- Russia has offered to share its expertise in cybersecurity with Morocco to help protect the North African nation’s critical energy infrastructure.
- A Moroccan cybersecurity expert and university professor warned that cyberattacks now pose physical threats to energy infrastructure, not just data theft or system disruption.
Russia has offered to share its expertise in cybersecurity with Morocco to help protect the North African nation’s critical energy infrastructure from cyberattacks. Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin announced this during a bilateral energy cooperation meeting held in Moscow this week.
Speaking at the third session of the Russia-Morocco Joint Energy Working Group, Marshavin said Russia has developed advanced capabilities to counter cyber threats targeting energy facilities and infrastructure.
“Russia has accumulated significant experience in defending against cyberattacks on energy installations,” Marshavin said, according to a statement shared by the Russian Energy Ministry on its official Telegram channel. “We are ready to share these capabilities with Morocco.”
He noted that both countries see mutual opportunities in exchanging knowledge on information security and in protecting energy infrastructure from digital threats, including viruses and cyber intrusions.
Marshavin also emphasised shared interest in developing joint gas projects, modernising electric infrastructure, and expanding renewable energy production.
“Our experience is unique,” he said. “We know how to integrate various energy sources into one grid and ensure its stability. We develop both traditional and renewable energy, and we are ready to share this knowledge with countries facing challenges in updating their energy systems.”
Responding to the announcement, Moroccan cybersecurity expert and university professor Anas Abou El Kalam warned that cyberattacks now pose physical threats to energy infrastructure, not just data theft or system disruption.
“Industrial control systems (ICS/SCADA) used in managing turbines, pumps, and valves at electricity and gas facilities can be compromised if remote access points have vulnerabilities, or even via infected USB drives used by engineers,” Abou El Kalam stated.
“Once inside, an attacker could reprogram systems, shut down turbines, or open and close valves, potentially causing blackouts, production halts, leaks, or even explosions,” he said. “Phishing emails and malware also pose serious threats capable of paralysing entire facilities.”
He added that Morocco’s growing role as a regional energy hub makes its infrastructure a potential target. The country is advancing major gas projects like the Tendrara field in the east and the offshore Larache project, while pursuing significant investments in renewables through initiatives such as the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex and wind farms across the country.
“Perhaps the most vulnerable is the transcontinental Atlantic gas pipeline, due to its scale, geopolitical sensitivity, and the number of countries involved,” Abou El Kalam said.
The expert stressed that any cyber disruption to Morocco’s energy control systems or distribution networks could result in widespread electricity outages or fuel shortages, directly impacting the national economy and daily life.
“Morocco has invested billions of dollars in energy infrastructure, and a single targeted cyberattack could threaten these projects with severe financial and operational losses,” he said.
Abou El Kalam referenced notable cyber incidents like the 2012 Shamoon attack on Saudi Aramco, which disabled 30,000 computers, and the 2016 Ukrainian power grid hack that caused widespread blackouts.
He emphasised that protecting energy infrastructure requires a combination of technical and structural measures — including network segmentation, continuous monitoring via specialised Security Operations Centres (SOC), well-developed incident response plans, and regular training for staff, especially against phishing and social engineering threats.
“Morocco’s energy security is not just a national issue — it is a geopolitical one,” Abou El Kalam said. “Its position as a bridge between Africa and Europe, and its role in international energy supply chains, make the security of its infrastructure a matter of global concern.”
He said Russia’s offer could benefit Morocco through joint security operations centres, real-time threat monitoring, and collaborative research and innovation.
“Any threat to Morocco’s energy infrastructure is a threat to regional and international energy stability,” he concluded.