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Arab Times
16 hours ago
- Business
- 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.
Arab Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait medical team performs pioneering aortic valve replacement on 80-year-old patient
KUWAIT CITY, May 12: A national medical team has successfully conducted an aortic valve replacement surgery for a Kuwaiti patient in her eighties, utilizing the BASILICA and UNICORN techniques through catheterization, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery. The procedure was carried out at the Salman Al-Dubous Cardiac Center under the supervision of Dr. Al-Tayeb Al-Qallaf, a consultant in cardiology and catheterization. Dr. Al-Qallaf stated in a press conference on Sunday that this achievement represents a significant step forward in providing specialized care to heart patients, especially those with a history of previous surgeries. The surgery lasted for approximately nine hours and involved a combination of the BASILICA and UNICORN techniques, reflecting both the advanced development of healthcare services in Kuwait and the country's ability to implement cutting-edge medical procedures. "This case highlights that it is possible to offer safe and effective alternatives for patients at high surgical risk," Dr. Al-Qallaf explained. The patient, who had undergone an aortic valve replacement in 2019, began experiencing symptoms of valve failure. Due to the risks associated with traditional surgical valve replacement, which could result in up to 100 percent coronary artery blockage, the medical team opted for a less invasive intervention. Given the patient's age and overall health condition, traditional surgery was deemed too risky. As a result, the team turned to a precise technical intervention through interventional catheterization (TAVR), utilizing the latest medical advancements in the field. The BASILICA technique, used in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), aims to avoid coronary artery blockage by precisely incising the leaflet of the original or previously implanted valve with an electric current. This allows blood to flow to the coronary arteries after the new valve is inserted, preventing blockage caused by the valve's location or structure. The UNICORN technology was also used to modify or remove tissue that might obstruct coronary artery flow. This complementary technique is especially beneficial in complex cases, offering additional protection to coronary pathways when BASILICA alone may not suffice. Dr. Al-Qallaf emphasized that this success is a result of strong collaboration among national specialists from various medical fields. He highlighted the importance of investing in local expertise and creating a supportive environment that fosters excellence and leadership within Kuwait's healthcare sector. This groundbreaking procedure at the Salman Al-Dubous Cardiac Center marks a significant milestone in the advancement of cardiac care in Kuwait, reinforcing the country's position as a regional leader in medical innovation.
