Nozomi Networks, a provider of operational technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) security, has confirmed its presence at the upcoming MENA Information Security Conference 2022. (MENA ISC). The 10th edition of the event, which will be held from September 6-7 at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel and Residences in Saudi Arabia, will primarily focus on critical network infrastructure IT, OT, and IoT.
As the threat landscape evolves and becomes more difficult, Nozomi Networks will highlight its extensive portfolio of leading security solutions and the benefits they provide to critical infrastructure owners/operators. Nozomi Networks is well placed to advise and develop protection around IoT and IT environments, leveraging its vast knowledge of OT environments (oil & gas, electricity distribution, etc.), particularly as the convergence of OT, IoT, and IT becomes more commonplace within a growing array of critical infrastructure.
Smart cities, smart grids, smart manufacturing, and smart healthcare are all verticals that use IoT platforms and IT integration to not only reduce costs but also respond to market and user demands faster and more efficiently. These and other verticals are rapidly expanding in the Kingdom as the country strives to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels in accordance with the Saudi Vision 2030 strategic framework. Concurrently, the threat landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, implying that securing all types of digital environments is critical.
Osamah Al-Fardan, Regional Sales Engineer, Saudi Arabia, and Usamah Al Ridwan, Regional Sales Director, Saudi Arabia, of Nozomi Networks, will present a technical workshop on “ICS Cybersecurity between Regulation & Reality” at 10 a.m. on Day 2 of the event (7 September). The participation of Nozomi Networks supports the Kingdom’s ambitions to embrace technology and digital transformation as part of broader efforts to diversify its economy in accordance with the Saudi Vision 2030 strategic framework.
“Today, within any environment, whether it’s an airport, construction site, factory, hospital, shopping mall, smart home etc, there are connected devices as part of converged OT, IoT or IT platforms that could be compromised and turned into a threat against that environment or others. More often than not, even if you are aware of the devices you can see, there may be countless others that you don’t, which can be compromised by threat actors. We are here to give owners and operators the benefit of our experience with what they see and what they don’t, to ensure they have the best protection going forward,” said Usamah Al Ridwan, Regional Sales Director, Saudi Arabia, Nozomi Networks.
In support of the diversification drive, Saudi authorities have sought to create a suitable ecosystem to attract and stimulate investment in the Kingdom in recent years, as well as increased their focus on cybersecurity. The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) was established in October 2017 to work closely with public and private entities to improve the country’s cybersecurity posture in order to safeguard key interests, national security, critical infrastructure, high-priority sectors, and government services in accordance with Vision 2030.
Earlier in 2022, the NCA urged cybersecurity providers to register their information by August 1 in order to regulate the sector and improve efficiency and service quality to those in need of cybersecurity solutions. Previously, the authority urged and mandated that businesses, developers, and operators in the Kingdom take steps to reduce risk, improve resilience, and develop human capital and local industry capabilities.
Senior executives and cybersecurity experts from Nozomi Networks will be on hand during the two-day conference to interact with attendees and have strategic discussions about critical infrastructure cybersecurity, IT, OT, and IoT, and how organizations can develop and adapt their security frameworks to address any and all threats.
