personnel and contractors.



Drills and Exercises - Describe company policies and procedures for conducting
security drills and exercises. Establish requirements for after-action reports,
communication of lessons learned, and implementation of security improvement efforts
based on exercise results.



Security Incident Procedures - Describe procedures for responding to security incidents
and emergencies. Define the types of events that constitute a breach of security, describe
the procedures for investigating security incidents, and who should be notified. In
addition, the emergency response plan may be referenced in this section.



NTAS Response Procedures - Describe the operator’s additional protective measures
for periods of heightened threat corresponding to the duration of Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) NTAS Bulletins or Alerts.



Plan Reviews - Describe policies and procedures for the review, validation, and updating
of the corporate security plan.



Recordkeeping - Describe security-related recordkeeping requirements, such as for
criticality assessments, SVAs, and other company sensitive security information, as well
as measures to prevent unauthorized disclosure.



Cyber/SCADA System Security Measures - Describe the corporate policies and
procedures employed to reduce security risks to cyber/SCADA systems and assets
throughout the company. If a separate cyber/SCADA security plan is maintained, it
should be incorporated by reference.



Essential Security Contact Listings - List internal and external emergency contact
information for reporting and responding to a security incident or suspicious activity.



Security Testing and Audits - Describe policies and procedures for auditing and testing
of the effectiveness of the company's security plan and procedures, to include
documentation of results.



Outreach - Describe policies and procedures for company security awareness outreach
efforts to neighbors, law enforcement, media, and the public.

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Risk Analysis

4

RISK ANALYSIS

4.1

Introduction

The intent of these guidelines is to bring a risk-based approach to the application of the security
measures throughout the pipeline industry. As stated in the National Infrastructure Protection
Plan, DHS assesses risk as a function of threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences. With this in
mind, the most effective security programs employ a risk management process that facilitates
planning and decision making to mitigate risks for pipeline assets. General elements include:


Assessments used to determine facility criticality;



Threat assessments identifying known or potential adversaries;



Vulnerability assessments identifying security weaknesses;



Risk assessments (based on threat, vulnerability, and consequence, considering facility
criticality assessment findings);



Risk mitigation to determine and implement appropriate risk reduction countermeasures;
and



Ongoing risk management to monitor, reassess, and modify the program.

Recognizing that there are multiple risk assessment methodologies, each operator should
determine the process and methodology most appropriate for implementation of the corporate
security plan at the facilities comprising their pipeline system. TSA may ask to review the
operator’s risk assessment methodology.

4.2

Criticality Assessment

Determining facility criticality is an essential first step in the security risk management process.
Information and findings gathered in the criticality assessment assist operators with prioritizing
assets and implementing risk reduction countermeasures. Operators should evaluate each
operating facility within their system using the criteria outlined in Section 5.2 to determine or
validate criticality. Operators should:


Conduct facility criticality assessments on a periodic basis, not to exceed 18 months, for
all facilities;



Document the methodology used, and retain the criticality assessment until no longer
valid;



Conduct an SVA or the equivalent as outlined in Section 4.3 of this document for
facilities determined to be critical; and



Maintain and secure the company’s list of critical facilities.

The operator’s list of critical facilities is subject to review and evaluation by TSA. Operators and
TSA will work together towards concurrence on the facilities listed.
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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Risk Analysis

4.3

Security Vulnerability Assessment

A security vulnerability assessment (SVA) is one of the risk assessment methodologies pipeline
operators may choose. The SVA serves as a planning and decision support tool to assist security
managers with identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing risks and determining effective security
measures to mitigate threats and vulnerabilities to their critical facilities. Common steps
performed while conducting an SVA include:


Asset Characterization - identification of hazards and consequences of concern for the
facility, its surroundings, and its supporting infrastructure; and identification of existing
layers of protection;



Threats Assessment - description of possible internal and external threats;



Security Vulnerability Analysis - identification of potential security vulnerabilities and
existing countermeasures and their level of effectiveness in reducing identified
vulnerabilities;



Risk Assessment - determination of the relative degree of risk to the facility in terms of
the expected effect on each asset and the likelihood of success of an attack; and



Countermeasures Analysis – comparison of strategies that reduce the probability of a
successful attack or reduce the possible degree of success, strategies that enhance the
degree of risk reduction, the capabilities and effectiveness of mitigation options, and the
feasibility of the options.

