UL, a global independent safety science company, has urged companies in the Middle East to take drastic action against cybersecurity before it is too late.
Speaking at the 9th ASIS Middle East 2019 Security Conference and Exhibition, Arif Hassan, sales lead with UL Identity Management and Security division, delivered a presentation on the impact of cybersecurity in the Industry 4.0 and explained the importance of taking adequate measures of managing cybersecurity.
Hassan told delegates that with businesses conducting their day-to-day operations digitally, Industry 4.0 is transforming the way we work.
“Many tasks once performed by humans are now being automated in Industry 4.0. With the use of real-time data analysis and connected devices, production has become very efficient and customized to specific needs,” he said.
Hamid Syed, vice president and general manager in the Middle East for UL, said: “When we think of cyber threats, the first thing that comes into our mind are the traditional cyberattacks like identity theft and hacks affecting IT systems.”
“People tend to forget about threats to systems that control the operations of manufacturing and chemical plants, water systems, utilities or power,” Syed said. “They all face cyber threats with potentially devastating consequences.”
“By applying the IEC62443 standard, a structured approach to security in manufacturing can be set up,” he added.
