How can mineral supply chains remain resilient against cyber threats?

With the adaptation of digital systems and complex networks to improve the mineral supply chain, the risk of cyber attacks is elevated. Cyber attacks intend to disrupt the smooth operation of systems and lock the performance. Companies must heavily invest in cybersecurity infrastructures and training. It must be well accepted by upper management that the initial cost of implementing cybersecurity may be capital intensive but the ROI is massive if we look at the impact of such attacks.

The blockchain technology is the key answer to the risk of data loss. and with blockchain data are collected and kept in a safe manner.

Our operations are more and more technology and software dependent. A simple issue with the HMI (Human Machine Interface) can shut down a ball mill or prevent it from firing up. From personal experience it is not a fun situation, yet alone a situation with malice involved. Copper Mountain end of 2022 was shut down due to a ransomware attack. Industry is becoming more aware of the risk, however it remarkable how vulnerable a process system can be.

Absolutely agree! Conducting a comprehensive risk assessment is paramount for bolstering cyber resilience in the mineral supply chain. Identifying critical assets and understanding potential impacts ensures a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Taking external factors into account, like geopolitical tensions and technological innovations, adds a layer of preparedness against evolving cyber threats.

In enhancing cyber resilience in mineral supply chains, a comprehensive risk assessment is crucial. This involves evaluating internal and external vulnerabilities, including technological dependencies, supply chain interconnections, and cyber threat exposure. Assessing risks also requires understanding the broader context, such as geopolitical shifts, regulatory trends, and market dynamics, which can significantly impact the cyber landscape. This holistic approach ensures a robust understanding of potential threats and informs the development of tailored strategies to mitigate risks effectively. Best Regards, HRH Amb. Ossai Ifeanyi, Ph.D., AmbP-UN

To enhance cyber resilience, it's crucial to implement robust controls in mineral supply chains. This encompasses both technical measures like advanced firewalls, end-to-end encryption, and sophisticated authentication systems, and organizational strategies including comprehensive cybersecurity policies, regular employee training, and heightened awareness programs. Aligning these controls with globally recognized frameworks, such as the ISO/IEC 27000 series and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ensures adherence to best practices and the establishment of a resilient and responsive security infrastructure. Best Regards, HRH Amb. Ossai Ifeanyi, Ph.D., AmbP-UN

There a lot of different boundaries that comobaiws must use in order to protect themselves against the cyber attacks! Big tecs firewalls are available

Enhancing cyber resilience in mineral supply chains requires continuous performance monitoring. This step involves analyzing various data points, including security logs, alerts, and audit outcomes, to identify and assess cyber threats. Effective monitoring systems not only detect and evaluate incidents but also offer actionable feedback for ongoing improvements. They facilitate prompt reporting, ensuring timely communication and response to cyber events, crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of the supply chain. Best Regards, HRH Amb. Ossai Ifeanyi, Ph.D., AmbP-UN

The monitoring processes are mandatory in order to check the efficacy of the protections and cyber walls implemented and also quality

The lessons learned about previous tentative attacks are important in order to improve the efficacy of the existent walls protection

If you have previously experienced a cyberattack, it is crucial to identify the reasons that led to such an incident. This assessment will enable the effective addressing of identified vulnerabilities and proactively working towards improving security.

The assimilation of lessons is an essential part of the improvement process, as it involves a deep understanding of past events. This knowledge not only enables addressing identified vulnerabilities but also plays a vital role in preventing future similar cyberattacks.

It is useful to maintain a trustful environment among collaborators to facilitate the sharing of experiences. In the case of working in a company, it is important to keep the IT team informed, enabling them to take various measures on servers. This allows the establishment of internal security policies, such as invalidating emails from unknown sources, thereby strengthening information protection and the integrity of the company.

Just… to keep learning to work with and not against it … mineral process is more about people than machinery. Starts as artesanal mining to become today a huge tech process, but is something who always will refer us to basics, so use all AI as a tool to arrive where you cannot but not as a tool to not go where you should do.