Cybersecurity Expert Urges Urgent Focus on Protecting Industrial Networks
Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure are on the rise, and experts are warning that the urgency to protect industrial networks has never been greater. With the recent increase in cyberattacks on water treatment plants and a high-profile warning from the US federal government about China’s intentions to disrupt US critical infrastructure, the need for stronger security measures for ICS/OT systems is becoming increasingly apparent.
Irfan Shakeel, the vice president of training and certification services at cybersecurity vendor OPSWAT, recently discussed the growing knowledge gap in critical infrastructure protection. Shakeel shared his insights on how the Middle East and Africa region can improve cyber defenses in its ICS/OT networks, emphasizing the need for better training and certification in OT security.
In a recent interview with Dark Reading, Shakeel highlighted the growing urgency to protect industrial networks. He pointed out that while IT networks have traditionally been targets for cyberattacks, the operational technology (OT) side of organizations is now increasingly under attack as well. Shakeel explained that the challenge lies in the fact that many OT systems are legacy systems, making them vulnerable to cyber threats.
When asked about the type of security training and certification available for OT defenders, Shakeel revealed that there is a lack of proper education and training in the market for OT security. He emphasized the need for organizations to provide their employees with the right skills and up-to-date knowledge about cybersecurity challenges in order to effectively protect their OT environments. Without proper education and training, Shakeel warned that organizations will be ill-equipped to fend off cyber threats.
Shakeel also addressed the availability of resources for security teams in the OT sector. He highlighted the difficulty in finding information on how to securely configure specific devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and SCADA systems. Shakeel emphasized the need for user-friendly resources to teach individuals how to properly configure these devices, as well as the importance of encrypting data to ensure secure communications in OT environments.
From a Middle East and Africa perspective, Shakeel noted that the cybersecurity market in those regions is growing rapidly, with organizations increasingly focusing on securing their operations. He highlighted the importance of the energy and oil and gas sectors in the Middle East, with organizations prioritizing cybersecurity following the infamous Saudi Aramco attack. Shakeel remarked that the attack on Saudi Aramco had a significant impact on how organizations invest in cybersecurity, leading to increased investment in cybersecurity solutions, tools, and human resources.
In summary, cyberattacks on OT networks can cause significant disruption, making it imperative for organizations to invest in stronger cybersecurity measures. With the increasing urgency to protect critical infrastructure, cybersecurity experts like Shakeel are urging organizations to pay greater attention to the security of their industrial networks. By providing the right training and resources, as well as investing in cybersecurity solutions, organizations in the Middle East and Africa can better safeguard their operations from cyber threats.