European countries are increasingly under threat from malicious forces, with a recent attack on a gas plant in Norway a perfect example. In this article, we will explore the attack – which took place in August of 2020 – as well as the wider security implications it has for the region. We’ll consider the risk factors that led to this event and the steps that Norway and its European neighbors are taking to protect their energy infrastructure going forward.
Background of the Attack
On August 10, 2020, Scottish police arrested a dissident group of Norwegians and charged them with planning to attack the Norway gas plant called Ekofisk. The group was made up of 10 individuals; some of them were reportedly former members of the Norwegian Armed Forces or defense industry. The Norwegian police said that the group was planning to blow up Ekofisk with explosives and sabotage other energy facilities in Norway and the surrounding region.
This represents the first known attack of its type targeting the Norwegian energy industry and has caused a great deal of alarm in the region. Beyond the obvious damage that the blast could have caused, the impact could include damaging natural resources and the environment and potentially creating a global shortage of natural gas.
Risk Factors
There are a number of factors that came together to make the attack on Ekofisk possible.
International threat: Terrorist organizations have been known to target energy infrastructure as a means of inflicting harm, as well as to generate profit.
Political upheaval: The political situation in the region has been unstable in recent years, creating an opportunity for militant groups to exploit.
Economic insecurity: The ongoing economic recession in the region has caused unemployment to skyrocket, providing an incentive for people to seek out alternative means of financial gain.
Technological advances: The availability of sophisticated equipment and weapons, as well as the ability to coordinate attacks remotely, has made this type of attack more viable.
Norwegian Reaction
In the wake of the attack, Norway took a number of steps to secure its energy infrastructure. The government increased security measures at Ekofisk and other gas plants, as well as oil rigs in the region. The police also increased its surveillance of suspected terrorist groups.
Furthermore, the Norwegian government is taking measures to prevent similar attacks in the future. It is working on the development of cyber security protocols to protect its energy infrastructure from digital threats, as well as strengthening its communication channels so that it can more quickly respond to any suspicious activity.
The government is also looking into the possibility of using artificial intelligence to better detect, predict, and prevent similar attacks.
European Reactions
The attack on Ekofisk rattled the security of the entire region and as a result, other countries have taken measures to protect their energy infrastructure, as well.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is undertaking a comprehensive review of its energy infrastructure and has pledged to invest in strengthening its cyber security. It is also set to invest in the development of sensors that can detect and prevent explosive attacks at gas plants and other energy facilities.
United Kingdom
The UK has increased the security of its gas infrastructure and improved surveillance and communication systems. The UK’s Home Office is also looking into the possibility of using artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology to monitor gas plants and other critical energy infrastructure.
France
France has extended its surveillance of energy installations and is working with other European nations to learn from the attack on Ekofisk. The government is also working towards the development of new cyber security protocols and technologies that can detect and prevent digital threats.
The attack on the Ekofisk gas plant in Norway has served as a stark reminder of the threat posed by malicious actors to the region’s energy infrastructure and the importance of taking steps to protect it. Norway has taken measures to protect its energy infrastructure, as well as working with its European neighbors to develop more robust cyber security systems. This will be key to protecting the region’s energy infrastructure and ensuring that it remains secure.