Data fears hold back security technology in Algeria
The gas development in Krechba was attacked in March. (Øyvind Hagen/Statoil)
Algeria has significantly improved its security provisions for oil and gas operations over the last three years with the addition of more security forces and better training. Adopting new technologies would allow the country to further enhance its security credentials. However, the government remains concerned that data from security technology could be appropriated by hostile organisations and governments.
State-owned Sonatrach has been criticised for favouring low-technology solutions. "[Sonatrach] believes that sticking a roll of barbed wire on top of a fence stops everything," said one speaker at the International Oil & Gas Security Conference in London last month.