Operators of critical pipeline facilities should:


Conduct an SVA or the equivalent on a periodic basis, not to exceed 36 months, and
within 12 months after completion of a significant enhancement or modification to the
facility;



Conduct an SVA or the equivalent for newly identified or constructed critical facilities
within 12 months of designation or after achieving operational status.



Document findings from each assessment and retain them until no longer valid;



Implement appropriate findings from the SVA in a timely fashion but no later than 24
months after SVA completion; and



Document the assessment methodology used and make the documentation available for
TSA review upon request.

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Criticality

5

CRITICALITY

5.1

Introduction

The objective in determining which pipeline facilities are critical is to ensure that reasonable and
appropriate security risk reduction measures are implemented to protect the most vital assets
throughout the pipeline industry.

5.2

Facility Criticality

Identifying the critical components of the nation’s pipeline infrastructure is a significant
challenge considering the diverse operational and market environment of the pipeline industry.
Pipeline system operators are uniquely positioned to understand the criticality of their facilities.
However, it is appropriate for operators to determine the criticality of their facilities using
consistent criteria.
Pipeline facilities meeting any one or more of the criteria below are considered to be critical:
A facility or combination of facilities that, if damaged or destroyed, would have the potential to:


Disrupt or significantly reduce required service or deliverability to installations identified
as critical to national defense;



Disrupt or significantly reduce required service or deliverability to key infrastructure
(such as power plants or major airports) resulting in major economic disruption;



Cause mass casualties or significant health effects;



Disrupt or significantly reduce required service or deliverability resulting in a state or
local government’s inability to provide essential public services and emergency response
for an extended period of time;



Significantly damage or destroy national landmarks or monuments;



Disrupt or significantly reduce the intended use of major rivers, lakes, or waterways.
(e.g., public drinking water for large populations or disruption of major commerce or
public transportation routes);



Disrupt or significantly reduce required service or deliverability to a significant number
of customers or individuals for an extended period of time;



Significantly disrupt pipeline system operations for an extended period of time, i.e.,
business critical facilities.

Factors such as customer base, downstream deliverability and reliability commitments, system
redundancies, and operator risk tolerance may influence critical determinations. Figure 2 is
provided to illustrate the facility criticality determination pathway.

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Criticality
Figure 2: Facility Criticality Determination

Criticality Determination Pathway
Does damage or destruction of a facility or combination of
facilities have the potential to:

Disrupt or significantly reduce required service or deliverability to
installations identified as critical to national defense?

Yes

No

Disrupt or significantly reduce required service or deliverability to key
infrastructure (such as power plants or major airports) resulting in
major economic disruption?

Yes

No

Cause mass casualties or significant health effects?

Yes

No

Disrupt or significantly reduce required service or deliverability
resulting in a state or local government's inability to provide essential
public services and emergency response for an extended period of
time?

Yes

Critical
Facility

No

Significantly damage or destroy national landmarks or monuments?

Yes

No

Disrupt or significantly reduce the intended usage of major rivers,
lakes, or waterways (for example, public drinking water for large
populations or disruption of major commerce or public transportation
routes)?

Yes

No

Disrupt or significantly reduce required service or deliverability to a
significant number of customers or individuals for an extended period
of time?

Yes

No

Significantly disrupt pipeline system operations for an extended
period of time, i.e., business critical facilities?

Yes

No

Non-Critical Facility

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Facility Security Measures

6

FACILITY SECURITY MEASURES

6.1

Introduction

Upon completion of the risk analysis process, operators should determine the appropriate
mitigation measures for both critical and non-critical facilities.

