Kazakhstan Hosts ENERFORT 2026 Cyber Drills to Protect Energy Infrastructure

The Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, is conducting ENERFORT 2026, the first-ever cyber drills in Kazakhstan, aimed at protecting the technological systems of the fuel and energy complex. This event is planned to become an annual industry platform to enhance cybersecurity and professional training for specialists.

The organizer and methodological center for the cyber drills is the Research Center for Advanced Development in Cyber-Physical Resilience of the Fuel and Energy Complex at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. This center brings together the scientific community, industry experts, and industrial partners. The center's industrial partners include domestic and international companies with practical experience in implementing comprehensive cybersecurity projects for technology networks, industrial control systems, and critical infrastructure.

Experts from the research center have developed a cyber drill program, scenarios of cyberattacks on technological infrastructure, practical assignments, as well as lectures and methodological materials for training information security specialists at energy enterprises. Specialists from the center and participating companies play a direct role in conducting both the theoretical and practical parts of the event.

Over the course of two days, more than 120 current specialists from energy enterprises will undergo intensive training. The primary goal of the cyber drills is to develop skills in detecting and investigating cyberattacks, responding to incidents, and enhancing the resilience of energy facilities against modern digital threats.

Particular attention in the program is given to artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. Participants will explore the use of AI to detect anomalies, analyze security events, and automate response actions, as well as the risks associated with AI misuse by cybercriminals. Additionally, the impact of quantum computing on traditional cryptography and the necessity of transitioning to post-quantum protection methods will be addressed.

The practical portion of the drills will take place in a competitive format, simulating real cyber threats to technology networks. Participants will identify vulnerabilities, analyze the actions of a hypothetical intruder, investigate incidents, and make decisions on infrastructure protection. The best teams and participants will be awarded at the end of the drills.

"Conducting industry-specific cyber drills is a crucial step in strengthening the cyber resilience of Kazakhstan's fuel and energy complex. By uniting the efforts of state bodies, the scientific community, enterprises, and relevant partners, we can form a professional community and develop a proactive approach to protecting technological infrastructure, taking into account the development of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies," stated Deputy Minister of Energy Bakhytzhan Ilyas, reports Housing and Utilities 24, citing the Ministry of Energy's website.

Photo: gov.kz