Kaspersky and SCOPE Middle East Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance IoT Cybersecurity
In an era where the Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly transforming industries and urban landscapes, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more pressing. Recognizing this critical demand, Kaspersky, a global leader in cybersecurity, has entered into a strategic partnership with SCOPE Middle East. This collaboration aims to bolster IoT cybersecurity across the Middle East, focusing on essential sectors such as Smart Cities, Operational Technologies, Oil & Gas, Energy, and Manufacturing.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
The partnership is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which outlines a shared commitment to enhancing the security of IoT ecosystems in the region. By distributing Kaspersky’s IoT Secure Gateway (KISG), powered by KasperskyOS, the collaboration seeks to address the unique cybersecurity challenges posed by the increasing integration of IoT technologies in critical infrastructures.
Introducing Kaspersky IoT Secure Gateway (KISG)
At the heart of this partnership is the Kaspersky IoT Secure Gateway (KISG), a cutting-edge Cyber Immune solution designed to protect data transmission between industrial and corporate networks. KISG ensures the security of IoT ecosystems by operating in two distinct modes:
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Router Mode: This mode includes advanced features such as Network Address Translation (NAT), port forwarding, and deep packet inspection (DPI) of industrial protocols. These capabilities allow organizations to monitor and manage their network traffic effectively, ensuring that potential threats are identified and mitigated in real-time.
- Data Diode Mode: This mode enables the isolated execution of user applications, providing an additional layer of security by preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems.
KISG integrates seamlessly with Kaspersky Appicenter and supports centralized management through Kaspersky Security Center. This integration allows organizations to enhance their cybersecurity operations while optimizing network infrastructure costs, making it an invaluable asset for businesses navigating the complexities of IoT security.
The Concept of Cyber Immunity
The KISG solution exemplifies the concept of Cyber Immunity, which emphasizes the development of IT products using a "Secure by Design" methodology. This approach ensures that products are inherently resistant to the majority of cyberattacks, making Cyber Immune solutions particularly valuable for industries with stringent cybersecurity, reliability, and predictability requirements.
As Toufic Derbass, Managing Director for the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa at Kaspersky, notes, “Internet of Things protection, especially in industrial environments, is an issue that might not be easy to address. Traditional measures may not be sufficient for IoT protection; hence specialized security solutions should be implemented.” The collaboration with SCOPE Middle East underscores a shared vision of strengthening IoT cybersecurity across the region, making Cyber Immune solutions more accessible to organizations facing increasing challenges within their critical infrastructures.
Collaborative Efforts and Global Marketing Initiatives
As part of the MoU, Kaspersky and SCOPE Middle East will engage in collaborative global marketing initiatives, sharing their successes with enterprises, governments, and academic institutions throughout the region. This partnership aims to raise awareness about the importance of IoT cybersecurity and the innovative solutions available to address these challenges.
Fadi AbuEkab, CEO and Founder of SCOPE Middle East, emphasizes the significance of this collaboration: “In partnering with Kaspersky, we aim to address the growing demand for Cyber Immune IoT solutions, which are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of IoT and cybersecurity in the Middle East.” As IoT technologies become increasingly integrated into critical sectors, the urgency for robust, reliable, and secure solutions grows.
The Future of IoT and Cybersecurity in the Middle East
The Middle East is experiencing rapid digital transformation, which, while offering numerous opportunities, also presents an expanded attack surface for cybercriminals targeting critical infrastructures. Through this partnership, Kaspersky and SCOPE Middle East are committed to ensuring that organizations in the region can adopt IoT technologies with confidence, knowing that their assets are protected by the most advanced cybersecurity measures available today.
By enhancing their portfolio with world-class security technologies, the partnership aims to empower clients to mitigate risks and safeguard their operations from cyberattacks. The collaboration not only strengthens the cybersecurity landscape in the Middle East but also positions both organizations as leaders in the evolving field of IoT security.
Conclusion
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the partnership between Kaspersky and SCOPE Middle East represents a significant step forward in addressing the cybersecurity challenges posed by the Internet of Things. By leveraging innovative solutions like the Kaspersky IoT Secure Gateway, the collaboration aims to create a safer, more secure environment for critical sectors across the region. With a shared vision and commitment to excellence, Kaspersky and SCOPE Middle East are poised to lead the charge in enhancing IoT cybersecurity, ensuring that organizations can navigate the complexities of the digital age with confidence.