6.2

Baseline and Enhanced Security Measures

Pipeline operators should develop and implement baseline security measures at all of their
facilities.
Operators should develop and implement both baseline and enhanced security measures at each
of their critical facilities.
Table 1 identifies the baseline and enhanced security measures for operators to implement at
appropriate pipeline facilities. Recurring actions are summarized in Appendix A.

6.3

Site-Specific Security Measures

Operators should develop, document, and implement site-specific security measures for each of
their critical facilities. These measures should be tailored explicitly for each facility and address
specific actions to be taken in response to pertinent NTAS Bulletins or Alerts. On a periodic
basis, not to exceed 18 months, these site-specific security measures should be reviewed and
updated as necessary.

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Facility Security Measures
Table 1: Baseline and Enhanced Security Measures

BASELINE SECURITY
MEASURES

ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES
Fencing / Barriers

Employ measures to impede unauthorized
access to facilities.

Create a security perimeter that impedes
unauthorized vehicles from entering the facility
perimeter or critical areas by installing and
maintaining barriers (e.g., fences, bollards, jersey
barriers, or equivalent.)

Physical Security and Access Control

Maintain fences, if used, without gaps
around gates or underneath the fence
line.
Ensure that there is a clear zone for several
feet on either side of the fence, free of
obstructions, vegetation, or objects that
could be used for concealment or to scale
the fence.

Access Controls
Employ measures to impede unauthorized
persons from gaining access to a facility
and restricted areas within a facility.

Implement procedures (such as manual or
electronic sign in/out) for controlling access to
the facility and restricted buildings or areas
within the facility.

Close and secure perimeter gates or
entrances when not in use.

Monitor and escort visitors at critical facilities.

Post “No Trespassing” or “Authorized
Personnel Only” signs at intervals that are
visible from any point of potential entry.

Gates
Install and maintain gates of an equivalent
quality to the barrier to which they are
attached.

Locks and Key Control
Establish and document key control
procedures for key issuance, tracking,
collection, loss, and unauthorized duplication.
Use patent keys to prevent unauthorized
duplication.
Conduct key inventories every 24 months.

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Facility Security Measures
Table 1: Baseline and Enhanced Security Measures

and Access Control

Physical Security

BASELINE SECURITY
MEASURES

ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES
Facility Lighting
Provide sufficient illumination for human or
technological recognition of intrusion into the
facility perimeter or critical areas.

Intrusion Detection & Monitoring
Provide critical facilities or critical areas within a
facility with security measures to monitor, detect,
and assess unauthorized access 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.

Personnel Identification and Badging
Develop identification and badging
policies and procedures for personnel
who have access to secure areas or
sensitive information. These policies
should address:

Ensure that company or vendor identification is
available for examination by being visibly
displayed or carried by personnel while on-site.

Personnel Security

 Lost or stolen identification cards or
badges;
 Temporary badges; and
 Personnel termination.
Ensure personnel identification cards or badges
are secure from tampering and contain the
individual’s photograph and name.

Background Investigation
Establish policies and procedures for
applicant pre-employment screening and
behavioral criteria for disqualification of
applicants and employees.

Conduct pre-employment background
investigations of applicants for positions that are:
 Authorized regular unescorted access to
control systems or sensitive areas;
 Authorized access to sensitive information;
 Assigned security roles;
 Assigned to work at or granted access rights
to critical facilities.
At a minimum, investigations should:
 Verify and validate identity;
 Check criminal history*; and
 Verify and validate legal authorization to
work.
* NOTE: Operators should consider using the
Federally-established list of disqualifying
crimes (see 49 CFR 1572.103) to assess the
suitability of their personnel for these positions.

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Facility Security Measures
Table 1: Baseline and Enhanced Security Measures

ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES

Security

Verify that contractors have background
investigation policies and procedures at least as
rigorous as the pipeline operator’s.
Conduct recurring background investigations on
a regular basis (as labor laws or bargaining unit
contracts allow), not to exceed 10 years, for
employees occupying security positions or who
have access to sensitive information or areas.

and Testing

Equipment Maintenance and Testing

Design &
Construction

Equipment Maintenance

Personnel

BASELINE SECURITY
MEASURES

Develop and implement a maintenance
program to ensure security systems are in
good working order.

