This is a Hybrid Event

Meeting Location:
Apache Corporation
2000 Post Oak Blvd, Room 108
Houston, TX 77056-4400

Meeting Time: 11:00 to 1:00
Registration Begins at 11:00
Lunch Served at 11:30
Presentation starts at Noon

NOTE: You Must Be Logged In to Register.

Speakers: Marianne Rauch, TGS and Leon Hamilton

Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT) is a topic that shouldn’t just be of interest for IT specialists. All geoscientist must educate themselves on these subjects, being aware of the advantages and dangers. Without even realizing, we are exposing ourselves every day nearly all day long to cyber-attacks. We are using Teams/Zoom and such to communicate with our colleagues that are away from the office. We are using the cloud to process and store large datasets. We transfer sensitive data across ftp sites, etc. Although our employers have put strict security measures into place that can help preventing a security breach, no method is fools prove. One example is the Colonial Pipeline ransom attack in May 2021 where Colonial Pipeline had to pay a ransom to receive the decryption key, enabling the company’s IT to regain control of the system. Although IT specialists put measurements into place to prevent hacks, we geoscientists must be aware of the dangers and how to prevent them. This talk is geared towards the geoscience community. 
  
We will speak on the unique advantages for IoT integration for geophysical operations. IoT sensors are devices that detect external information and replacing it with a signal that humans and machines can distinguish. They optimize the output of operational sites, enhance exploration by mapping subservice drilling sites for example, and are conducive to enhanced comparative data analysis. Sensors and accompanying channels could become less expensive as technology matures. Conversely, we must address the challenges associated with IoT integration which must be illuminated to enable an educated, proactive approach to mitigating potential attack vectors for cyber criminals. Geophysics and petroleum industries face significant challenges across the industry landscapes such as increased regulations and competition, compounded by tight profit margins and maximized operational efficiencies to reduce costs. IoT is not a panacea, but integration of the technology should not exacerbate existing and emerging challenges but provide viable solutions which include a proactive approach to potential challenges with the technology.

Oil, gas, and various minerals play a significant role in the economic development and gross national product of countries. Geophysical technologies can more accurately categorize the uncertainty and maturity axis as defined by the Petroleum Resources Management System (PRMS). Geophysics is critical to the oil and gas industry because geophysical data when transformed into relevant information, provides invaluable material to exploration and development personnel on predicting the location, presence, and estimation of subsurface hydrocarbon accumulations. Seismic surveying quantifies principle of the earth subsurface in terms of wave propagation measuring rock property boundaries and fluid accumulations. Seismic operations can be optimized with IoT which is a multi-trillion-dollar industry.

These processes require a consistent, sizeable investment and geophysical professionals are enhancing operational efficiencies with technology, namely, the internet of things (IoT). For example, Cloud-based systems provide unique data analysis information utilizing real-time data. Data storage such as Google Firebase stores these real-time data gathered from IoT sensors and other components. Large seismic datasets are also often processed in the cloud as this reduces the need for large onsite computer installations. Theoretically, operational efficiencies can be initiated, cost reductions occur, and seismic data processes are timely and optimized.  

Speaker Biographies:
Marianne Rauch, TGS
Marianne Rauch has a very inquisitive mind and is involved in many aspects of the oil and gas industry. She has researched and developed geophysical technologies, advocates geological and geophysical integration during seismic processing, built and managed reservoir teams, mentored many students throughout her career and lately got involved in cybersecurity. She co-authored an article: The Oil and Gas Cyber Security Enigma in the TLE in September 2022. She published many technical articles and is a seasoned presenter. Besides geosciences, her passions include being a mother and being involved in volunteer activities where she is advocating for underprivileged children in her home town Houston. Currently she is employed by TGS in the role of Principal Technical Advisor. She can be reached at [email protected] and 832-641-2377. 

Leon Hamilton
Leon Hamilton is a father, Soldier, entrepreneur, public  speaker, and author. Over his 23-year tenure as an Army Officer, College Professor, and Senior Military Trainer, Leon has presented hundreds of presentations over a variety of subjects related to leadership, training, management, finance, cyber security, and a variety of subjects depending on stakeholder requirements. A Hemphill, Texas native, Leon received his B.A. in Management and M.B.A in Finance from Prairie View A&M University. Leon received his Ph.D. in Technology and Innovation Management, Specialization: Cyber Security from Northcentral University and recently co-authored/published The Oil and Gas Cyber Security Enigma. Leon can be reached at [email protected] or 832-891-2507.

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