In response to a staggering 49% surge in operational technology (OT)cyberattacks in 2024—impacting power grids, oil and gas infrastructures, factories, and transport networks—GISEC Global 2025 has unveiled a dedicated OT Security track. This critical addition comes as part of the largest cybersecurity event in the Middle East and Africa, currently underway at the Dubai World Trade Centre until 8 May.
The launch comes at a critical inflection point for the industry: ·
- The global OT security market is forecasted to reach $44.9 billion by 2029, nearly doubling in size (Markets and Markets).
- IBM research reveals that the average cost of a cyberattack in the Middle East stands at $8.75 million—almost twice the global average.
Why Focus on OT Security—And Why Now?
Simone Fortin, Global CISO for the Cruise Division at MSC, emphasized the need for harmonized regulations that can be universally adopted across all countries.
He said: "For an industry like maritime, which is regulated by the UN, it is hard to interpret how to prevent AI threats for something critical like managing a ship. The UN gives the policy a broader scale, but then everything is regulated by bilateral agreements between the states and the regulators, and implemented by companies; but then, everything is defined by the fact that you could be in international waters. And ships can be owned by one entity, managed by another while sailing under a separate flag.”
As Middle Eastern countries accelerate their digital transformation, the region is increasingly exposed to cyber threats. However, experts anticipate the implementation of robust measures to safeguard critical cybersecurity infrastructure—with GISEC 2025 positioned as a key platform where policymakers and technology leaders may help shape the region’s cybersecurity roadmap
CONTINUE READING......
RELATED ARTICLES-
GISEC 2025 Launches OT Security Conference Amid 49% Infrastructure Attack Surge
GISEC Global 2025 gets underway in Dubai, fuelling growth of the billion-dollar cybersecurity market
GISEC Global 2025 Launches OT Security Conference as Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure Surge 49%