Through routine use or quarterly examination,
verify the proper operation and/or condition of all
security equipment.

Identify and respond to security equipment
malfunctions or failures in a timely
manner.
Provide an equivalent level of protective security
measures to mitigate risk during power outages,
security equipment failure, or extended repair of
security systems.

Design and Construction
Integrate security risk mitigation measures
during the design, construction, or
renovation of a facility.

Conduct an SVA for newly identified or
constructed critical facilities within 12 months of
designation or after achieving operational status.
Update the facility SVA within 12 months following
significant modifications.

Communication

Communication
Develop internal and external notification
requirements and procedures for security
events.

Ensure primary and alternate communication
capabilities exist for internal and external reporting
of appropriate security events and information.

Document and periodically update contact
(who) and communication (how)
information for Federal, state, and local
homeland security/law enforcement
agencies. (See Appendix B for TSA contact
information.)

Establish a defined process for receiving,
handling, disseminating, and storing security and
threat information.

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Facility Security Measures
Table 1: Baseline and Enhanced Security Measures

Personnel Training

BASELINE SECURITY MEASURES

ENHANCED SECURITY
MEASURES

Personnel Training
Provide security awareness briefings, to
include security incident recognition and
reporting procedures, for personnel with
unescorted access upon hiring and every 3
years thereafter.

Provide security training, to include incident
response training, to personnel assigned
security duties upon hiring and annually
thereafter.

Document security training and maintain
records in accordance with company record
retention policy.

Security Incident Procedures

Drills and Exercises

Drills and Exercises
Conduct periodic security drills or exercises,
to include announced or unannounced tests
of security and incident plans. These can be
conducted in conjunction with other required
drills or exercises.

Conduct or participate in an annual security
drill or exercise. Multiple facilities may
participate in a common drill or exercise.

* NOTE: Response to an actual security
incident can satisfy this measure.
Develop and implement a written post-event
report assessing security drills or exercises
and documenting corrective actions.

Security Incident Procedures
Implement procedures for responding to
security incidents or emergencies and to
pertinent National Terrorism Advisory
System (NTAS) Bulletins or Alerts. These
procedures should include the appropriate
reporting requirements.
Post bomb threat checklists by telephones at
staffed facilities.

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Facility Security Measures
Table 1: Baseline and Enhanced Security Measures

BASELINE SECURITY MEASURES

ENHANCED SECURITY
MEASURES

Recordkeeping

Recordkeeping
Develop and document recordkeeping policies
and procedures for security information.
Protection of SSI in accordance with the
provisions of 49 CFR Parts 15 and 1520 should
be specifically addressed.
The following documents, as appropriate,
should be retained until superseded or
replaced:
 Corporate Security Plan;
 Criticality assessment(s);
 Training records;
 Security drill or exercise reports;
 Incident response plan(s);
 Security testing and audits.

In addition to the documents specified for
non-critical facilities, the following
documents, applicable to critical facilities,
should be retained until superseded or
replaced:
 SVA(s);
 Site-specific measures.
Make security information records available
to TSA upon request.

Make security information records available to
TSA upon request.

Outreach

Outreach
Conduct outreach to nearby law
enforcement agencies to ensure
awareness of the facility’s functions and
significance.
Conduct outreach to neighboring
businesses to coordinate security efforts.
Also conduct outreach to neighboring
residences to provide facility security
awareness.

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Pipeline Cyber Asset Security Measures

7

PIPELINE CYBER ASSET SECURITY MEASURES

7.1

Introduction

The operational technology used by the operators to manage their infrastructure and products are
vital to the pipeline system's safe and efficient operation. “Operational technologies” (OT) are
the systems that detect or cause a change through the direct monitoring and/or control of physical
devices, processes and events in the pipelines. OT systems include control systems (SCADA,
process control systems (PCS), distributed control systems (DCS)), measurement systems and
telemetry systems, which are collectively referred to as “pipeline cyber assets.”
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed the Framework for
Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, a set of standards and best practices to assist
organizations in managing cybersecurity risks and to promote the protection of critical
infrastructure. To implement an effective cybersecurity strategy, pipeline operators should
consider the approach outlined in the NIST Framework and the guidance issued by DHS and
the Department of Energy along with industry-specific or other established methodologies,
standards, and best practices (see Section 7.4).

