HSM IT ServicesOil and Gas and Energy Services
Energy service companies across Alberta run field crews, remote sites and office teams that all depend on reliable connectivity and secure systems. HSM IT Services helps these organizations protect corporate networks, field devices and operational technology while keeping work moving in the field and in the office.
Oil and gas service companies in Alberta often operate from a head office in Calgary or Edmonton, a shop or yard in a regional centre, and a changing list of field locations. Crews rely on rugged laptops, tablets and phones to submit tickets, timesheets and safety forms from sites with limited cellular coverage. IT has to support satellite and LTE links, shared devices and staff who may only check in once a week, all while keeping company data and client information protected.
Energy is a frequent target for ransomware groups and for criminals who exploit invoice and payment processes. Companies that bill operators through electronic invoicing platforms, or that handle large equipment purchases, are attractive targets for business email compromise. Where field services touch control systems, SCADA, or connected equipment, the line between corporate IT and operational technology becomes a security concern, because a compromise in one environment can affect the other if the networks are not properly separated.
Operators and larger clients increasingly ask their contractors about cybersecurity through vendor questionnaires and contract terms. Smaller service companies may be asked about multi-factor authentication, backups, incident response plans and how they manage remote access. Having clear answers, documented controls and a provider who understands both the office and the field makes these reviews easier and supports the relationships that keep work coming in during busy and slow cycles alike.
Risks we see most
Ransomware
Attackers target energy firms knowing downtime is costly, encrypting servers and backups to force payment. Field operations, dispatch and billing can stop until systems are restored.
Business email compromise
Criminals impersonate suppliers or operators to redirect payments or change banking details. Large invoices and busy accounting teams make this a persistent risk.
IT and OT crossover
Flat networks or shared remote access tools can allow an attacker on a corporate laptop to reach control systems or connected equipment.
Lost or stolen field devices
Laptops and tablets in trucks and at remote sites are easily lost or stolen. Without encryption and remote wipe, client and company data goes with them.
Unreliable remote connectivity
Satellite and LTE links at remote sites can drop or slow down, pushing staff toward unsafe workarounds such as personal email or unapproved file sharing.
How HSM IT Services helps
- Secure remote access for field crews, with multi-factor authentication and managed VPN or zero trust connections
- Separation of corporate networks from operational technology and connected equipment
- Encrypted, centrally managed laptops, tablets and phones with mobile support, remote lock and wipe
- Backups designed to survive ransomware, with tested restores for servers and Microsoft 365
- Email security and payment verification guidance to reduce invoice fraud
- Help with operator security questionnaires and contractor prequalification reviews
Rules and standards that apply
- Alberta Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA)
- CSA Z246.1 Security management for petroleum and natural gas industry systems
- IEC 62443 series for industrial automation and control system security
- Operator and client contractual security requirements
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your obligations with your lawyer or regulator.
Services for this sector
Managed IT Services
Our Managed IT Services puts all your technology under one phone call: computers, networks, cloud, cybersecurity, phones, printers, cabling, cameras and access control. We monitor, maintain and support it all for a predictable monthly fee, so problems are caught early and your team can focus on the business.
Learn moreManaged Detection and Response
Our Managed Detection and Response combines security tooling with analysts who watch your endpoints, identities, email and network for signs of attack. When a real threat appears, we investigate, contain it and guide your recovery, so small teams get enterprise-grade defence without building a security operations centre.
Learn moreNetwork and Firewall Management
Our Network and Firewall Management designs, secures and maintains the switches, Wi-Fi, firewalls and internet connections your organization depends on. We monitor performance, keep firmware current and review firewall rules so your network stays fast, stable and difficult for attackers to move through.
Learn moreBackup and Disaster Recovery
Our Backup and Disaster Recovery protects your servers, workstations and Microsoft 365 data with secure, monitored and regularly tested backups. We design recovery plans around how long your business can afford to be down, so a ransomware attack, hardware failure or site disaster does not become a permanent loss.
Learn moreQuestions we hear
Can you support staff who work at remote field sites?
Yes. We manage devices so they can be updated, secured and supported over the internet, including over satellite and LTE connections. We set up remote access that works with limited bandwidth, and we plan for devices that only connect occasionally so updates and backups still happen when staff return to coverage.
Do you work with operational technology and SCADA systems?
We focus on the corporate IT side and on the boundary between IT and OT. That includes network segmentation, remote access controls and monitoring at that boundary. For changes inside control systems themselves, we work alongside your controls vendors or engineers rather than replacing them, so responsibilities stay clear and safety is not compromised.
An operator sent us a cybersecurity questionnaire. Can you help?
Yes. We can review the questionnaire with you, explain what each question is asking, and identify which controls you already have in place. Where there are gaps, we recommend practical steps and help you implement them, so your answers are accurate and you can support them if the client asks for evidence.