Latest news with #IlyaLeonov


Tahawul Tech
6 days ago
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Innovations in OT Security: Positive Technologies paves way for a safer tomorrow
Ilya Leonov highlights innovative demonstrations, challenges in securing critical infrastructure, and the UAE's role in building a secure future for global talent and businesses. Ilya Leonov, Regional Director of Positive Technologies, provided valuable insights into the company's groundbreaking contributions to the cybersecurity landscape at GISEC Global 2025 to From showcasing sophisticated attack vectors to focusing on the complexities of securing operational technology (OT) and critical infrastructure, Ilya shared the unique challenges faced by the industry. In this interview, he also discussed the shortage of skilled resources in cybersecurity and the UAE's emerging role as a global hub for talent and secure business environments. Below, we explore his thoughts on the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Interview Excerpts: Can you tell us about some of the innovative things Positive Technologies showcased at GISEC Global 2025 this year? We showcased some very unique technical demonstrations. One of the highlights was a direct memory access attack, where we showed how you can unlock a laptop without knowing the password. It looks like magic, but it's actually quite simple and sophisticated at the same time. Another interesting demonstration is a fault injection attack, where we manipulate the voltage of a motherboard to trick encryption systems and unlock devices. We've received a lot of interest in these sophisticated attack vectors, as not many companies can perform these types of demonstrations. How is your company focusing on OT security this year? This year, we focused heavily on OT (Operational Technology) security, which has become increasingly important, especially with the growing emphasis on critical infrastructure. At GISEC Global, we had a dedicated area for critical infrastructure, and contributing to that was showcasing application security, network security, and monitoring tools that helped identify abnormal activities in the systems. The tools were specifically designed for the unique and complex environments in which critical infrastructure operates. What challenges do you see in securing critical infrastructure and OT systems? Securing critical infrastructure is quite challenging due to a combination of factors. One of the biggest challenges is the legacy systems still in use, such as outdated versions of Windows like XP, which are still running in some industrial environments. This makes it difficult to implement modern security measures. Additionally, the personnel working in OT environments often lack the specialised knowledge required for effective cybersecurity. 'The caliber of professionals needed for critical infrastructure is different from the typical IT security workforce, and this makes securing these systems even more complex.' Is there a gap in the skills and resources available for securing critical infrastructure, and how can this gap be addressed? The shortage of skilled resources is a major pain point in the industry. The gap between the basic knowledge required and the specialised skills needed to protect critical infrastructure is significant. While there are initiatives from governments and private companies to address this gap, there's still a lot of work to be done. The rapid pace of technological advancements, especially in cybersecurity, makes it difficult to keep up. Bridging this gap requires ongoing efforts in upskilling and reskilling talent. Do you believe the UAE has the capacity to attract global talent and create a safer environment for businesses? I believe the UAE is doing an excellent job of creating the right conditions and environment to attract international talent across various fields, not just cybersecurity. If the right conditions are in place, it becomes a winning strategy to build a safer future. Since I've been here, I've seen how the government and the country have been focusing on creating these opportunities for professionals. In the long run, I believe this will yield tremendous results for the country.


Channel Post MEA
22-04-2025
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
Positive Technologies To Participate In GISEC Global 2025
Positive Technologies is joining GISEC Global 2025, one of the largest cybersecurity and technology exhibitions in the Middle East, on May 6–8 in Dubai. At the Positive Technologies booth (D 90, Hall 7), in-house experts will share their expertise in application security, industrial cybersecurity, and detection of cyberattacks in network traffic using PT Network Attack Discovery. The Positive Technologies team will also host workshops in the Hack-O-Sphere zone. 'Multiple countries in the Middle East have made significant strides in cybersecurity. However, organizations in the region remain an attractive target for cybercriminals, as our research shows,' says Ilya Leonov, Regional Director for MENA, Positive Technologies. 'At GISEC Global 2025, we will focus on application security (AppSec) and operational technology security (OT security). Our team will share best practices for using PT Network Attack Discovery, which detects cybercriminal activity in the network traffic and also aids in incident investigation and proactive threat hunting. We'll also be talking about a range of our other products and solutions to help you get real value from your cybersecurity investments. Additionally, our experts will demonstrate sophisticated attack methods and explain how to defend against them.' Visitors to the Positive Technologies booth will have the opportunity to observe offensive security specialists simulating DMA attacks, using various devices to bypass defenses and gain access to valuable information. An accessible and user-friendly tool for chip security analysis will also be presented to GISEC participants. This tool, which simulates fault injection attacks, will be demonstrated in action, and the Positive Technologies team will deliver a workshop for cybersecurity professionals. Positive Technologies will also be organizing four activities in the Hack-O-Sphere zone. At Fixathon, guests will have the opportunity to test their skills in fixing code vulnerabilities and improve their secure development skills. The second activity is dedicated to steganography: guests will be encouraged to find words encrypted in the works of renowned artists and get acquainted with this fascinating method of information transmission. At the workshop on hacking devices, participants will learn how attackers exploit physical access vulnerabilities and how to defend against such attacks. At the soldering workshop, you'll have the opportunity to craft a useful mini-gadget. 0 0


Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Positive Technologies at GISEC Global 2025
Positive Technologies is joining GISEC Global 2025, one of the largest cybersecurity and technology exhibitions in the Middle East, on May 6–8 in Dubai. At the Positive Technologies booth (D 90, Hall 7), in-house experts will share their expertise in application security, industrial cybersecurity, and detection of cyberattacks in network traffic using PT Network Attack Discovery. The Positive Technologies team will also host workshops in the Hack-O-Sphere zone. "Multiple countries in the Middle East have made significant strides in cybersecurity. However, organizations in the region remain an attractive target for cybercriminals, as our research shows," says Ilya Leonov, Regional Director for MENA, Positive Technologies."At GISEC Global 2025, we will focus on application security (AppSec) and operational technology security (OT security). Our team will share best practices for using PT Network Attack Discovery, which detects cybercriminal activity in the network traffic and also aids in incident investigation and proactive threat hunting. We'll also be talking about a range of our other products and solutions to help you get real value from your cybersecurity investments. Additionally, our experts will demonstrate sophisticated attack methods and explain how to defend against them." Visitors to the Positive Technologies booth will have the opportunity to observe offensive security specialists simulating DMA attacks, using various devices to bypass defenses and gain access to valuable information. An accessible and user-friendly tool for chip security analysis will also be presented to GISEC participants. This tool, which simulates fault injection attacks, will be demonstrated in action, and the Positive Technologies team will deliver a workshop for cybersecurity professionals. Positive Technologies will also be organizing four activities in the Hack-O-Sphere zone. At Fixathon, guests will have the opportunity to test their skills in fixing code vulnerabilities and improve their secure development skills. The second activity is dedicated to steganography: guests will be encouraged to find words encrypted in the works of renowned artists and get acquainted with this fascinating method of information transmission. At the workshop on hacking devices, participants will learn how attackers exploit physical access vulnerabilities and how to defend against such attacks. At the soldering workshop, you'll have the opportunity to craft a useful mini-gadget. Discover the full GISEC Global 2025 agenda on the event's website.


Zawya
25-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt ranks among top cybersecurity nations as internet use surges amid rising threats
Egypt has solidified its position as a regional leader in digital technology, witnessing a significant rise in internet users and achieving a top cybersecurity rating, even as cyber threats intensify. Between 2022 and 2024, Egypt saw an increase of 6.3 million internet users, bringing the total to over 82 million. The country's cybersecurity efforts have also gained global recognition, with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ranking Egypt among the top 12 nations in its 2023–2024 Global Cybersecurity Index. However, with rapid digitalization comes heightened cyber risks. According to Positive Technologies, Egypt ranks second in Africa for cyberattacks, accounting for 13% of incidents on the continent. In 2024 alone, Positive Technologies identified over a hundred listings on dark web forums offering stolen Egyptian databases for sale or free distribution. These compromised databases contained sensitive information belonging to individuals and organizations. Data breaches primarily targeted individuals (40%), followed by e-commerce (22%), and the service and transportation sectors (10% each). One particularly alarming post advertised the sale of personal data of 85 million Egyptian citizens. As a result, cybersecurity and data protection have become top priorities for both businesses and the government. Amid these growing concerns, Positive Technologies, a global cybersecurity firm, is set to host an open event for cybersecurity professionals in Cairo on February 26. The event will bring together industry experts, students, and aspiring researchers—both Russian and local—for in-person knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Dmitry Serebryannikov, Chief Hacking Officer at Positive Technologies, highlighted the significance of the Cairo meetup, stating, 'This event marks a major step in building a global cybersecurity community. Our mission is to share knowledge, collectively enhance security, and combat the rising tide of cyber threats worldwide.' Ilya Leonov, Regional Director for MENA at Positive Technologies, emphasized the company's commitment to expanding its presence in Egypt and the broader region. 'Last year, we signed cooperation agreements with several Egyptian cybersecurity service providers. We will continue to grow our partner network in the Middle East and Africa, support talent development through joint educational projects, and share our expertise with our colleagues,' he said. Positive Technologies launched its global cybersecurity meetup series in 2024, with previous events held in Bengaluru, India, in October, and Hanoi, Vietnam, in November. The upcoming Cairo event underscores Egypt's growing role in the global cybersecurity landscape and its commitment to strengthening digital security amid escalating threats. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


