Cybersecurity solutions for the oil and gas sector

Kuwait

Mohammed Al Nusif, CEO of solutions by stc, talks to The Energy Year about the increasing demand for cybersecurity solutions and the current status of Kuwait’s digital transformation. solutions by stc is a leading provider of one-stop business solutions, including fixed connectivity, ICT [information and communication technologies], IoT [internet of things], IT services and products, wireless services and 5G technology.

What are the key competitive advantages that solutions by stc has in Kuwait’s ICT sector?
One of the main strengths of solutions by stc is our ability to offer customers a one-stop shop for all their ICT needs. While many competitors in the industry lack fixed connectivity, others may not have the necessary IT solutions. By contrast, we provide a comprehensive suite of services that covers all aspects of ICT, making us a highly convenient and reliable partner for businesses of all sizes.
Moreover, we are the B2B arm of stc Kuwait, a leading brand in the telecommunications industry, and a subsidiary of stc Group, which has a solid footprint across the region. All of our clients who have businesses in the region can rely on us to seamlessly bring their services from Kuwait to the rest of the region. This is the key advantage that we offer. Our current strategic focus is to expand our presence in the enterprise and business solutions sector, as we provide coverage for both the government and private sectors, including finance, banking, oil and gas, and real estate. Our ultimate goal is to facilitate the digitalisation of the entire Kuwaiti economy, and to contribute to the success of Kuwait’s Vision 2035.
Our strong revenue and net profit figures reflect our focus and solidity, while our extensive client base serves as a testament to the trust our partners place in us.

In which sectors do you expect to see maximum growth for solutions by stc?
We expect that the greatest demand, following a prolonged period of slow economic growth due to cost-cutting and reduced spending, will be in the energy sector. Many companies are now investing in technology upgrades that they may have previously overlooked. In particular, we have observed a significant interest in the oil sector for these solutions.
We are focused on introducing new technologies and educating the market within this sector. We offer a range of products and services to support these efforts. Given the sensitive nature of this industry, companies are increasingly seeking cybersecurity solutions to safeguard their environment and services, as well as to ensure business continuity. Safety is a key concern, not only in terms of physical safety, but also connectivity and operational safety, which are closely tied to data communication and systems.
Another crucial consideration in the oil and gas sector is how to reduce costs while optimising operations for better productivity. For instance, 5G technology is a prime example of a solution that can bring higher speeds and less latency, making it ideal for applications such as surveillance drones and AI-powered sensors that can help oil companies monitor and optimise their operations.

What is your viewpoint regarding the increasing demand for cybersecurity solutions?
We are striving for the implementation of rules and regulations that will drive the market. This is a vital step for Kuwait, and we are seeking to collaborate with national security policy-makers to implement regulatory reforms and establish guidelines for security and communication across all sectors. Presently, some companies are taking self-initiated measures to protect themselves, particularly in the financial and oil and gas sectors. However, there are no regulations mandating minimum requirements for such protection.

What are solutions by stc’s key objectives for the energy sector?
We aim to continue optimising operations in the oil and gas sector. One of the areas where we have already achieved success is in providing connectivity solutions for oil rigs located in remote desert areas. These rigs require increased productivity and access to real-time data, which can be challenging due to their remote locations. To address this challenge, we have collaborated with KOC on a successful project to install 5G-connected cameras on the rigs. This solution is cost-effective and provides a high-bandwidth network with a fast response time for accessing records and data, despite the remote location.
Currently, we are monitoring all KOC rigs through our 5G network. We plan to further improve the connectivity and monitoring capabilities by implementing additional cameras in the next phase. Our ultimate goal is to introduce IoT products and sensors to enhance rig productivity. Our aim is to provide effective monitoring and optimisation tools that reduce complications and enhance productivity. Our clients have expressed satisfaction with our offerings. We are optimistic about expanding our business relationship with KOC.

How do you assess Kuwait’s digital transformation journey with respect to its regional peers?
Although we have made significant progress, there is still work to be done. In order to expedite the process, it would be beneficial to establish laws and regulations. While this may seem like a daunting task, it is important to remain optimistic. Once these services are established, the process becomes much smoother. However, in order to achieve this, it is crucial for the government cabinet to take action and transform the country. This investment would undoubtedly result in increased economic productivity and potential growth across all sectors of the economy.
Digitalisation can also significantly impact the nation’s SMEs. Covid-19 provided a boost in accepting this transformation, as we all recognised the immense value of connectivity and technology. The upcoming year is not just about transformation from a company perspective, but a transformation for the country as a whole.

What would you identify as your main strategic priority in the coming years?
I aspire to see more than just growth, I desire a significant differentiation from our competitors. Our position as the top total solutions provider is crucial, and we are committed to maintaining it. Our goal is not only to lead in our country but also to serve the entire region. Recently, we acquired a licence to operate in Iraq, and we believe it presents an excellent opportunity for our company’s expansion.

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