CYBERSECURITY TOP PRIORITY IN REGION'S ENERGY OPS

Leaders must ensure no device is left unguarded and no door unlocked. With layered defences and a culture of vigilance, the digital oilfield can remain resilient and secure, Osama AlZoubi, MEA Vice President, Phosphorus Cybersecurity, tells OGN

- ABDULAZIZ KHATTAK

OIL and gas fields across the Middle East are undergoing a rapid digital transformation.

Companies are deploying advanced sensors, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, and high-speed networks to monitor and control operations in real time.

This digital oilfield revolution is boosting efficiency, enabling engineers to track well output from a control room in Dubai or adjust a pipeline valve hundreds of kilometers away.

Countries in the GCC are experiencing significant technological progress, particularly in energy, driven by initiatives like Vision 2030 and mega-projects such as Neom.

But this innovation also has a downside.

Every new connected device and remote access point expands the potential cyberattack surface.

In an industry that forms the backbone of national economies, the stakes for cybersecurity have never been higher.

Middle East oil and gas companies are embracing IIoT sensors and real-time data to optimise production.

This digital transformation brings great benefits, but also new cybersecurity challenges, as every connected device becomes a potential target.

THE DIGITAL OILFIELD: BENEFITS & HIDDEN RISKS

From drilling rigs to refineries, the oil and gas sector is now saturated with smart devices.

IIoT sensors measure pressure, temperature, and flow rates on pipelines and offshore platforms.

Wireless transmitters transmit data from remote wellheads to central databases.

Field engineers use tablets to check pump performance, and even autonomous robots inspect equipment in hazardous areas.

These connected technologies enable faster decision-making and safer, more efficient operations.

Engineers can predict equipment failures before they happen, and managers can get a live view of production across multiple sites.

But the same connectivity that delivers efficiency can also invite danger.