Cyber criminals prey on 'welfare' internet systems provided for offshore workers
Oil and gas operators in the UAE face growing threats from cyber criminals hoping to infiltrate systems by preying on offshore workers being connected online to their loved ones, experts warned. For workers spending months at sea, internet access has become an important way to stay in touch with family and friends back home. But providing that connection alongside the networks used to run…
Oil and gas firms in the UAE face mounting cyber threats as offshore workers increasingly connect their homes via the internet, according to industry experts. Internet access on offshore platforms has transformed from a mere welfare system to an essential tool for communication between crew members and their families. However, this connectivity has expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals, making it crucial for energy companies to ensure their systems remain separate from employee networks.
Alaa Alsadi, a group vice president and chief operating officer for the Middle East at IEC Telecom, emphasized that as companies rely more on AI, remote monitoring, and connected equipment, reliable internet access becomes paramount for daily operations. He cautioned that the more connected workers become, the more vulnerable they are to cyber attacks, urging operators to prioritize cybersecurity training and awareness.
The importance of protecting these systems was highlighted during the Iran war, where the UAE reported 640,000 cyber attacks in a single day, with Iran being one of the primary suspects. In response, the UAE Cyber Security Council has detected and contained advanced attacks targeting various sectors, including energy and aviation.
The International Labour Organisation's recent amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention now include provisions for social connectivity on ships, acknowledging the benefits of staying connected while at sea. However, this increased connectivity also presents new vulnerabilities, as cybercriminals can exploit less secure connections to breach energy networks using AI.
In September, Positive Technologies reported a ransomware attack on a Saudi Arabian oil and gas service provider, and Palo Alto Networks identified multiple waves of cyber attacks against a Middle Eastern energy and marine services company between 2025 and 2026. The financial impact of such breaches can be substantial, with the average cost of a data breach in the Middle East's energy and industrial sectors reaching approximately $8.5 million in 2025, and $9.6 million across the wider industrial sector in 2026, according to IBM.
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