An offshore oil and gas operator engaged Armexa to provide OT cybersecurity expertise for an OT system hardening initiative supporting critical Human-Machine Interface (HMI) systems. Armexa supported the effort by collecting equipment design data and developing a CFAT testing plan that incorporated the client’s cybersecurity requirements and recognized industry hardening standards for a effective cybersecurity factory acceptance test.
By completing hardening activities before physical deployment, the operator reduced onsite cybersecurity commissioning task times and lowered risk while improving readiness and integration with the broader OT infrastructure.
Challenges
The operator required specialized OT cybersecurity expertise to ensure newly deployed HMI systems met cybersecurity requirements before entering service. Addressing security gaps after deployment would increase operational complexity, cost, and schedule risk.
Key challenges included:
- No formal hardening plan existed for the in-scope systems prior to CFAT, creating the potential for security gaps to be discovered late in the project lifecycle.
- Design, provisioning, and configuration documentation required review and validation across multiple stakeholders to establish a common understanding of cybersecurity requirements.
- Hardening activities, validation, and testing needed to be completed within a compressed CFAT schedule.
- Security controls needed to be applied consistently across endpoint, network, access control, and system configuration domains to align with the operator’s OT cybersecurity standards.
Our Solution
Armexa provided dedicated OT cybersecurity and project management resources to plan, execute, and validate hardening activities for the in-scope systems.
Pre-FAT Planning & Documentation
Armexa reviewed system design and hardening documentation, worked with project stakeholders to resolve information gaps, and established clear testing and validation requirements. CFAT and commissioning activities were documented, including the verification activities that would occur during both CFAT and subsequent CSAT (Cyber Site Acceptance Test.)
FAT Execution & System Hardening
During CFAT, Armexa validated system configurations, applied required updates, and implemented cybersecurity controls aligned with industry-recognized hardening guidance and client standards. Activities included:
- Endpoint and operating system hardening
- Account and authentication controls
- Configuration of security settings and access restrictions
- Verification of patch and update status
- Validation of endpoint protection functionality
- Review of system readiness against FAT requirements
Integration & Operational Readiness
Armexa supported onboarding activities that prepared the systems for integration with backup, recovery, endpoint protection, and cybersecurity monitoring capabilities to comply with the client’s security controls and practices.
Outcomes & Impact
The engagement delivered hardened, documented, and CFAT-verified systems ready for deployment and ongoing cybersecurity management.
Security Benefits
- Reduced cyber risk through the implementation of standardized security controls across system, network, and access-control domains.
- Improved security visibility and readiness through validation of endpoint protection and system configurations.
- Established a documented cybersecurity baseline to support future monitoring, maintenance, and lifecycle management.
Operational Benefits
- Enabled deployment-ready systems prior to operational commissioning, reducing the likelihood of costly rework after deployment.
- Improved project execution through clear definition of FAT and site acceptance responsibilities.
- Supported a smoother transition from project delivery into operations and maintenance activities.
Documentation & Governance
- Delivered and completed hardening plans, asset records, and supporting technical documentation for the in-scope systems.
- Established a documented record of cybersecurity validation activities to support governance, future assessments, and ongoing cybersecurity operations.
