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The Importance of AI for Cyber-Physical Security in Critical National Infrastructures

Tech-cyber-security-AI

 

The advancement of technology and accelerating digital transformation has increased the importance of protecting Critical National Infrastructures (CNI) by leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), as traditional security measures are insufficient to protect these assets. 

In this article, let’s delve into a podcast episode of nybl Voices titled “The importance of AI for cyber-physical security in Critical National Infrastructures,” which brought together the leading voices in the field – Shriprakash Pandey, Chairman and Managing Director of Commtel Networks and Noor Alnahhas, Co-founder and CEO of nybl, to provide insights into the cyber-physical security challenges facing CNI today and how AI can enhance cyber-physical security in CNI.

Critical National Infrastructures and Cyber-Physical Security

Critical National Infrastructures are the assets that reflect every aspect of society- water supply, power generation and distribution, refineries, transportation, health, and more. Safeguarding these critical infrastructures requires integrated cyber-physical security intelligence systems.

According to Shriprakash Pandey, cyber-physical security is interconnected, emphasizing a physical presence behind every cyber-attack, and he argues that today’s security operations, which work in silos, are inadequate for the protection of critical infrastructures. Therefore, we need integrated security intelligence systems that harness the power of AI, machine learning (ML), and big data analytics to protect critical infrastructures in various sectors.

Cyber-Physical Security Challenges for Critical National Infrastructures

CNI is a complex ecosystem encompassing facilities, processes, networks, systems, and all other aspects essential for a country to function. Noor Alnahhas emphasizes that managing and controlling all these critical infrastructures effectively is not possible by humans. It requires innovative technology solutions as any disruption in such systems could significantly impact the nation’s security, economic stability, public health, safety systems, etc. 

Supply chain attacks are another significant challenge that needs immediate attention; for example, gas pipeline attacks in a country can disrupt gas distribution in numerous areas, and the resulting gas leakage leads to environmental destruction. Therefore, the emerging cyber-attack situations emphasize the need for AI-enabled solutions to manage all these systems from one platform, making it easy to identify, address, and mitigate the risk of cyber-attacks. 

Utilizing AI to Enhance Cyber-Physical Security in CNI

Today, physical security is purely managed by people; however, it’s impractical to oversee a giant facility with thousands of cameras for security checks. Here is what AI means for cyber-physical security. In the opinion of Noor Alnahhas, deploying AI solutions is not a luxury, and it’s a must for a technologically evolving world. AI enables us to secure critical infrastructures by monitoring thousands of cameras and keeping us alert when any unauthorised person tries to disrupt the system. It’s not only about the cameras but also about fiber optic intrusions, radar sensors, and more. 

According to Shriprakash, integrating machine learning and deep automation into AI solutions also allows for initiating countermeasures by understanding and analysing situations automatically. He also emphasizes that it’s not about reducing human power; it’s about efficiently using human power or reskilling people to make decisions based on these data for the betterment of humanity.

Final Thoughts: Potential Impact of Collaboration Between nybl and Commtel Networks on Cyber-Physical Security in CNI

The partnership between nybl, a leading AI-powered solutions provider, and Commtel Networks, a provider of unified critical communication along with surveillance, security, safety, and AI solutions for critical infrastructure sectors, including oil and gas, telecommunication, power, and mining. Through the development of intelligent AI software applications, nybl enhances CNI’s cyber-physical security, facilitating effective prediction, detection, and response to threats. nybl’s leading-edge technology also allows for centralizing and overseeing security data from one unified center. It facilitates enhanced cyber-physical security, making it easier to monitor and manage potential threats in real-time.

Noor Alnahhas believes that being the first customer, investor, and partner of nybl, the alliance with Commtel Networks allows combining their expertise in building security systems and telecom system integration for critical infrastructures to develop leading-edge AI software solutions for specific use cases in CNI.

Waleed Refaat

Finance Director & Value Maker

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Waleed has more than 20 years of experience in organizational accounting and finance management. He is responsible for nybl’s financial strategy and direction to meet company growth, client and investor expectations. He earned a Bachelor of Accounting from the Higher Institute of Advanced Studies in Cairo.

Michael LeTan

Chief Technology Officer & World Builder

Michael is an accomplished system architect with more than 30 years of experience in product development, delivery and deployment. He was part of a team of graduate engineers from MIT and Harvard to develop one of the leading-edge systems for Baker Hughes. Michael also served as the development manager for a web-based SCADA start-up and was the director of engineering for BCS Systems. He received his Bachelor of Science in system engineering from The University of Houston–Clear Lake.

