Digital oilfield: Namibia’s cybersecurity imperative
Strenghtening
As Namibia's oil and gas industry begins to take shape, the country stands on the cusp of an economic transformation. The developing sector, boosted by offshore discoveries, has sparked optimism about the potential for energy independence, job creation, and foreign investment. Yet, alongside this promise lies a critical challenge: ensuring that the digital backbone supporting this sector is secure, resilient, and locally anchored. The appointment of the former information minister Modestus Amutse, as the new minister for mines and energy is an inspired choice by our President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Modern oil and gas operations are not just rigs and pipelines. They are deeply intertwined with digital technologies:
Exploration and drilling rely on advanced seismic imaging and data analytics to ascertain the presence of oil. It's where it all starts.
Production facilities are managed through Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) networks.
Supply chains are coordinated through cloud-based platforms and real-time monitoring tools, wherever the oil is.
Digital integration and the implementation of technology locally increase efficiency but also expose the industry to cyber threats. A single breach could disrupt production, compromise sensitive geological data, or even endanger lives. As well as costing millions of dollars in unproductive hours.
Globally, the oil and gas sector has become a prime target for cyberattacks. Hackers, ranging from criminal syndicates to state-sponsored actors, view energy infrastructure as high-value prey. The attacks can take many forms:
Ransomware that locks critical systems until payments are made.
Data theft of proprietary exploration results or financial records.
Sabotage of operational technology, potentially leading to environmental disasters.
For Namibia, which is still building its industry, the stakes are even higher. A major cyber incident could erode investor confidence, stall projects, and tarnish the country's reputation as a reliable energy hub. At present, we are very vulnerable to outside attacks, as we are not known for our robust cybersecurity. It is imperative that this reputation changes.
Cybersecurity cannot be outsourced entirely, just as general ICT-infrastructure set up needs to done locally. While international partners bring expertise, Namibia must invest in its own information communication technology (ICT) infrastructure to ensure sovereignty and resilience. Local teams can respond more quickly to cyber incidents than distant consultants. Understanding Namibians' mentality and how they handle tech is also important.
What may seem normal in highly developed, tech-savvy countries may not be the norm in companies here. Local ICT companies understand this and can serve as a bridge between regional operations and international companies. As well as simply run cables and make sure the local computer infrastructure talks to the mother company far away in Europe, America or Asia. Using local players will also help develop homegrown expertise, ensure long-term sustainability, and reduce dependency on external actors. Thereby developing local content.
Namibia's oil and gas discoveries have the potential to reshape the nation's economy, but growth must be balanced with security. Cybersecurity is not a luxury. It is a prerequisite for sustainable development, the oil majors will demand, and it we are making great strides. By investing in local ICT infrastructure and embedding robust protection measures, Namibia can safeguard its energy future while empowering its people with new skills and opportunities.
The oil and gas industry will be a primary driver of Namibia's prosperity. But without strong digital defenses, the sector risks being undermined before it reaches its full potential. Policymakers, such as Amutse, can, together with industry leaders, and us as ICT professionals, build a secure, resilient, and locally empowered digital foundation. We are ready to work towards this common goal.
Protecting the oil and gas industry today will ensure that tomorrow's prosperity is built on a foundation of trust, resilience, and national pride.
*Peter Karon is an infrastructure supervisor at Green Enterprise Solutions.**