Guarding Kuwait's oil heartbeat: The rise of advanced cybersecurity
KUWAIT CITY, June 18: Kuwaiti oil sector companies have successfully established an advanced cybersecurity system designed to protect the vital artery of the national economy. These measures enhance system reliability and boost readiness against future cyber threats.
The cybersecurity strategy relies on several key pillars. These include continuous updates to security systems aligned with the latest international standards, regular penetration testing, comprehensive risk assessments, and the integration of artificial intelligence technologies for early threat detection. Investment in cutting-edge technology, combined with ongoing employee training on cybersecurity best practices, forms the foundation of proactive defense against sophisticated cyberattacks.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and its subsidiaries have created specialized cybersecurity departments and operation centers. These entities continually refine security policies and deploy advanced defensive software to safeguard digital infrastructure.
During a meeting with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), experts and stakeholders in the oil sector unanimously highlighted the critical importance of ongoing cybersecurity enhancements to counter escalating risks, including security breaches, malware, and social engineering attacks.
Ali Al-Qallaf, head of cybersecurity operations at Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), emphasized the sector's dependence on digital systems to manage production, refining, and distribution. He stressed that protecting these systems is essential for business continuity and the confidentiality of sensitive data.
Al-Qallaf detailed the five main components of KNPC's cyberspace: infrastructure (servers, networks, and operational systems), operational software (industrial control systems in refineries and fuel stations), security systems, data (including operational logs and trade secrets), and users (company employees interacting with systems). He also included digital services such as the internet and internal networks connecting company facilities.
He outlined the cyber threats faced by KNPC, which include hacking, data theft, malware targeting industrial control systems, and viruses infecting internal computers. To manage these risks, KNPC employs continuous risk analysis and periodic penetration testing to evaluate security tools and vulnerabilities.
Corporate risk management teams work alongside IT departments to identify potential threats and implement protective measures. KNPC utilizes encryption, multi-factor authentication, and artificial intelligence for data analysis and early threat detection.
Among KNPC's milestones is the establishment of Kuwait's first unified cybersecurity operations center—an advanced facility monitoring operational and IT systems in real time to detect and respond rapidly to attacks.
Employee training on the latest cybersecurity techniques is a core part of KNPC's strategy to reduce human error risks. The company continues to invest heavily in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to maintain proactive defenses.
Al-Qallaf highlighted the significance of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation's 2040 Digital Transformation Strategy, which will expand Internet of Things (IoT) device integration across operations, increasing the need for enhanced cybersecurity.
He warned about the risks posed by artificial intelligence, which can also be exploited by cybercriminals to launch sophisticated attacks, such as AI-driven phishing. KNPC counters these threats through AI-based early detection systems and ongoing employee awareness programs.
Securing digital systems that underpin production and refining is paramount to maintaining the stability of Kuwait's oil and gas sector, protecting corporate reputation, and preventing operational disruptions or environmental harm.
Legacy systems lacking support for modern security technologies and the complexity of integrating operational technology (OT) with IT systems pose ongoing cybersecurity challenges. Comprehensive protection of all digital industrial networks is therefore critical.
Mohammad Al-Safi, head of cybersecurity at Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), underscored the rising number of cyber threats, including data breaches and system failures. He stressed the importance of understanding these threats to develop effective defense strategies.
Al-Safi reiterated that the oil sector's reliance on automated control systems makes cybersecurity vital for business continuity and economic stability. He predicted future trends toward greater integration of security controls, modern technology adoption, and stronger collaboration between oil companies and government agencies.
Abdullah Al-Khateeb, senior cybersecurity officer at Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC), emphasized the need for cooperation between companies and government bodies to share information on emerging threats. He described cybersecurity strategies focusing on governance, system updates, infrastructure improvement, workforce training, and AI utilization.
Al-Khateeb expects increased investment in AI and machine learning to strengthen early threat detection, secure IoT devices, and develop integrated cyber defense systems incorporating big data analysis and advanced encryption.
He also anticipates evolving international laws governing cybersecurity in the oil sector, which remains a prime target for cyberattacks. Therefore, cybersecurity is integral to the sector's sustainability and risk management.
Effective cyber risk management involves identifying vulnerabilities, analyzing their impact and probability, implementing protective technologies such as firewalls and encryption, continuous monitoring, and preparing response and recovery plans.
