FUTURE TECHNOLOGY the human factor cannot be overlooked , especially since it stands as the reason behind 74 % of total breaches , even as enterprises continue to safeguard critical infrastructure and increase training on cybersecurity protocols .
In many cases , security breaches occur due to misconfigured devices or failure to apply patches and updates , and since the region`s OT and IoT systems are often managed by a mix of local and international teams , it is important to ensure consistent security practices across the board is a major challenge .
Training and awareness are essential in this context . Employees must be informed about the security risks associated with OT and IoT systems and learn best practices for mitigating these threats . This includes recognising the importance of regular updates , avoiding the use of default passwords , and maintaining constant vigilance against phishing and other social engineering attacks .
The sheer diversity and number of IoT devices in an OT environment can create a sprawling attack surface that is difficult to defend .
To address the complexities of managing OT and IoT security , organisations in the Middle East must adopt a holistic approach . This involves integrating security into every layer of the OT and IoT environment , from the design and deployment of devices to their ongoing management and maintenance .
One key aspect of this approach is the implementation of a zero-trust security model . In a zero-trust environment , no device or user is trusted by default , and every access request is authenticated and verified . This can help to mitigate the risks associated with the interconnected nature of OT and IoT systems .
When addressing IoT and OT devices , organisations should maintain an accurate device inventory and continuously monitor and manage the risk of their devices . They should deploy the same password best practices that they use for their IT devices – including complex passwords , no duplicate passwords , and regular password rotations .
As the Middle East continues to embrace digital transformation , the complexities of managing OT and IoT security will only increase . It is crucial for organisations to recognise the unique challenges they face and take proactive steps to secure their OT and IoT environments . By doing so , they can not only protect their operations and assets but also contribute to the region ’ s overall security and stability in an increasingly connected world . •
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