Latest news with #ThanosKarpouzis
Techday NZ
22-05-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Immersive unveils new OT cybersecurity training for industry teams
Immersive has launched a new scenario-based operational technology (OT) cybersecurity solution aimed at preparing industrial teams to address threats in critical operational environments. The new Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offering is designed to cater to the unique requirements of OT environments, which have historically lagged in the implementation of robust security measures. As the threat to OT infrastructure has increased, recent industry findings indicate that 73% of OT professionals have reported intrusions affecting their environments. Immersive's solution focuses on upskilling both red teams, who simulate attackers, and blue teams, who defend systems, by providing interactive and on-demand training designed to equip professionals with the ability to detect, disrupt, and react to OT-specific cyber threats. This approach is intended to serve organisations at all stages of security maturity, with continuing content updates. The first release of the product addresses the training needs of defensive, offensive, and compliance-oriented teams operating in OT environments, and includes the necessary tools to conduct Immersive Cyber Drills. Thanos Karpouzis, Chief Technology Officer at Immersive, commented on the security challenges facing the sector. "Operational technology is now a front-line target for ransomware, nation-state attacks, and supply chain vulnerabilities, but the training available to defend it has historically lagged behind," Karpouzis said. Karpouzis added, "Immersive has filled this gap in the market with continuous OT exercising and hands-on, self-guided OT labs to prove and improve vital cyber capabilities. With the stakes being so high for industrial systems, the need for robust security measures and thorough training cannot be overstated." The key features of Immersive's Operational Technology Cybersecurity Training Suite include an Adaptive OT/ICS Skills Assessment, which is currently in beta. This assessment is integrated into the labs by default to baseline user proficiency in OT and industrial control systems (ICS) security. This feature is available exclusively to customers with an OT licence. The platform offers hands-on labs with a defensive focus, where users can learn how to counter various threat actors and malware specific to OT environments while developing OT cyber threat intelligence skills. A collection dedicated to OT threat actors allows learners to explore the tactics, techniques, and procedures of groups targeting OT systems, with emphasis on MITRE ATT&CK frameworks for both ICS and enterprise environments. A further component is the OT malware collection, which introduces users to malware affecting both conventional IT systems and OT-specific infrastructure such as programmable logic controllers. The OT cyber threat intelligence collection aims to build core CTI capabilities tailored to OT, supporting the tracking of campaigns targeting these systems. In terms of team-based exercises, the solution includes cyber range exercises that simulate attacks such as those conducted by the Sandworm threat actor, enabling participants to practice detection and response strategies in a controlled OT lab setting. Leadership teams can utilise a crisis simulation component designed to complement the technical exercises. This scenario-based training is aimed at improving communication, decision-making, and incident response during periods of high operational stress. Mark Schmitz, Chief Executive Officer at Immersive, noted the historical lack of OT-focused training within cyber programmes. "Effective OT cybersecurity training has historically been overlooked in cyber training programs, despite its critical importance to operational resilience," Schmitz said. Schmitz continued, "Strengthening hands-on training and implementing cyber drills for OT teams is key to building lasting resilience and maintaining seamless operations. Given the serious risks to productivity, finances, and even the environment, a robust training strategy isn't just recommended - it's imperative." The launch of this new OT cyber solution by Immersive comes as a response to the increasing frequency and severity of cyber incidents targeting industrial systems, reinforcing the need for comprehensive and practical training for operational technology teams.
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Immersive Launches Scenario-Based Operational Technology Solution to Prepare Industrial Teams for the Front Line
BRISTOL, England & BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Immersive, the leader in people-centric cyber resilience, today announced the launch of its cutting-edge Operational Technology (OT) security solution to help organizations prove and improve their readiness for OT threats. This new offering marks a pivotal milestone in advancing cyber readiness for industrial environments in the OT space, which have traditionally lacked robust security measures. As threat actors increasingly target OT infrastructure, with 73% of OT professionals reporting intrusions that impact these environments, organizations can no longer rely solely on traditional IT security practices. Immersive's new OT upskilling solution delivers an interactive, on-demand approach designed to upskill both red and blue teams, arming them with real-world capabilities to detect, disrupt, and respond to OT-specific cyber threats. The new solution offers powerful learning experiences to empower organizations at every stage of their security maturity journey with new content delivered over time. This first release is designed to address the training needs of both defensive, offensive, and compliance-driven teams in OT environments. It also delivers all the elements needed to run Immersive Cyber Drills. 'Operational technology is now a front-line target for ransomware, nation-state attacks, and supply chain vulnerabilities, but the training available to defend it has historically lagged behind,' said Thanos Karpouzis, Chief Technology Officer at Immersive. 'Immersive has filled this gap in the market with continuous OT exercising and hands-on, self-guided OT labs to prove and improve vital cyber capabilities. With the stakes being so high for industrial systems, the need for robust security measures and thorough training cannot be overstated.' Key Features of Immersive's Operational Technology Cybersecurity Training Suite: Adaptive OT/ICS Skills Assessment (BETA): A new assessment feature—integrated into Immersive's labs by default—baselines user proficiency in OT and ICS security. This feature is exclusively available to customers with the OT license. Hands-On Labs – Defensive Focus: Learn how to address threat actors, malware, and cyber threat intelligence for any OT environment. OT Threat Actor Collection: Explore the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of known threat actors targeting OT systems, with a focus on MITRE ATT&CK for ICS and Enterprise frameworks. OT Malware Collection: Dive into real-world malware affecting OT sectors, including threats to both general-purpose systems and OT-specific infrastructure, such as programmable logic controllers. OT Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) Collection: Build foundational CTI skills tailored to OT environments, enabling teams to investigate and track OT-focused threat campaigns. Realistic Scenario-Based Team Exercises Cyber Range Exercises – Sandworm Intrusion (Defensive): Test critical skills in a collaborative lab simulating an attack by the notorious Sandworm threat actor, providing teams with the opportunity to practice detection and response strategies in a safe, controlled OT environment. Crisis Sim: Join a leadership-driven cyber simulation designed to complement the Cyber Range Exercise, this scenario-based training helps organizations strengthen communication, decision-making, and incident response coordination in high-pressure situations. "Effective OT cybersecurity training has historically been overlooked in cyber training programs, despite its critical importance to operational resilience,' said Mark Schmitz, CEO of Immersive. 'Strengthening hands-on training and implementing cyber drills for OT teams is key to building lasting resilience and maintaining seamless operations. Given the serious risks to productivity, finances, and even the environment, a robust training strategy isn't just recommended—it's imperative." To learn more about Immersive's Operation Technology Cybersecurity Training Suite, please visit our blog HERE. About Immersive Immersive, the leader in people-centric cyber resilience, helps your organization continuously prove and improve its ability to prevent and respond to cyber threats. Tailored to individual roles, our approach ensures your organization is always ready for an ever-evolving threat landscape, including the opportunities and challenges posed by AI. With a relentless focus on evidence, Immersive provides unmatched visibility into your cyber resilience. Through a single enterprise platform for individuals, teams, and the entire workforce, we empower your organization to Be Ready for what's next. Immersive is trusted by the world's largest organizations and governments, including Citi, Pfizer, Humana, HSBC, the UK Ministry of Defence, and the UK National Health Service. We are backed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Summit Partners, Insight Partners, Citi Ventures, Ten Eleven Ventures, and Menlo Ventures.