The Kuwaiti government prioritizes cybersecurity in the oil sector through advanced technology integration, robust security policies, and continuous staff training. Kuwait has also expanded strategic partnerships and leveraged specialized agencies to drive transformative improvements in national cybersecurity.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
5 hours ago
- Arab Times
Oman plans to impose personal income tax, a first among Gulf states
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 24, (AP): Oman plans to levy personal income tax as part of a broader push to move the sultanate's economy away from reliance on hydrocarbons. The tax would be a first among the six-member oil-rich Gulf Cooperation Council. The 5% tax will start in 2028 and will only be required of those who make upward of $109,000 annually - the top 1% of earners in Oman. The plan was issued Sunday by royal decree and reported by the official Oman News Agency. It's unclear whether this will inspire other nations in the area to follow suit, though the International Monetary Fund has predicted that Gulf states may need to impose new taxes in the coming years to diversify government revenues. The lack of income tax so far has been a boon for development in the Gulf, helping to attract migrant workers to the region. But for Oman, the introduction of the income tax "will further prioritize financial stability by diversifying revenue sources' that will help shelter the country from "fluctuations' in the global energy market, Minister of Economy Said bin Mohammed Al-Saqri said. He added that oil and gas revenues can account for up to 85% of the nation's public income, depending on the market. "The tax serves as a new revenue stream to diversify public income sources and mitigate risks associated with reliance on oil as the primary revenue source," Al-Saqri said. Oman has been weighing the personal income tax for several years, and its introduction follows other fiscal reforms. In 2020, it rolled out a program to cut down public debt and boost economic development. The move, Al-Saqri said, is part of Oman's broader Vision 2040 project, which hopes to turn the country into a technology-based economy.
Arab Times
5 hours ago
- Arab Times
Israel-Iran War A Wake-Up Call For Kuwait's Oil-Dependent Economy
KUWAIT CITY, June 24: The United States of America has entered the Israeli-Iranian war, raising tensions in the region, creating a state of ambiguity, and opening the door wide to new challenges for the global economy in general and the Kuwaiti economy in particular. Kuwaiti economists have stressed the need to learn economic lessons from the current war and work hard to diversify sources of income; so that the Kuwaiti economy does not remain vulnerable to the risks of geopolitical tensions, which could pose a challenge to an economy dependent on a single commodity -- oil -- taking into consideration the growing fear of seaports closure. In separate interviews with the newspaper, they warned that the continuation of the war for more than a month would negatively impact the economies of Kuwait and neighboring countries, primarily due to the decline in interregional trade and maritime shipping. They underscored the importance of expanding agriculture, livestock, and the food industry, as well as increasing storage of goods that could last for many years in preparation for any emergency. Economic expert and former Minister of State for Housing Affairs Yahya Al-Sumait asserted that the escalation of the war between Israel and Iran and the entry of the United States as a party to the confl ict will affect the national economy, especially since the country relies on imports and exports, not only of oil but of all other products. At the same time, he expects the situation to calm down by the beginning of next month, as the free world will not accept the continuation of the war and its disastrous repercussions for people and the global economy. Economic expert and head of the Accounting Department at Kuwait University Dr. Sadiq Al-Bassam pointed out that the only benefit to the national economy from the Iran-Israel war is the rise in the price of oil, which leads to increased State revenues. 'However, the negative repercussions affect many other areas, foremost of which is the possibility of higher commodity prices if the war is prolonged or the Strait of Hormuz is closed,' he disclosed. Al-Bassam emphasized the need to learn lessons from current events to diversify the country's resources, while expanding the strategic reserve for non-perishable goods to five years. He thinks six months is insufficient, especially since Kuwait is in a highly sensitive region. He also stressed the importance of expanding livestock, agriculture, and the food industry to prevent any crisis should the war continue. Abdullah Al-Gharib, advisor for international organizations affairs at the Kuwait Journalists Association, stated that the continuation of the war has negative repercussions for the national economy, including the suspension of Kuwaiti oil exports if vital ports through which tankers pass are closed. This is especially true given that Iran, amid this war, is still threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, he added. He warned that the closure of vital ports will affect the buying and selling of food products, because the continuation of the war for more than a month will affect food supplies, prompting food traders to raise prices. He said the situation could lead to a halt in flights, which will lead to numerous economic disasters, especially since commercial aviation tranIsrael-Iran War A Wake-Up Call For Kuwait's Oil-Dependent Economysports many daily food products to Kuwait. Economic expert Ahmed Al- Khashnam reiterated that the current war has negative and positive repercussions for the national economy. He explained that the continuation of the war will inevitably lead to an increase in oil prices to more than $100, which will naturally benefit the country's oil resources more than expected. 'However, the war could also negatively affect the economy if the Strait of Hormuz and other seaports are closed. This will be a greater disaster, as the Kuwaiti economy relies primarily on oil resources,' he asserted. He believes that the situation requires the formation of a crisis management entity to resolve all problems which arise suddenly, such as this war, and might continue for long periods and potentially exhaust the economies of the Gulf states. He said the current war is affecting the global economy as a whole, not just the oil-rich Gulf states; indicating that its negative effects include a decline in all types of investments, which will lead to a decline in the profits of commercial companies that rely primarily on imports and exports. 'Furthermore, the war will lead to the flight of foreign capital or a reduction in its income. The situation is not limited to the warring countries alone, as it extends to neighboring countries, leading to a decline in trade exchange and the volume of intra-trade. This will result in a decline in commercial activity, which will raise wheat prices, as it happened in the Russia-Ukraine war. I hope the Israeli- Iranian war will stop soon,' he added.
