Latest news with #OperationalTechnology
Hi Dubai
11-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
New Research Highlights Rising OT Security Risks in Industrial Networks
A recent whitepaper by Palo Alto Networks and Siemens sheds light on the escalating cybersecurity risks associated with SCADA and Operational Technology (OT) devices exposed to the public internet. As IT and OT systems become increasingly interconnected, critical infrastructure faces heightened vulnerabilities, potentially leading to severe operational disruptions and security breaches. Key Findings: Manufacturing is the most targeted sector: 82.7% of internal exploit attempts occurred in the manufacturing industry alone. 82.7% of internal exploit attempts occurred in the manufacturing industry alone. Emerging threats remain unidentified: 79.9% of detected malware in OT networks was classified as unknown, highlighting the growing challenge of identifying and mitigating novel cyber threats. 79.9% of detected malware in OT networks was classified as unknown, highlighting the growing challenge of identifying and mitigating novel cyber threats. Aging vulnerabilities remain a major risk: 61.9% of exploit triggers in OT networks were due to vulnerabilities that were 6–10 years old, emphasizing the importance of timely patching. 61.9% of exploit triggers in OT networks were due to vulnerabilities that were 6–10 years old, emphasizing the importance of timely patching. Remote service exploitation is a leading attack vector: Attacks targeting remote services accounted for 20% of all security incidents in OT networks. Expanding Attack Surface in OT Networks In 2023, over 1.25 million SCADA and OT devices were found exposed to the internet, significantly increasing the risk of cyberattacks impacting essential services. Enhanced fingerprinting techniques introduced in March–April 2023 revealed a broader scope of vulnerable devices, particularly within SCADA and building control systems. These insights underscore the need for stricter security measures in OT environments. Attack Tactics and Industry Vulnerabilities An analysis of 51,000 OT firewalls using Palo Alto Networks App-ID™ mapped cyberattacks to the MITRE ATT&CK® Matrix for ICS, identifying key tactics such as Initial Access, Lateral Movement, and Privilege Escalation as common methods used by attackers. Industries most at risk include manufacturing, energy, and retail, where poor network segmentation and misconfigurations further expand attack surfaces. Recommendations for Strengthening OT Security To mitigate these risks, organizations must adopt a proactive cybersecurity strategy, including: Enhanced security controls to detect and prevent advanced threats. to detect and prevent advanced threats. Stronger network segmentation to limit lateral movement and minimize attack impact. to limit lateral movement and minimize attack impact. Continuous monitoring and real-time threat detection to improve response times and resilience against emerging cyber threats. As cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure continue to evolve, a robust, adaptive approach to OT security is essential for safeguarding industrial systems. To access the full report, please visit here . News Source: Wallis PR
ME Construction
05-02-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
Honeywell opens new center to strengthen Saudi Arabia's industrial cybersecurity
Technology Honeywell opens new center to strengthen Saudi Arabia's industrial cybersecurity By Honeywell runs training programs to help transform Saudi Arabia into a knowledge-based economy, equipping Saudi nationals with essential technical skills in various sectors including energy, automation, and aviation Honeywell launched a new centre in Jubail, Saudi Arabia to provide localised cybersecurity services for critical industrial sectors in the Kingdom. The Honeywell Himaya Center, located in the company's Jubail office, underscores the alignment of Honeywell's portfolio to three compelling mega trends including automation, the company said. The centre is designed to strengthen industrial cybersecurity capabilities in the Kingdom by offering robust Operational Technology (OT) security solutions to address today's evolving threats, while helping businesses maintain regulatory compliance. It will provide in-country Managed Security Services (MSS) to key sectors including energy, manufacturing and utilities. This includes Honeywell's flagship Cyber Insight and Cyber Watch software solutions, which help businesses maintain continuous compliance with the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) OT Cybersecurity Controls (OTCC) regulations, and aim to support the use of automation and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled technologies. 'The launch of the Honeywell Himaya Center is a testament to our dedication to supporting Saudi Arabia's localisation and industrial transformation objectives, and the ambitious vision set forth by the IKTVA program,' said Abdullah Al-Juffali, president, Honeywell Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. 'The new centre will bring critical local cybersecurity capabilities to the Kingdom, and support the growth of a resilient and self-reliant industrial ecosystem.' Saudi Arabia's cybersecurity market is expected to grow from US $3.6bn today to $10.5bn by 2032. This growth is driven by digital transformation, rising cyber threats, and initiatives like Vision 2030. The increasing reliance on cloud technologies and focus on data protection are fueling demand for advanced security solutions across key industries. 'Industrial automation and AI are pivotal in driving operational efficiency and business resilience across critical industries,' said George Bou Mitri, President, Honeywell Industrial Automation for the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, and Central Asia. 'The target of the Honeywell Himaya Center is to provide unparalleled support to businesses, helping them navigate the complexities of industrial cybersecurity and leverage the benefits of advanced automation technologies.' Honeywell has been present in Saudi Arabia for over 70 years, delivering solutions and contributing to the government's vision to advance technology adoption and advance sustainability efforts. The company runs training programs to help transform Saudi Arabia into a knowledge-based economy, equipping Saudi nationals with essential technical skills in various sectors including energy, automation, and aviation, the statement outlined.
