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The vulnerable Gulf energy assets putting the world on edge

Financial Times
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⚡ Quantum Brief
Gulf energy infrastructure faces escalating cyber and physical threats in 2026, with critical oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar becoming prime targets for state-sponsored and criminal hacking groups. Recent attacks exploited vulnerabilities in legacy industrial control systems, disrupting production at two major desalination plants and a liquified natural gas terminal, triggering temporary global price spikes. Quantum computing advancements are accelerating risks, as adversaries leverage hybrid classical-quantum algorithms to bypass encryption protecting pipeline networks and refinery operations. Regional tensions with Iran-backed proxies have intensified, with drone swarms and AI-driven sabotage tools testing defenses at key chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz. Energy firms are rushing to deploy post-quantum cryptography and AI threat detection, but experts warn the $300 billion upgrade gap leaves 60% of Gulf assets exposed through 2027.
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Source: Financial Times

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