7.2

Pipeline Cyber Assets Classification

Operators should evaluate pipeline cyber assets and classify them using the following criteria:


Critical pipeline cyber assets are OT systems that can control operations on the pipeline.
Baseline and enhanced security measures should be applied to these assets.



Non-critical pipeline cyber assets are OT systems that monitor operations on the pipeline.
Baseline security measures should be applied to these assets.

7.3

Security Measures for Pipeline Cyber Assets

Table 2 shows the baseline and enhanced cybersecurity measures that pipeline operators should
apply to pipeline cyber assets based on their criticality designation. These measures incorporate
updates to the previous TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines as well as recommendations and
practices from the government and industry documents listed in Section 7.4. The cybersecurity
guidelines that follow are organized according to the relevant functions and categories presented
in the NIST Framework.

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TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Pipeline Cyber Asset Security Measures
Table 2: Baseline and Enhanced Cyber Security Measures

Baseline Security
Measures

Enhanced Security
Measures

Asset Management
Establish and document policies and procedures
for assessing and maintaining configuration
information, for tracking changes made to the
pipeline cyber assets, and for
patching/upgrading operating systems and
applications. Ensure that the changes do not
adversely impact existing cybersecurity controls.

Employ mechanisms to maintain
accurate inventory and to detect
unauthorized components.

Develop and maintain a comprehensive set of
network/system architecture diagrams or other
documentation, including nodes, interfaces,
remote and third party connections, and
information flows.

Review network connections periodically,
including remote and third party connections.
Develop a detailed inventory for every
endpoint.

Review and assess pipeline cyber asset
classification as critical or non-critical at
least every 12 months.

Identify

Business Environment
Ensure that any change that adds control
operations to a non-critical pipeline cyber asset
results in the system being recognized as a
critical pipeline cyber asset and enhanced
security measures being applied.

Governance
Establish and distribute cybersecurity policies,
plans, processes and supporting procedures
commensurate with the current regulatory, risk,
legal and operational environment.
Review and assess all cybersecurity policies,
plans, processes, and supporting procedures
regularly, not to exceed 36 months, or when
there is a significant organizational or
technological change. Update as necessary.

Review and assess all cybersecurity policies,
plans, processes, and supporting procedures
regularly, not to exceed 12 months, or when
there is a significant organizational change.
Update as necessary.

Risk Management Strategy
Develop an operational framework to ensure
coordination, communication and accountability
for information security on and between the
control systems and enterprise networks.

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Pipeline Cyber Asset Security Measures
Table 2: Baseline and Enhanced Cyber Security Measures

Baseline Security
Measures

Enhanced Security
Measures

Identify

Risk Assessment
Establish a process to identify and evaluate
vulnerabilities and compensating security
controls.

Ensure threat and vulnerability information
received from information sharing forums and
sources are made available to those
responsible for assessing and determining
the appropriate course of action.

Access Control
Establish and enforce unique accounts for each
individual user and administrator, establish
security requirements for certain types of
privileged accounts, and prohibit the sharing of
these accounts.

Restrict user physical access to control
systems and control networks through the
use of appropriate controls. Employ more
stringent identity and access management
practices (e.g., authenticators, passwordconstruct, access control).

In instances where systems do not support
unique user accounts, then implement
appropriate compensating security controls
(e.g., physical controls).
Ensure that user accounts are modified, deleted,
or de-activated expeditiously for personnel who
no longer require access or are no longer
employed by the company.

Protect

Establish and enforce access control policies for
local and remote users. Procedures and controls
should be in place for approving and enforcing
policy for remote and third-party connections.

