FUTURE TECHNOLOGY
Complexities of managing OT and IoT looming ahead
To address these complexities organisations in the Middle East must integrate security into every layer of the OT and IoT environment , from design and deployment of devices to management and maintenance . A key aspect of this approach is implementation of zero-trust security explains Osama Al-Zoubi at Phosphorus Cybersecurity .
Osama Al-Zoubi , Middle East Vice President , Phosphorus Cybersecurity
As the Middle East rapidly advances in technological infrastructure , the region ’ s reliance on Operational Technology , OT and the Internet of Things , IoT has grown exponentially . This technological evolution is not just shaping industries like oil and gas , transportation , and utilities but is also introducing a complex landscape of security challenges .
OT systems , which control industrial operations , make up a third of an enterprise ’ s attack surface and have traditionally been isolated from IT networks . However , the integration of IoT devices into OT environments is blurring these lines , creating a more interconnected and efficient ecosystem .
This convergence offers numerous business benefits , including improved operational efficiency , predictive maintenance , increased productivity , and real-time data analytics . Yet , it also presents a double-edged sword . As OT and IoT systems become more interconnected , they create new vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit .
The challenge in the Middle East is magnified by the region ’ s geopolitical significance and the critical nature of its market , where industries like oil and gas , utilities , and transportation form the backbone of the economy , the risks associated with OT and IoT devices are amplified .
One of the fundamental challenges in securing OT and IoT environments is the inherent complexity of these systems . OT systems are often built on legacy technology , with some components in use for decades . These systems were not designed with cybersecurity in mind , making them vulnerable to attacks that modern IT systems are better equipped to handle .
IoT devices , on the other hand , are often designed with convenience and functionality as primary considerations , with security sometimes taking a back seat . These devices can range from simple sensors to complex machines , each with its own security protocols , or lack of it . The sheer diversity and number of IoT devices in an OT environment can create a sprawling attack surface that is difficult to defend .
Additionally , many IoT and OT devices
are deployed with vulnerabilities – including default passwords , out-of-date firmware , critical CVEs , and insecure configurations – all increasing the chances that an attacker could take advantage of weak security .
While technology plays a significant role in securing OT and IoT environments ,
OT systems , which control industrial operations , make up a third of an enterprise ’ s attack surface and have traditionally been isolated from IT .
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