Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is facing a rising cybersecurity threat as attackers increasingly target smaller companies to breach larger organizations, according to industry leaders. The warning emerged during a customer engagement event hosted by Quomodo in partnership with Check Point Systems in Lagos, where executives highlighted the growing use of AI-enabled security tools to safeguard the industry. Stakeholders emphasized that the sophistication of AI-driven attacks is making cyber threats more challenging to manage, particularly in an industry vital to Nigeria’s economic stability. Olufunke Tonye-Preghafi, chief financial officer of Quomodo Systems Africa, noted that the company has observed a surge in attacks targeting the oil and gas sector. She explained that smaller firms often serve as stepping stones for cybercriminals, who exploit their potentially weaker security infrastructure to access larger entities. “We are beginning to see an increase of attacks in the oil and gas,” she said. “Once attackers compromise smaller companies, they gain access to more sophisticated targets.” The interconnected nature of the oil industry, which includes suppliers, service providers, and operators, amplifies the risk. A cyberattack on a smaller company could inadvertently expose larger organizations if compromised systems, credentials, or business relationships are exploited. Tonye-Preghafi warned that AI is accelerating this threat, enabling attackers to generate massive-scale attacks. “AI can throw out 5,000 prompts and bring out 400,000 attacks,” she said, stressing the urgency for organizations to bolster their security measures. For Nigeria, the stakes are high. The oil and gas sector accounts for a significant portion of the country’s revenue, making it a prime target for cyber threats. Tonye-Preghafi called for greater investment in protecting the industry, stating, “Not much has been done for the protection of the industry.” The growing threat has spurred demand for AI-powered security solutions that can detect and mitigate attacks in real time. Check Point Systems, a cybersecurity firm, has expanded its offerings to include AI-driven tools designed to secure corporate networks. Happiness Udo, channel manager for West Africa at Check Point, highlighted the company’s latest firewalls, which integrate AI features to counter evolving threats. The firm has already partnered with major energy companies in Nigeria, including Total Nigeria, Oando, and Sahara Energy, to enhance their cybersecurity frameworks. Quomodo, through its collaboration with Check Point, is positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s enterprise cybersecurity market. Tonye-Preghafi emphasized that the company tailors security solutions to each client’s unique vulnerabilities. “We assess each company’s environment before recommending solutions,” she said, noting that Quomodo leverages technologies used by global industry leaders. The reliance on smaller firms in the oil sector underscores a broader cybersecurity challenge. While major operators can invest heavily in security, smaller producers and service providers often lack equivalent resources, creating vulnerabilities in the supply chain. Kingsley Oseghale, country manager for Check Point Systems, said the partnership with Quomodo aims to address these gaps. “Today is all about having that discussion, trying to let you know how we can help you secure your environment,” he said. The collaboration reflects a shift in cybersecurity strategies as businesses navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Nigeria's Oil Sector Grapples with AI-Driven Cyber Threats via Smaller Firms
cybersecurity, AI, oil sector, Nigeria, Check Point, Quomodo
Nigeria's oil and gas sector faces escalating cyber risks as AI-powered attacks exploit smaller companies to breach larger organizations, according to industry experts and cybersecurity firms.
https://www.businessday.com.ng/tech/ai-cyberattacks-oil-sector
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cybersecurity, AI, oil sector, Nigeria, Check Point, Quomodo
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Nigeria, oil sector, AI, cybersecurity, Check Point, Quomodo
Nigeria's oil and gas sector faces escalating cyber risks as AI-powered attacks exploit smaller companies to breach larger organizations, according to industry experts and cybersecurity firms.
Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is facing a rising cybersecurity threat as attackers increasingly target smaller companies to breach larger organizations, according to industry leaders. The warning emerged during a customer engagement event hosted by Quomodo in partnership with Check Point Systems in Lagos, where executives highlighted the growing use of AI-enabled security tools to safeguard the industry. Stakeholders emphasized that the sophistication of AI-driven attacks is making cyber threats more challenging to manage, particularly in an industry vital to Nigeria’s economic stability. Olufunke Tonye-Preghafi, chief financial officer of Quomodo Systems Africa, noted that the company has observed a surge in attacks targeting the oil and gas sector. She explained that smaller firms often serve as stepping stones for cybercriminals, who exploit their potentially weaker security infrastructure to access larger entities. “We are beginning to see an increase of attacks in the oil and gas,” she said. “Once attackers compromise smaller companies, they gain access to more sophisticated targets.” The interconnected nature of the oil industry, which includes suppliers, service providers, and operators, amplifies the risk. A cyberattack on a smaller company could inadvertently expose larger organizations if compromised systems, credentials, or business relationships are exploited. Tonye-Preghafi warned that AI is accelerating this threat, enabling attackers to generate massive-scale attacks. “AI can throw out 5,000 prompts and bring out 400,000 attacks,” she said, stressing the urgency for organizations to bolster their security measures. For Nigeria, the stakes are high. The oil and gas sector accounts for a significant portion of the country’s revenue, making it a prime target for cyber threats. Tonye-Preghafi called for greater investment in protecting the industry, stating, “Not much has been done for the protection of the industry.” The growing threat has spurred demand for AI-powered security solutions that can detect and mitigate attacks in real time. Check Point Systems, a cybersecurity firm, has expanded its offerings to include AI-driven tools designed to secure corporate networks. Happiness Udo, channel manager for West Africa at Check Point, highlighted the company’s latest firewalls, which integrate AI features to counter evolving threats. The firm has already partnered with major energy companies in Nigeria, including Total Nigeria, Oando, and Sahara Energy, to enhance their cybersecurity frameworks. Quomodo, through its collaboration with Check Point, is positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s enterprise cybersecurity market. Tonye-Preghafi emphasized that the company tailors security solutions to each client’s unique vulnerabilities. “We assess each company’s environment before recommending solutions,” she said, noting that Quomodo leverages technologies used by global industry leaders. The reliance on smaller firms in the oil sector underscores a broader cybersecurity challenge. While major operators can invest heavily in security, smaller producers and service providers often lack equivalent resources, creating vulnerabilities in the supply chain. Kingsley Oseghale, country manager for Check Point Systems, said the partnership with Quomodo aims to address these gaps. “Today is all about having that discussion, trying to let you know how we can help you secure your environment,” he said. The collaboration reflects a shift in cybersecurity strategies as businesses navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.
["https://www.businessday.com.ng/tech/decentralised-power-market","https://www.businessday.com.ng/tech/ai-cyberattacks-oil-sector"]
https://www.businessday.com.ng/tech/ai-cyberattacks-oil-sector
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cybersecurity, AI, oil sector, Nigeria, Check Point, Quomodo
Nigeria, oil sector, AI, cybersecurity, Check Point, Quomodo
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