News Desk
DUBAI: Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) announced the launch of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Standard for Dubai in a press conference held in Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, inaugurated by Mr. Amer Sharaf, Director of Compliance, Support and Alliances at DESC; and Dr. Bushra Al Blooshi, Deputy Director of Information Services Department at DESC.
Implementation of the Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Standard by relevant government and private entities in Dubai will help provide a new and improved framework for Industrial Security and ensure minimal risk framework to fortify the industrial sector’s digital infrastructure against rise in cyber-attacks on this sector globally.
Governmental Collaboration
During her opening note, Dr. Al Blooshi expressed her appreciation for the valuable cooperative efforts of various government entities such as ENOC, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Airports and The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) which were key in co-developing and implementing the new ICS Security Standard. “These entities’ rich expertise and comprehensive knowledge in industrial systems processes helped in enabling the drafting and implementation of the standard”, Dr. Bushra commented.
The initial framework of the new standard’s regulation has evolved from a series of workshops with relevant stakeholders in order to give it a thorough examination, equate them with other leading ICS security standards and emphasize the key differences between the Information technology security controls and those related to Industrial control systems and operational technologies. Additionally, the (ICS) Standard has been benchmarked against internationally recognized standards
Al Blooshi also added “the UAE is committed to lead in the race towards digital transformation by adapting Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, the application of Internet of Things (IOT) and other smart technologies, especially ones that rely on 5G networks”. She also noted that this commitment makes the observance of the latest security standards a crucial step towards protecting digital data across all sectors and at all cost. The conference highlighted the principal challenges and primary security controls implemented within operational technology departments in Dubai’s industrial sector. Emphasizing the role of participating entities in evaluating those challenges and recommending innovative ways to identify and implement the best ICS security controls to eliminate any concerns that may arise in the future.