Arab Times
7 hours ago
- Arab Times
Guarding Kuwait's oil heartbeat: The rise of advanced cybersecurity
KUWAIT CITY, June 18: Kuwaiti oil sector companies have successfully established an advanced cybersecurity system designed to protect the vital artery of the national economy. These measures enhance system reliability and boost readiness against future cyber threats. The cybersecurity strategy relies on several key pillars. These include continuous updates to security systems aligned with the latest international standards, regular penetration testing, comprehensive risk assessments, and the integration of artificial intelligence technologies for early threat detection. Investment in cutting-edge technology, combined with ongoing employee training on cybersecurity best practices, forms the foundation of proactive defense against sophisticated cyberattacks. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and its subsidiaries have created specialized cybersecurity departments and operation centers. These entities continually refine security policies and deploy advanced defensive software to safeguard digital infrastructure. During a meeting with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), experts and stakeholders in the oil sector unanimously highlighted the critical importance of ongoing cybersecurity enhancements to counter escalating risks, including security breaches, malware, and social engineering attacks. Ali Al-Qallaf, head of cybersecurity operations at Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), emphasized the sector's dependence on digital systems to manage production, refining, and distribution. He stressed that protecting these systems is essential for business continuity and the confidentiality of sensitive data. Al-Qallaf detailed the five main components of KNPC's cyberspace: infrastructure (servers, networks, and operational systems), operational software (industrial control systems in refineries and fuel stations), security systems, data (including operational logs and trade secrets), and users (company employees interacting with systems). He also included digital services such as the internet and internal networks connecting company facilities. He outlined the cyber threats faced by KNPC, which include hacking, data theft, malware targeting industrial control systems, and viruses infecting internal computers. To manage these risks, KNPC employs continuous risk analysis and periodic penetration testing to evaluate security tools and vulnerabilities. Corporate risk management teams work alongside IT departments to identify potential threats and implement protective measures. KNPC utilizes encryption, multi-factor authentication, and artificial intelligence for data analysis and early threat detection. Among KNPC's milestones is the establishment of Kuwait's first unified cybersecurity operations center—an advanced facility monitoring operational and IT systems in real time to detect and respond rapidly to attacks. Employee training on the latest cybersecurity techniques is a core part of KNPC's strategy to reduce human error risks. The company continues to invest heavily in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to maintain proactive defenses. Al-Qallaf highlighted the significance of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation's 2040 Digital Transformation Strategy, which will expand Internet of Things (IoT) device integration across operations, increasing the need for enhanced cybersecurity. He warned about the risks posed by artificial intelligence, which can also be exploited by cybercriminals to launch sophisticated attacks, such as AI-driven phishing. KNPC counters these threats through AI-based early detection systems and ongoing employee awareness programs. Securing digital systems that underpin production and refining is paramount to maintaining the stability of Kuwait's oil and gas sector, protecting corporate reputation, and preventing operational disruptions or environmental harm. Legacy systems lacking support for modern security technologies and the complexity of integrating operational technology (OT) with IT systems pose ongoing cybersecurity challenges. Comprehensive protection of all digital industrial networks is therefore critical. Mohammad Al-Safi, head of cybersecurity at Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), underscored the rising number of cyber threats, including data breaches and system failures. He stressed the importance of understanding these threats to develop effective defense strategies. Al-Safi reiterated that the oil sector's reliance on automated control systems makes cybersecurity vital for business continuity and economic stability. He predicted future trends toward greater integration of security controls, modern technology adoption, and stronger collaboration between oil companies and government agencies. Abdullah Al-Khateeb, senior cybersecurity officer at Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC), emphasized the need for cooperation between companies and government bodies to share information on emerging threats. He described cybersecurity strategies focusing on governance, system updates, infrastructure improvement, workforce training, and AI utilization. Al-Khateeb expects increased investment in AI and machine learning to strengthen early threat detection, secure IoT devices, and develop integrated cyber defense systems incorporating big data analysis and advanced encryption. He also anticipates evolving international laws governing cybersecurity in the oil sector, which remains a prime target for cyberattacks. Therefore, cybersecurity is integral to the sector's sustainability and risk management. Effective cyber risk management involves identifying vulnerabilities, analyzing their impact and probability, implementing protective technologies such as firewalls and encryption, continuous monitoring, and preparing response and recovery plans. The Kuwaiti government prioritizes cybersecurity in the oil sector through advanced technology integration, robust security policies, and continuous staff training. Kuwait has also expanded strategic partnerships and leveraged specialized agencies to drive transformative improvements in national cybersecurity.
