Latest news with #KNPC
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Guarding Kuwait's oil heartbeat: The rise of advanced cybersecurity
KUWAIT CITY, June 18: Kuwaiti oil sector companies have successfully established an advanced cybersecurity system designed to protect the vital artery of the national economy. These measures enhance system reliability and boost readiness against future cyber threats. The cybersecurity strategy relies on several key pillars. These include continuous updates to security systems aligned with the latest international standards, regular penetration testing, comprehensive risk assessments, and the integration of artificial intelligence technologies for early threat detection. Investment in cutting-edge technology, combined with ongoing employee training on cybersecurity best practices, forms the foundation of proactive defense against sophisticated cyberattacks. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and its subsidiaries have created specialized cybersecurity departments and operation centers. These entities continually refine security policies and deploy advanced defensive software to safeguard digital infrastructure. During a meeting with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), experts and stakeholders in the oil sector unanimously highlighted the critical importance of ongoing cybersecurity enhancements to counter escalating risks, including security breaches, malware, and social engineering attacks. Ali Al-Qallaf, head of cybersecurity operations at Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), emphasized the sector's dependence on digital systems to manage production, refining, and distribution. He stressed that protecting these systems is essential for business continuity and the confidentiality of sensitive data. Al-Qallaf detailed the five main components of KNPC's cyberspace: infrastructure (servers, networks, and operational systems), operational software (industrial control systems in refineries and fuel stations), security systems, data (including operational logs and trade secrets), and users (company employees interacting with systems). He also included digital services such as the internet and internal networks connecting company facilities. He outlined the cyber threats faced by KNPC, which include hacking, data theft, malware targeting industrial control systems, and viruses infecting internal computers. To manage these risks, KNPC employs continuous risk analysis and periodic penetration testing to evaluate security tools and vulnerabilities. Corporate risk management teams work alongside IT departments to identify potential threats and implement protective measures. KNPC utilizes encryption, multi-factor authentication, and artificial intelligence for data analysis and early threat detection. Among KNPC's milestones is the establishment of Kuwait's first unified cybersecurity operations center—an advanced facility monitoring operational and IT systems in real time to detect and respond rapidly to attacks. Employee training on the latest cybersecurity techniques is a core part of KNPC's strategy to reduce human error risks. The company continues to invest heavily in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to maintain proactive defenses. Al-Qallaf highlighted the significance of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation's 2040 Digital Transformation Strategy, which will expand Internet of Things (IoT) device integration across operations, increasing the need for enhanced cybersecurity. He warned about the risks posed by artificial intelligence, which can also be exploited by cybercriminals to launch sophisticated attacks, such as AI-driven phishing. KNPC counters these threats through AI-based early detection systems and ongoing employee awareness programs. Securing digital systems that underpin production and refining is paramount to maintaining the stability of Kuwait's oil and gas sector, protecting corporate reputation, and preventing operational disruptions or environmental harm. Legacy systems lacking support for modern security technologies and the complexity of integrating operational technology (OT) with IT systems pose ongoing cybersecurity challenges. Comprehensive protection of all digital industrial networks is therefore critical. Mohammad Al-Safi, head of cybersecurity at Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), underscored the rising number of cyber threats, including data breaches and system failures. He stressed the importance of understanding these threats to develop effective defense strategies. Al-Safi reiterated that the oil sector's reliance on automated control systems makes cybersecurity vital for business continuity and economic stability. He predicted future trends toward greater integration of security controls, modern technology adoption, and stronger collaboration between oil companies and government agencies. Abdullah Al-Khateeb, senior cybersecurity officer at Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC), emphasized the need for cooperation between companies and government bodies to share information on emerging threats. He described cybersecurity strategies focusing on governance, system updates, infrastructure improvement, workforce training, and AI utilization. Al-Khateeb expects increased investment in AI and machine learning to strengthen early threat detection, secure IoT devices, and develop integrated cyber defense systems incorporating big data analysis and advanced encryption. He also anticipates evolving international laws governing cybersecurity in the oil sector, which remains a prime target for cyberattacks. Therefore, cybersecurity is integral to the sector's sustainability and risk management. Effective cyber risk management involves identifying vulnerabilities, analyzing their impact and probability, implementing protective technologies such as firewalls and encryption, continuous monitoring, and preparing response and recovery plans. The Kuwaiti government prioritizes cybersecurity in the oil sector through advanced technology integration, robust security policies, and continuous staff training. Kuwait has also expanded strategic partnerships and leveraged specialized agencies to drive transformative improvements in national cybersecurity.
