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In a landscape characterized by rapid technological advancements and evolving security threats, organizations across various sectors face significant challenges in maintaining compliance and security. This is particularly true in industries like energy and utilities, where regulations are stringent and infrastructure is critical. For SGN Ltd., a prominent gas distribution firm in the UK, the journey to migrate its gas control infrastructure to the cloud was both essential and daunting.
Prioritizing Security and Compliance in Cloud Migration
SGN, which serves nearly six million homes and businesses across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and southern England, oversees a vast network of 74,000 km of gas mains and provides essential emergency services for gas safety and leaks. In 2015, the company found itself at a crossroads, needing to modernize its aging infrastructure housed in a traditional data center, with a replacement deadline looming in the next 4 to 5 years to meet regulatory demands. Recognizing the cloud as the optimal path forward, SGN sought the expertise of Amazon Web Services (AWS).
“We were grappling with the security challenges posed by our outdated infrastructure, and transitioning to new physical infrastructure required significant logistical considerations,” explains Alex Harper, a program management consultant at SGN. “This reality propelled us to partner with AWS for our migration journey.”
Developing a Strategic Road Map for a Secure Migration
With the help of AWS, SGN successfully transitioned its corporate infrastructure and established a data lake. By 2019, the company began eyeing a similar transition for its gas control infrastructure, which presented a more complex challenge due to the stringent regulations governing the energy sector. SGN recognized the importance of collaborating closely with the AWS team to navigate this large-scale migration effectively.
“We ensured the success of this challenging project by assembling the right talent for the task,” states Emma Wright, head of IT Project and Programme Delivery at SGN. “Their expertise and familiarity with the necessary tools were crucial to our success.”
Designated as Critical National Infrastructure by the UK government, SGN’s systems had to comply with rigorous guidelines and high compliance standards. This included a mandatory safety case outlining the licensing conditions necessary for operating high-pressure gas pipeline systems. Additionally, compliance with frameworks established by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) was essential.
Before proceeding with the migration, SGN underwent an evaluation process with the NCSC, which required them to demonstrate that the applications supporting gas control were reliable in a cloud environment. This involved presenting architecture diagrams for approval before migration could commence.
“Many of our product vendors were unfamiliar with public cloud environments,” adds Harper. “Thus, we had to demonstrate that our gas control applications could function effectively in the cloud.”
Testing and Refining for a Comprehensive Cloud Solution
SGN initiated its migration by drafting a proof of concept and conducting tests in a virtual setting. The proof of concept was completed in August 2019, followed by the development of various architectural designs that assured the security and safety of the new infrastructure. These designs were finalized by September 2020 and submitted to the NCSC for validation.
Upon receiving NCSC approval, SGN entered a procurement phase, and by March 2021, it secured a contract to create more detailed designs. Construction on the new solution began in November 2021, necessitating ongoing refinements and testing. Numerous design iterations were required to address previous work that needed adjustment.
In September 2022, SGN engaged with AWS Professional Services for insights on building, testing, and compliance remediation. This collaboration enabled SGN to make necessary adjustments to meet compliance standards over the subsequent five months, culminating in full cloud migration by May 2023.
“We underwent a challenging period of constant development and testing,” reflects Harper. “The AWS team was instrumental in helping us address the outstanding tasks and launch our new solution.”
By migrating its vital gas network infrastructure to AWS, SGN enhanced its capacity for innovation, bolstered overall security and compliance, and ensured a highly reliable network. With improved security measures, SGN is now poised to embark on new initiatives, such as creating a digital twin of its gas network and green hydrogen project.
“The implementation of advanced AWS cloud technologies empowers us to stay ahead of the constantly evolving cyber threat landscape,” concludes Wright.
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