Kaspersky and SCOPE Middle East: A 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 critical. Recognizing this urgent demand, Kaspersky, a global leader in cybersecurity, has joined forces with SCOPE Middle East in a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering IoT cybersecurity across the region. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), focuses on distributing Kaspersky’s innovative IoT Secure Gateway (KISG), powered by KasperskyOS, to critical sectors such as Smart Cities, Operational Technologies, Oil & Gas, Energy, and Manufacturing.
The Kaspersky IoT Secure Gateway: A Cutting-Edge Solution
At the heart of this partnership is the Kaspersky IoT Secure Gateway (KISG), a state-of-the-art Cyber Immune solution designed to protect data transmission between industrial and corporate networks while ensuring the security of IoT ecosystems. KISG operates 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, allowing for comprehensive monitoring and management of network traffic.
- Data Diode Mode: This mode enables the isolated execution of user applications, ensuring that sensitive data remains secure and is only accessible through designated pathways.
KISG seamlessly integrates with Kaspersky Appicenter and supports centralized management through Kaspersky Security Center, empowering organizations to enhance their cybersecurity operations while optimizing network infrastructure costs.
The Concept of Cyber Immunity
The KISG solution embodies the concept of Cyber Immunity, which emphasizes a “Secure by Design” methodology in the development of IT products. This approach ensures that the solutions are inherently resistant to a majority of cyberattacks, making Cyber Immune solutions particularly valuable for industries that require stringent cybersecurity, reliability, and predictability. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the need for such advanced security measures becomes increasingly apparent.
Toufic Derbass, Managing Director for the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa at Kaspersky, highlighted the challenges of IoT protection in industrial environments. He stated, “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.” This partnership with SCOPE Middle East aims to make these Cyber Immune solutions more accessible to organizations facing increasing challenges within their critical infrastructures.
Collaborative Efforts for a Safer Future
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 across the region. This partnership is not just about technology; it’s about creating a safer digital environment for all stakeholders involved.
Fadi AbuEkab, CEO and Founder of SCOPE Middle East, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in addressing the growing demand for Cyber Immune IoT solutions. He remarked, “As IoT technologies become increasingly integrated into critical sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and smart city infrastructure, the need for robust, reliable, and secure solutions has never been more urgent.” The partnership aims to provide organizations with the tools they need to protect their interconnected systems from evolving cyber threats that traditional cybersecurity measures may not effectively counter.
Empowering Organizations in the Digital Age
Through this strategic partnership, Kaspersky and SCOPE Middle East are not only enhancing their portfolios but also bringing world-class security technologies to clients across the region. This initiative enables organizations to mitigate risks and protect their operations from cyberattacks, particularly as the Middle East undergoes rapid digital transformation. With this growth comes an increased attack surface for cybercriminals targeting critical infrastructures.
Together, 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 safeguarded by the most advanced cybersecurity measures available today. As the landscape of cybersecurity continues to evolve, this partnership stands as a beacon of hope for a more secure digital future in the Middle East.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Kaspersky and SCOPE Middle East marks a significant step forward in addressing the pressing challenges of IoT cybersecurity. By leveraging Kaspersky’s innovative solutions and SCOPE’s regional expertise, this partnership aims to create a safer and more secure environment for critical sectors across the Middle East. As industries increasingly rely on interconnected technologies, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. Together, Kaspersky and SCOPE Middle East are poised to lead the charge in safeguarding the future of IoT in the region.