Kuwait Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Weyay Bank offers KNPC cashback for SELECT cardholders
KUWAIT: Weyay Bank, Kuwait's first digital bank, is excited to announce a new exclusive offer designed to support its allowance customers who own their SELECT card. In collaboration with Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), SELECT cardholders will now enjoy a 10 percent cashback at all KNPC stations across Kuwait. This collaboration underscores the Bank's commitment to providing practical support for students' daily expenses, especially those related to transportation. It also reflects the Bank's dedication to offering innovative digital banking solutions that seamlessly integrate with the dynamic lifestyles of Kuwaiti youth. 'The core idea behind launching the SELECT card and membership is to enhance the student experience and provide them with benefits that continuously evolve with their lifestyle,' stated Fawaz Al-Nakib, Campaign and Partnership Manager at Weyay Bank. 'Our collaboration with KNPC embodies this commitment by delivering tangible, direct offers that benefit students in their daily lives, particularly in transportation, which is a fundamental part of their routine.' SELECT cardholders In addition to the KNPC offer, SELECT cardholders continue to enjoy a wide array of exclusive benefits: • Food Delivery Cashback: A 40 percent monthly cashback on orders placed through platforms like Jahez. • Coffee Perks: 30 percent cashback on orders made via the Caribou Coffee app. • Exclusive Telecom Offers: special, competitively priced packages from stc Telecom Company through the digital store within the Weyay app. • Travel Discounts: Up to 10 percent on Economy and Premium Economy flights and 5 percent on Business Class when booking with Emirates Airline. • Fitness Savings: discounts of up to 30 percent on gym memberships at popular fitness centers such as Flare Fitness and Shift Lagree. All Weyay allowance customers can easily obtain the SELECT membership and card. A single step within the Weyay app activates the membership upon their first student allowance transfer and deposit into their Weyay account. SELECT cardholders can then immediately start using their digital card through the app, unlocking a new world of benefits with ease.
Zawya
18-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Weyay Bank offers exclusive KNPC cashback for SELECT cardholders
Weyay Bank, Kuwait's first digital bank, is excited to announce a new exclusive offer designed to support its allowance customers who own their SELECT card. In collaboration with Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), SELECT cardholders will now enjoy a 10% cashback at all KNPC stations across Kuwait. This collaboration underscores the Bank's commitment to providing practical support for students' daily expenses, especially those related to transportation. It also reflects the Bank's dedication to offering innovative digital banking solutions that seamlessly integrate with the dynamic lifestyles of Kuwaiti youth. "The core idea behind launching the SELECT card and membership is to enhance the student experience and provide them with benefits that continuously evolve with their lifestyle," stated Fawaz Al-Nakib, Campaign and Partnership Manager at Weyay Bank. "Our collaboration with KNPC embodies this commitment by delivering tangible, direct offers that benefit students in their daily lives, particularly in transportation, which is a fundamental part of their routine." A World of Benefits for SELECT Cardholders In addition to the KNPC offer, SELECT cardholders continue to enjoy a wide array of exclusive benefits: Food Delivery Cashback: a 40% monthly cashback on orders placed through platforms like Jahez. Coffee Perks: 30% cashback on orders made via the Caribou Coffee app. Exclusive Telecom Offers: special, competitively priced packages from stc Telecom Company through the digital store within the Weyay app. Travel Discounts: up to 10% on Economy and Premium Economy flights and 5% on Business Class when booking with Emirates Airline. Fitness Savings: discounts of up to 30% on gym memberships at popular fitness centers such as Flare Fitness and Shift Lagree. All Weyay allowance customers can easily obtain the SELECT membership and card. A single step within the Weyay app activates the membership upon their first student allowance transfer and deposit into their Weyay account. SELECT cardholders can then immediately start using their digital card through the app, unlocking a new world of benefits with ease.
