The Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) has launched the Industrial Control Systems (ICS) security standard to provide a new and improved minimal risk framework for industrial security, in order to fortify the industrial sector’s digital infrastructure against the rise in global cyber attacks.
The initial framework of the regulation of the new standard has evolved from a series of workshops with stakeholders in order to provide a thorough examination, equate it with other leading ICS security standards and emphasise the key differences between the information technology security controls and those related to industrial control systems and operational technologies, said a statement from DESC.
Additionally, the ICS Standard has been benchmarked against internationally recognised standards, it added.
Announcing the ICS standard launch, Dr Bushra Al Blooshi, Deputy Director of Information Services Department at DESC, said: "The UAE is committed to lead the race towards digital transformation by adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, the application of Internet of Things and other smart technologies, especially those that rely on 5G networks."
She also highlighted the principal challenges and primary security controls implemented within operational technology departments in Dubai’s industrial sector.
Dr Al Blooshi expressed her appreciation for the efforts of various government entities, such as Enoc, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Airports and the Roads and Transport Authority, which played a major role in co-developing and implementing the new ICS Security Standard.
"The rich expertise and comprehensive knowledge of these entities in industrial systems processes helped in the drafting and implementation of the standard," she stated, while speaking at the press conference held today (March 9) at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel in the presence of Amer Sharaf, Director of Compliance, Support and Alliances at DESC and other officials.
Sharaf said the launch of the new ICS security standard was aimed at positioning Dubai as the leader in the cybersecurity sector and amongst the safest cities in cyberspace.
"It also aligns with DESC’s strategy of applying the highest security standards to ensure the safety of information systems and enable them to confront and tackle challenges in this domain," stated Sharaf.-TradeArabia News Service