Hackers targeting internet-connected systems to steal oil, expert warns

The high price of oil, and an increasingly software-reliant network of sensors and monitoring tools are making the oil trade a high target for hackers

Oil and gas companies should be extremely concerned about the threat of hackers targeting critical infrastructure as they attempt to steal commodities or cause explosions, a security expert has warned.

Alexander Polyakov of the software company ERPScan said the threat is particularly acute now that oil prices are so low, putting the industry under increasing pressure to cut costs.