Arab Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait's solar energy powers 16m gas cylinders a year
KUWAIT CITY, May 15: Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kuwait Oil Tankers Company (KOTC) Sheikh Khaled Al-Sabah has announced that Kuwait is now producing 16 million gas cylinders annually using solar energy through the Umm Al-Aish and Shuaiba plants, which have a combined production capacity of seven megawatts without using electricity from the national power grid. This is considered a significant move towards using solar energy to generate electricity in order to reduce reliance on electricity loads. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony for the conversion of production in both plants to solar power, Sheikh Khaled Al-Sabah affirmed that this step is in line with the strategic plan of the country to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. He described the project as a vital part of the ongoing effort to reduce reliance on conventional energy and limit environmental impact. He also highlighted the aspiration of the company to expand its oil tanker fleet, which currently includes 31 vessels. He revealed a comprehensive strategy is being developed and will be announced soon, reaffirming that KOTC continues to meet all marketing demands and remains a key player in the energy logistics of the country. He added the shipping operations of KOTCH remain stable, even amid global trade tensions, thanks to strategic planning for crisis scenarios. He confirmed that the current trade war has not affected the markets of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). 'Our distribution and marketing operations are built on long-term, strategic relationships,' he asserted; while stressing the commitment of the country to fulfill all international contracts. He added Kuwait maintains a strong overseas presence with seven million barrels of oil stored in Asia -- three million in Japan and four million in South Korea. He disclosed that KPC has a comprehensive strategic plan to study markets and market needs, determine development capacity and increase vessels based on market data. Asked about the merger of the two gas plants into the Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), he confirmed that the integration of the Umm Al-Aish and Shuaiba gas plants into KNPC is moving forward as per an ambitious plan. He said KNPC currently provides gas to KOTC tankers, highlighting the synergy between national entities. On the other hand, Director of the Projects and Maritime Agency Group at KOTC Yousef Al-Khamis stated that the solar energy conversion project cost around KD1.9 million; indicating this investment is expected to save about 16,000 barrels of oil annually and generate 11,000 megawatts of clean energy; thereby, easing pressure on the national electrical grid. Al-Khamis also unveiled the plan to establish a third gas cylinder factory in Kabad, while the two existing plants can meet domestic demand until 2030. He said the expansion is part of the company's long-term strategy. He also addressed concerns about misuse of household gas cylinders by restaurants. 'We are coordinating with the Cooperative Societies Union and the Ministry of Commerce to implement mechanisms that prevent restaurants from using cylinders designated for residential use, instead of commercial cylinders,' he added.
Gulf Business
16-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Kuwait unites oil giants: Merger of KNPC, KIPIC begins
Image credit: KUNA The Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) has announced the commencement of the merger process with the Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC). Read- KNPC Chief Executive Officer and Acting CEO, Engineer Wadha Al Khatib, stated that the merger is based on well-studied legal and professional foundations aimed at strengthening Kuwait's oil sector companies under KPC. She emphasized that the initiative seeks to unite efforts based on each company's specialization, expanding their capabilities and enabling greater achievements. Impact of the m erger Al Khatib highlighted that the merger will ultimately result in a successful model for transitioning into a larger economic entity aligned with the strategic ambitions of both sectors and the achievement of Kuwait's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She also noted that the rapidly evolving global oil and gas industries place a significant responsibility on Kuwait's energy sector to adapt and respond effectively to these changes. Furthermore, she reaffirmed the sector's commitment—through KPC and its subsidiaries—to continue meeting its obligations to clients while sustaining growth in line with Kuwait's leadership in the international energy industry. Strategic p lans of the s ector Al Khatib pointed out that the sector continually reviews its strategic plans and reassesses its goals to ensure the success of the merger, with a strong focus on measuring operational performance as part of its long-term objectives. Addressing employees, Al Khatib reaffirmed her commitment to keeping them fully informed about the upcoming steps, underlining that staff remain a top priority for KNPC's leadership and are vital to the success of its future goals.