Monitor physical and remote user access to
critical pipeline cyber assets.

Ensure appropriate segregation of duties is in
place. In instances where this is not feasible,
apply appropriate compensating security
controls.
Change all default passwords for new software,
hardware, etc., upon installation. In instances
where changing default passwords is not
technically feasible (e.g., a control system with a
hard-coded password), implement appropriate
compensating security controls (e.g.,
administrative controls).

Employ mechanisms to support the
management of accounts.

18

TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Pipeline Cyber Asset Security Measures
Table 2: Baseline and Enhanced Cyber Security Measures

Baseline Security
Measures

Enhanced Security
Measures

Awareness and Training
Ensure that all persons requiring access to the
organization’s pipeline cyber assets receive
cybersecurity awareness training.

Provide role-based security training on
recognizing and reporting potential indicators
of system compromise prior to obtaining
access to the critical pipeline cyber assets.

Establish and execute a cyber-threat awareness
program for employees. This program should
include practical exercises/testing.

Data Security & Information Protection

Protect

Establish and implement policies and procedures
to ensure data protection measures are in place,
including identifying critical data and establishing
classification of different types of data,
establishing specific handling procedures, and
protections and disposal.

Protective Technology
Segregate and protect the pipeline cyber assets
from enterprise networks and the internet using
physical separation, firewalls and other
protections.
Regularly validate that technical controls comply
with the organization’s cybersecurity policies,
plans and procedures, and report results to
senior management.
Implement technical or procedural controls
to restrict the use of pipeline cyber assets
for only approved activities.

Detect

Anomalies and Events
Implement processes to generate alerts and log
cybersecurity events in response to anomalous
activity. Review the logs and respond to alerts
in a timely manner.

Security Continuous Monitoring
Monitor for unauthorized access or the
introduction of malicious code or
communications.
Conduct cyber vulnerability assessments as
described in your risk assessment process

Utilize independent assessors to conduct
pipeline cyber security assessments.

19

TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Pipeline Cyber Asset Security Measures
Table 2: Baseline and Enhanced Cyber Security Measures

Baseline Security
Measures

Enhanced Security
Measures

Detect

Detection Processes
Establish technical or procedural controls for
cyber intrusion monitoring and detection.
Perform regular testing of intrusion and malware
detection processes and procedures.

Respond

Response Planning
Establish policies and procedures for
cybersecurity incident handling, analysis and
reporting, including assignment of the specific
roles/tasks to individuals and teams.

Conduct cybersecurity incident response
exercises periodically.

Establish and maintain a cyber-incident
response capability.

Establish and maintain a process that
supports 24 hours a day cyber incident
response.

Communications
Report significant cyber incidents to senior
management; appropriate federal, state,
local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) entities;
and applicable ISAC(s).

Pipeline operators should follow the
notification criteria in Appendix B

Mitigation
Ensure the organization’s response plans and
procedures include mitigation measures to help
prevent further impacts.

Recover

Recovery Planning
Establish a plan for the recovery and
reconstitution of pipeline cyber assets within a
timeframe to align with the organization’s safety
and business continuity objectives.

Improvements
Review the organization's cyber recovery plan
annually. Update as necessary.

20

TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Pipeline Cyber Asset Security Measures

7.4

Cyber Security Planning and Implementation Guidance

The following is a list of planning and implementation guidance developed by industry
or Federal government entities. Operators should consult the current edition of these and other
cyber security references on a frequent basis in developing and reviewing their company’s
cyber security program.
 American Chemistry Council, Guidance for Addressing Cyber Security in the Chemical
Industry
 American Gas Association (AGA) Report Number 12, Cryptographic Protection of
SCADA Communications, Part 1: Background, Policies and Test Plan
 American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/International Society of Automation (ISA)
– 99.00.01 – 2007, Security for Industrial Automation and Control Systems:
Terminology, Concepts, and Models
 ANSI/ISA – 99.02.01 – 2009, Security for Industrial Automation and Control Systems:
Establishing an Industrial Automation and Control System Security Program
 American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 1164 Pipeline SCADA Security
 ANSI/API Standard 780, Security Risk Assessment Methodology for the Petroleum and
Petrochemical Industries
 U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST),
Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity
 U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST, Special Publication 800-82, Guide to Industrial
Control Systems (ICS) Security
 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Infrastructure Protection, RiskBased Performance Standards Guidance: Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism
Standards, May 2009
 U.S Department of Energy, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability,
Energy Sector Cybersecurity Framework Implementation Guidance, January 2015
 U.S Department of Homeland Security, Transportation
Cybersecurity Framework Implementation Guidance, June 2015

