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, cybersecurity has emerged as a paramount concern. Recognizing the urgent need for robust security solutions, Kaspersky, a global leader in cybersecurity, has joined forces with SCOPE Middle East, a prominent technology solutions provider, to bolster IoT cybersecurity across the Middle East. This strategic partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to distribute Kaspersky’s cutting-edge IoT Secure Gateway (KISG), powered by KasperskyOS, with a focus on critical sectors such as Smart Cities, Operational Technologies, Oil & Gas, Energy, and Manufacturing.
The Significance of the Partnership
The collaboration between Kaspersky and SCOPE Middle East is a timely response to the increasing vulnerabilities associated with IoT technologies. As industries become more interconnected, the potential attack surface for cybercriminals expands, necessitating specialized security measures. By leveraging Kaspersky’s expertise in cybersecurity and SCOPE’s regional presence, the partnership aims to provide tailored solutions that address the unique challenges faced by organizations in the Middle East.
Introducing Kaspersky IoT Secure Gateway (KISG)
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 integrity 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, enabling organizations to manage their networks effectively.
- Data Diode Mode: This mode allows for the isolated execution of user applications, enhancing security by preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data.
KISG integrates seamlessly with Kaspersky Appicenter and supports centralized management through Kaspersky Security Center, empowering organizations to enhance their cybersecurity operations while optimizing network infrastructure costs.
Embracing the Cyber Immunity Concept
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 the solutions are inherently resistant to a majority of cyberattacks, making them particularly valuable for industries that require stringent cybersecurity, reliability, and predictability. As organizations increasingly rely on IoT technologies, the need for such advanced solutions becomes critical.
Collaborative 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 across the region. This joint effort aims to raise awareness about the importance of IoT cybersecurity and promote the adoption of Cyber Immune solutions among organizations that are navigating the complexities of digital transformation.
Insights from Leadership
Toufic Derbass, Managing Director for the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa at Kaspersky, emphasized the challenges of IoT protection in industrial environments. He stated, “Traditional measures may not be sufficient for IoT protection; hence specialized security solutions should be implemented. With our Cyber Immune solutions, customers can protect their IoT suite and manage it through one centralized administration console. Collaboration with SCOPE underscores our shared vision of strengthening IoT cybersecurity across the Middle East.”
Fadi AbuEkab, CEO and Founder of SCOPE Middle East, echoed these sentiments, highlighting 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. Cyber Immune solutions represent a significant advancement in how we protect these interconnected systems from evolving cyber threats.”
A Vision for the Future
Through this partnership, Kaspersky and SCOPE Middle East are not only enhancing their portfolios but also bringing world-class security technologies to clients across the region. As the Middle East undergoes rapid digital transformation, the collaboration aims to equip organizations with the tools necessary to mitigate risks and safeguard their operations from cyberattacks.
In conclusion, the partnership between Kaspersky and SCOPE Middle East marks a significant step forward in addressing the cybersecurity challenges posed by the IoT landscape. By combining their strengths, both organizations are poised to lead the charge in ensuring that the region can confidently embrace IoT technologies, knowing that their assets are protected by the most advanced cybersecurity measures available today.