Energy security is no longer about shortages of supply caused by Opec embargoes or the fear that Russia will cut off gas supplies flowing into Europe. The key issue now is the integrity of the computer systems through which supply, processing and distribution are managed.

Cyber security is what matters, and because the energy business is mainly run by private companies, their systems are prime targets for both criminals and hostile governments.

The old security concerns are less significant because resources are plentiful and shortages can be covered. Over the past year, production in Venezuela — one of the major oil suppliers — has fallen more than 600,000 barrels a day, but other countries have easily made up for it. Worldwide, the supply of oil, gas and energy generally continues to outstrip demand.