Shriprakash Pandey

Partner & Entrepreneurship Enabler

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Shriprakash is a business leader and entrepreneur with more than 28 years of experience leading international technology and engineering companies serving the utilities market. He is the founder and managing director of Commtel Networks and an expert in all aspects of business, including sales, business development, global alliances and operations. Shriprakash is an accomplished engineer and a graduate of the advanced management programs at the Indian School of Business and Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.

Noor Alnahhas

CEO & Visionary

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Noor is a serial entrepreneur with nearly 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. He has a proven track record of building businesses and relationships within the Gulf Cooperation Council and serves as an advisor to start-ups in the Middle East and U.S. Noor earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing and entrepreneurship from the University of Houston and completed additional leadership training at Wharton School of Business and INSEAD, a graduate business school with campuses in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Hafsa Yazdani

Chief Developer & Queen of Bees

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Hafsa is a software developer who has led the creation of specialized engineering applications in several industries, including oil and gas, supply chain and security. A member of Google’s Women Techmakers, she is passionate about advancing the involvement of girls in technology and entrepreneurship. Hafsa graduated at the top of her class from Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University with a Bachelor of Science in computer science.

Alessandra Scicchitano

Alessandra Scicchitano is a leading expert in Human-Centred Tech and Product Strategy. She provides strategic advisory to tech companies looking to grow repeat business and revenue through high-impact products.

Before founding AURES Consulting, Alessandra held research and management positions at world-class organizations like IBM and in projects funded by the European Commission. With more than 10 years of experience in the technical field, she has published several peer-reviewed papers and spoken at countless international conferences.

She is the creator of TILT – Tech in The Loop, a framework to build high-impact tech products by introducing Human Centricity in different aspects of the product strategy, a University Lecturer teaching about Digital transformation and Product Strategy, and serves as a tech advisor to startups.

Nasser Alnahhas

An innovative, multilingual CEO with over 25 years’ experience leading organizations by providing exceptional business transformation services and cutting-edge solutions. Ability to create and establish robust strategic direction. Trusted advisor to partners in multinational corporations in petroleum and natural gas, chemical manufacturing, power and utility, and water and wastewater treatment industries. Proven leader with the ability to drive strategic short and long-term plans, shifting priorities, and delivering compelling collaboration skills that foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Influential in nature, with excellent presentation and communication skills.

Lane Sloan

Lane Sloan is a 30-year veteran of the oil and gas industry and comes from a long and distinguished career with Shell Oil. During his tenure, Mr. Sloan was a member of Shell’s senior management, and served at various times as general manager of products for finance, vice president of corporate planning, chief financial officer and VP Business Services, regional coordinator for Far East, director of East Zone Oil Products, and president of Shell Chemical Company.

After leaving Shell, Mr. Sloan joined SAIC, an IT and engineering consultancy headquartered in San Diego, California, as executive vice president in charge of energy activities. He was subsequently named CEO of SAIC’s joint venture with Halliburton in Grand Basin.

Mr. Sloan later became an executive professor at the University of Houston, where he taught leadership, corporate strategy, and energy courses. He also served as executive director of University of Houston’s Global Energy Management Institute. Today, he is a Silver Fox Advisor and president of Sloan Consulting Services, where he mentors entrepreneurial CEOs.

Mr. Sloan has a bachelor’s Degree in Business and a Master’s in Management Science, both from the University of Colorado. He also has a Master’s in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston. He has co-authored Terra Incognita: A Navigation Aid for Energy Leaders and authored Develop a Leadership Plan: Become a Great Leader.

Mohammed Shono

Chief Operating Officer & Wild Card

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Mohammed was one of the founding members of the Digital Transformation Project Management office at Saudi Aramco, which oversees the key business initiatives under the company’s 4th Industrial Revolution program. A 20-year veteran of the IT industry, Mohammed started as a software developer delivering applications in knowledge management and systems integration. He earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Tulane University and his MBA from Strathclyde University.

Sufyaan Abdul Haseeb

Chief of Deployment and President Americas

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Sufyaan has built management systems and environmental monitoring solutions for a variety of industries, including energy and security. He is a certified project manager (PMI) and an active member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI), which supports the advancement of information and communications technology. Sufyaan earned a Bachelor of Engineering in electronics and instrumentation from Birla Institute of Technology & Science and a Master of Science in electrical engineering from George Mason University.