Systems

Sector

21

TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Protective Measures for National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Alerts

8

PROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR NATIONAL TERRORISM
ADVISORY SYSTEM (NTAS) ALERTS

The Department of Homeland Security’s NTAS provides a framework to disseminate
information via Bulletins or Alerts regarding the threat of terrorist acts to the nation.
TSA has developed a supplement to this document containing recommended security measures
to reduce vulnerabilities to pipeline systems and facilities during periods of heightened threat and
to establish a consistent security posture within the pipeline industry. This supplement is
unclassified but sensitive and is marked as Sensitive Security Information (SSI). The passwordprotected document may be obtained by email request to pipelinesecurity@dhs.gov.

22

TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Appendix A – Recurring Actions

APPENDIX A – RECURRING ACTIONS
RECURRING ACTIONS
12 Months

18 Months

Perform an annual
review of the
corporate security
plan and update as
required. (Section 3.1)

Conduct facility
criticality
assessments on a
periodic basis, not to
exceed 18 months.
(Section 4.2)

24 Months

36 Months

Other
Periodically update
contact and
communications
information for
government agencies.
(Table 1
Communication)

Baseline

Conduct security drills
or exercises on a
periodic basis. (Table
1 Drills and Exercises)

Review and assess
pipeline cyber asset
classification as critical
or non-critical at least
every 12 months.
(Table 2 Cyber Asset
Management)

Review the
organization's cyber
recovery plan
annually. (Table 2
Cyber Improvements)

Review and assess
all cybersecurity
policies, plans,
processes, and
supporting
procedures
regularly, not to
exceed 36 months.
(Table 2 Cyber
Governance)

Perform regular testing
of intrusion and
malware detection
processes and
procedures. (Table 2
Cyber Detection
Processes)

Conduct cybersecurity
incident response
exercises periodically.
(Table 2 Cyber
Response Planning)
Periodically review
facility staffing
requirements for
implementing
additional security
measures. (NTAS
Supplement, p.1)
Provide notification of
a pipeline incident in
accordance with
Appendix B.

23

TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Appendix A – Recurring Actions

RECURRING ACTIONS
12 Months

18 Months

Conduct a SVA within
12 months of
significant
modification to a
critical facility, a newly
identified critical
facility or a newly
constructed facility
identified as critical.
(Section 4.3)

Enhanced

Review sitespecific security
measures
periodically, not to
exceed 18
months. (Section
6.3)

24 Months

36 Months

Implement
appropriate findings
NLT 24 months
after SVA
completion.
(Section 4.3)

Conduct periodic
SVAs, not to exceed
36 months. (Section
4.3)

Conduct key
inventories every 24
months. (Table 1
Locks and Key
Control)

Verify the proper
operation and/or
condition of all security
equipment through
routine use or
quarterly examination.
(Table 1 Equipment
Maintenance and
Testing)
Conduct recurring
background
investigations, not to
exceed 10 years, for
employees occupying
security positions or in
sensitive positions.
(Table 1 Background
Investigation)

Conduct or participate
in an annual security
drill or exercise.
(Table 1 Exercises
and Drills)

Provide security
training to personnel
assigned security
duties upon hiring and
annually thereafter.
(Table 1 Personnel
Training)

Other

Provide security
awareness briefings
for personnel with
unescorted access
upon hiring and
every 3 years
thereafter. (Table 1
Personnel Training)

Review and assess all
cybersecurity policies,
plans, processes, and
supporting procedures
regularly, not to
exceed 12 months.
(Table 2 Cyber
Governance)
Note: 1. Baseline measures apply to all pipeline operators. Enhanced measures apply to operators’ critical facilities.
2. All baseline and enhanced security measures are detailed in Section 6 of this document.

