- The electricity, oil and gas sectors are prone to cyberattacks, says Monguno
- Digital growth in these sectors may come with cyber risks
In a workshop organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) on the implementation of the National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021, the NSA Babagana Monguno has warned of the downside to the digital growth in the energy sector.
According to Monguno, the digital transformation of these sectors is a welcome development; however, the adoption of digital technologies and the financial advantages that comes with the technologies increases the risks of ransomware attacks.
”….the paradigm shift witnessed in the digital transformation of the power, oil and gas sector makes it continuously a lucrative target for cybercriminals, particularly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020,” Monguno stated.
”This could be attributed to possible huge financial gains, access to valuable data which serves as a treasure hove of sensitive data because of its crucial importance to the economy,” he said.
The recent incidents of Ransomware attacks on the United States (US) fuel pipeline in May 2021 or the attack on Ukraine’s power grid in December 2015 are some of the risks involved in digital technology, Monguno explained.
”These incidents have demonstrated the critical need for the sectors to be proactive in addressing the global cyber challenges while embracing the current digital transformation for efficient management, better service delivery and returns on investment,” Monguno noted.