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Cyber Attacks on Critical Energy Infrastructures Are Increasing Globally
Article

Cyber Attacks on Critical Energy Infrastructures Are Increasing Globally

GIS, 2013

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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Comprehensive
  • Eye Opening
  • Concrete Examples

Recommendation

This short article packs in a comprehensive overview of the threats that “critical energy infrastructures” (CEIs) increasingly face. International energy security consultant Frank Umbach dissects recent terrorist attacks and explains the potential severity of far-reaching, disruptive and costly cyber attacks. getAbstract recommends this report on the growing threat of weapons – both material and virtual – to leaders in the energy and technology industries as well as to anyone concerned about domestic and global energy security.

Summary

In January 2013, Islamist terrorists overran one of Algeria’s largest gas plants, precipitating a hostage standoff and “the worst terrorist attack on oil and gas installations in the industry’s 150-year history.” Gunmen infiltrated the installation despite its guarded, remote site in the Sahara Desert. Algerian forces quickly responded to rout the invasion, but many captives died. Since 2001, terrorist groups increasingly choose targets like this one, not just in North Africa but also in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America, where “critical energy infrastructures” (CEIs) like...

About the Author

Frank Umbach is a senior associate at the Centre for European Security Strategies and a consultant on international energy security.


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