Kaspersky has introduced its new Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Assessment service, aimed at fortifying Saudi Arabia’s critical industrial infrastructure. This service marks a significant step in Kaspersky’s ongoing commitment to lead in the field of ICS cybersecurity, aligning with local security regulations and showcasing over 15 years of expertise in Operational Technology (OT) and ICS security.
The ICS Security Assessment service by Kaspersky is meticulously designed to probe and mitigate vulnerabilities across all layers of industrial control systems, including physical, network, and vendor-specific vulnerabilities in components like SCADA systems.
Kaspersky’s specialized team, comprised of penetration testers, reverse engineers, ICS security experts, and network security specialists, focuses on identifying risks and evaluating potential attack surfaces. Their goal is to provide clients with detailed, actionable insights and a deep understanding of their security posture.
Clients receive comprehensive reports tailored for Security Operations Centers (SOCs), offering a structured roadmap with timestamps, techniques, and specific detection recommendations, enabling them to address security gaps effectively.
Mohamad Hashem, General Manager for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at Kaspersky, expressed enthusiasm about the launch: “We are excited to offer our top-notch OT and ICS security assessments to the region, fully compliant with local standards. Our local team’s efforts are bolstered by Kaspersky’s extensive global expertise, underscoring our dedication to nurturing and leveraging local talent. This initiative not only raises the bar for industrial security but also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s strategic goals for a secure and resilient industrial sector.”
Recent data from Kaspersky highlights a relatively secure landscape in Saudi Arabia, with the country showing lower exposure levels compared to the regional average in Q2 2024. However, specific sectors like Construction, Oil and Gas, and Building Automation remain more vulnerable.
Key security risks include unsafe practices by employees, such as attempts to access restricted internet resources from OT systems, which can lead to exposure to malicious scripts and phishing attacks. The statistics also show an increase in spyware incidents over the past six months, further emphasizing the critical need for robust OT security measures.
