Rami Nehme, Regional Sales Director at Opswat, highlighted the escalating complexity of protecting critical infrastructure as cyber threats become more sophisticated. Speaking at Gitex Global in Dubai, Nehme emphasized that while significant progress has been made in the UAE, driven by government initiatives and a focus on cyber resilience, vulnerabilities still exist. He noted that the convergence of IT and operational technology (OT) and the increasing use of AI in cyberattacks necessitate a proactive approach to cybersecurity.
Nehme stressed that traditional cybersecurity measures are insufficient for safeguarding critical assets such as energy systems and platforms, which, if compromised, could have severe political and economic consequences. The blurring lines between IT and OT systems present unique challenges, making it crucial for organizations to adopt multi-layered security solutions.
Employee awareness remains a critical area for improvement. Nehme pointed out that human error is a leading cause of security breaches, underscoring the need for comprehensive employee training. The UAE government has taken steps to enhance critical infrastructure security, but Nehme cautioned that the evolving threat landscape requires continuous adaptation.
Opswat offers tailored solutions, including zero-trust methodologies and specialized training through the Opswat Academy, to address these challenges. Nehme concluded by emphasizing the importance of anticipating future threats and staying ahead in the cybersecurity race.