TECHx
24-02-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Positive Technologies to Host Cybersecurity Event in Cairo on 26th February News Desk - 24/02/2025 SharePositive Technologies, a result-driven cybersecurity firm, is set to host an exclusive event for cybersecurity professionals in Cairo on 26th February. The event will bring together a diverse audience of cybersecurity experts, students, and aspiring researchers, including both Russian and local professionals, to share their knowledge and expertise in an important in-person gathering.Egypt, a regional leader in digital technology, has seen a significant surge in internet usage, with the number of users increasing by 6.3 million from 2022 to 2024, surpassing 82 million. According to the 2023–2024 report by the International Telecommunication Union, Egypt earned a top ranking in the Global Cybersecurity Index, being one of only 12 nations to achieve the highest rating. However, with rapid digitalization comes an increase in cyberattacks. Positive Technologies ranks Egypt second in Africa for cyberattacks, accounting for 13% of all incidents.In 2024, Positive Technologies discovered over a hundred listings on dark web forums selling or distributing stolen databases containing sensitive information of Egyptian citizens and organizations. The majority of the breaches affected individuals (40%), followed by e-commerce (22%), and the service and transportation sectors (10% each). One notable post offered the personal data of 85 million Egyptians. Protecting organizations' cybersecurity and safeguarding client data are now critical priorities for businesses and the Egyptian government alike.Dmitry Serebryannikov, Chief Hacking Officer at Positive Technologies, emphasized, 'The meetup in Cairo will be a crucial step in building a global community of cybersecurity experts. Our mission is to share knowledge, enhance security collectively, and combat the growing threat of cyberattacks worldwide.'Ilya Leonov, Regional Director for MENA at Positive Technologies, added, 'In Egypt, we work with local partners, having signed cooperation agreements with several cybersecurity service providers in the region. Our focus will continue on expanding our partner network in the Middle East and Africa, supporting human resources development, and sharing our expertise through joint educational projects.'At the Positive Hack Talks in Cairo, key cybersecurity topics will be discussed, including business logic vulnerabilities, client-side attacks, GraphQL security, and IoT exploitation. Speakers include Ahmed Qaramany, Penetration Tester at DeepStrike, LLC, who will demonstrate pentesting GraphQL; Fares Walid, Senior Security Consultant at Buguard, who will share techniques for identifying business logic bugs and analyzing JavaScript; and Ksenia Naumova, Senior Malware Analyst at Positive Technologies, who will offer insights on detecting new threats using network rules. Other discussions will cover eBPF security, JVM fuzzing, and high-impact hacking techniques, providing attendees with valuable insights and networking opportunities.This event promises to be a key gathering for professionals in Egypt's cybersecurity landscape, offering both education and collaboration in the face of growing cyber threats.
Positive Technologies to Host Cybersecurity Event in Cairo on 26th February Positive Technologies, a result-driven cybersecurity firm, is set to host an exclusive event for cybersecurity professionals in Cairo on 26th February. The event will bring together a diverse audience of cybersecurity experts, students, and aspiring researchers, including both Russian and local professionals, to share their knowledge and expertise in an important in-person gathering. Egypt, a regional leader in digital technology, has seen a significant surge in internet usage, with the number of users increasing by 6.3 million from 2022 to 2024, surpassing 82 million. According to the 2023–2024 report by the International Telecommunication Union, Egypt earned a top ranking in the Global Cybersecurity Index, being one of only 12 nations to achieve the highest rating. However, with rapid digitalization comes an increase in cyberattacks. Positive Technologies ranks Egypt second in Africa for cyberattacks, accounting for 13% of all incidents. In 2024, Positive Technologies discovered over a hundred listings on dark web forums selling or distributing stolen databases containing sensitive information of Egyptian citizens and organizations. The majority of the breaches affected individuals (40%), followed by e-commerce (22%), and the service and transportation sectors (10% each). One notable post offered the personal data of 85 million Egyptians. Protecting organizations' cybersecurity and safeguarding client data are now critical priorities for businesses and the Egyptian government alike. Dmitry Serebryannikov, Chief Hacking Officer at Positive Technologies, emphasized, 'The meetup in Cairo will be a crucial step in building a global community of cybersecurity experts. Our mission is to share knowledge, enhance security collectively, and combat the growing threat of cyberattacks worldwide.' Ilya Leonov, Regional Director for MENA at Positive Technologies, added, 'In Egypt, we work with local partners, having signed cooperation agreements with several cybersecurity service providers in the region. Our focus will continue on expanding our partner network in the Middle East and Africa, supporting human resources development, and sharing our expertise through joint educational projects.' At the Positive Hack Talks in Cairo, key cybersecurity topics will be discussed, including business logic vulnerabilities, client-side attacks, GraphQL security, and IoT exploitation. Speakers include Ahmed Qaramany, Penetration Tester at DeepStrike, LLC, who will demonstrate pentesting GraphQL; Fares Walid, Senior Security Consultant at Buguard, who will share techniques for identifying business logic bugs and analyzing JavaScript; and Ksenia Naumova, Senior Malware Analyst at Positive Technologies, who will offer insights on detecting new threats using network rules. Other discussions will cover eBPF security, JVM fuzzing, and high-impact hacking techniques, providing attendees with valuable insights and networking opportunities. This event promises to be a key gathering for professionals in Egypt's cybersecurity landscape, offering both education and collaboration in the face of growing cyber threats.