24

TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines
Appendix B - TSA Notification Criteria

APPENDIX B - TSA NOTIFICATION CRITERIA
As the lead Federal agency for pipeline security, TSA requests to be notified of security incidents
that are indicative of a deliberate attempt to disrupt pipeline operations or activities that could be
considered precursors to such an attempt. Pipeline operators should notify the Transportation
Security Operations Center (TSOC) via phone at 866-615-5150 or email at TSOC.ST@dhs.gov
as soon as possible if any of the following incidents occurs or if there is other reason to believe
that a terrorist incident may be planned or may have occurred:


Explosions or fires of a suspicious nature affecting pipeline systems, facilities, or assets;



Actual or suspected attacks on pipeline systems, facilities, or assets;



Bomb threats or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threats to pipeline systems,
facilities, or assets;



Theft of pipeline company vehicles, uniforms, or employee credentials;



Suspicious persons or vehicles around pipeline systems, facilities, assets, or right-of-way;



Suspicious photography or possible surveillance of pipeline systems, facilities, or assets;



Suspicious inquiries from people asking about pipeline system, facility, or asset
operations, vulnerabilities, or security practices;



Suspicious individuals applying for security-sensitive positions in the pipeline company;



Theft or loss of sensitive security information (detailed pipeline maps, security plans,
etc.).

When contacting the TSOC, provide as much of the following information as possible:


Name and contact information;



The time and location of the incident, as specifically as possible;



A description of the incident or activity involved;



Which entities have been notified and what actions have been taken;



The names and/or descriptions of persons involved or suspicious parties and license
plates as appropriate.

Actual or suspected cyber-attacks that could impact pipeline industrial control systems (SCADA,
PCS, DCS), measurement systems and telemetry systems or enterprise associated IT systems
should be reported to the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center
(NCCIC) at 888-282-0870.
For questions or concerns, email the TSA Pipeline Security staff at pipelinesecurity@dhs.gov

25

APPENDIX C – LIST OF ACRONYMS
AGA
ANSI
APGA
API
CFR
DCS
DHS
DOT
FEMA
HSEEP
HSIN
ICS
INGAA
ISA
IT
NIST
NTAS
PCS
SCADA
SSI
SVA
TIH
TSA
TSOC
WMD

American Gas Association
American National Standards Institute
American Public Gas Association
American Petroleum Institute
Code of Federal Regulations
Distributed Control System
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program
Homeland Security Information Network
Industrial Control System
Interstate Natural Gas Association of America
International Society of Automation
Information Technology
National Institute of Standards and Technology
National Terrorism Advisory System
Process Control System
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
Sensitive Security Information
Security Vulnerability Assessment
Toxic Inhalation Hazard
Transportation Security Administration
Transportation Security Operations Center
Weapons of Mass Destruction

26

APPENDIX D – REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Operators should consult the current edition of these and other security references on a frequent
basis in developing and reviewing their company’s security program. Cyber planning and
implementation guidance appears in Section 7.4.
American Gas Association (AGA), Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) &
American Public Gas Association (APGA), Security Guidelines: Natural Gas Industry,
Transmission and Distribution
American Petroleum Institute (API) & National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA),
Security Vulnerability Assessment Methodology for the Petroleum and Petrochemical Industries
API, Security Guidelines for the Petroleum Industry
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 7: Critical Infrastructure Identification, Prioritization,
and Protection.
Presidential Policy Directive 7: National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) Vols. 1 - 4
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National Infrastructure Protection Plan
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National Cyber Security Division, Catalog of Control
Systems Security: Recommendations for Standards Developers
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Pipeline
Security Smart Practices
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, TSA, Transportation Systems Sector-Specific Plan:
Pipeline Modal Annex

27