Energy firms face fast-changing threats, but they still must keep plants running. At the same time, new rules keep expanding. So leaders need security help that fits their real risks, not a fixed package.
This article shares lessons from Annie McIntyre, Chief Security Officer at EverLine - Energy's Technical Stack.
Annie has experienced this change from multiple angles. She started her career on the Department of Energy-funded Human Genome Project, then moved into defence work that supported key U.S. Army systems.
Later, at Sandia National Laboratories, she entered the oil and gas sector as critical infrastructure protection expanded rapidly. Those experiences shaped her path. She is currently the Chief Security Officer at EverLine - Energy's Technical Stack.
She plays a central role there, guiding teams that protect operational systems across pipelines, rail, maritime, and other high-stakes areas.
In this article, you’ll learn why operational technology (OT) security matters, how trust-driven selling shapes marketing, and how Everline uses digital channels and AI while staying careful with sensitive data.
Keep reading for Annie’s clear guidance on this topic. (And check out the full podcast episode here.)
Energy security shifted when once-isolated systems became connected. Standard operating systems and distributed setups raised exposure. That change forced teams to treat security as a core business need.
Key drivers of the shift include:
Regulation then accelerated the urgency. Pipeline rules turned more aggressive after major incidents. Rail and maritime rules also expanded. Insurers and partners now expect proof of due care. Supply chains are also under increased scrutiny.
This pressure doesn’t fade. Once rules exist, they rarely roll back. That pushes firms to keep improving programs, not “finish” them.