Aramco Global Cybersecurity Forum

Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to be with you again for this Global Cybersecurity Forum here in Riyadh.

And thank you for inviting me to speak about cybersecurity in the energy sector.

After all, there are very few industries – if any – that play such a significant role in every single aspect of the daily lives of billions of people around the world.

From keeping the lights on, to actually protecting the world from complete chaos.

In fact, the energy industry’s importance cannot be overstated.

It is no surprise, therefore, that the energy industry as a whole and in parts has long been a favored target for attackers.

While such attacks were typically physical in the past, the danger is now compounded with the additional threat of cyberattacks.

And whether these cyberattacks originate with criminal gangs seeking payments through ransomware or from terrorist groups seeking to damage critical energy infrastructure, the danger for us is very clear, present and constant.