The Operational Technology Middle East Community (OTMEC) has launched as a regional initiative aimed at improving ICS and OT cybersecurity across the Middle East and North Africa. This new organization seeks to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among professionals safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Co-founded by industry experts Reem Faraj AlShammari, Bryson Bort, Thomas VanNorman, Saltanat Mashirova, and Michael Hoffman, OTMEC provides a vendor-neutral platform for operators, vendors, regulators, and security professionals. The initiative’s advisory board includes notable figures like Robert M. Lee and Tim Conway.
OTMEC’s Mission and Objectives for ICS and OT Cybersecurity
OTMEC’s primary goal is to create a dedicated space for OT and ICS specialists. Here, they can exchange practical knowledge, contribute to workforce development, and promote robust collaboration to protect vital industrial systems. The organization aims to address long-standing issues of fragmented knowledge and limited mentorship within the region’s OT sector.
Leaders involved in the initiative highlighted a growing concern that digital transformation is outpacing security maturity in the region. This rapid change has left many organizations without a unified community for sharing crucial lessons learned, particularly in the dynamic field of ICS and OT cybersecurity.
Supported by ICS Village and Women in CyberSecurity Middle East (WiCSME), OTMEC aspires to elevate the Middle East’s contribution to global industrial cybersecurity advancements. Their vision extends beyond regional boundaries, intending to establish a blueprint for global OT community operations over the next five years.
Addressing Regional Challenges in Industrial Security
The Middle East faces unique challenges, including rapid industrial growth, swift digital evolution, and significant geopolitical risks, all of which elevate the importance of OT and ICS security. These challenges are compounded by the presence of aging and diverse industrial systems that are inherently difficult to secure.
Additionally, the increasing IT/OT convergence expands the potential attack surface, while a persistent shortage of experienced OT cybersecurity professionals exacerbates the situation. Operators and regulators often work in silos, with limited mentorship opportunities and varying levels of risk awareness among senior leadership.
While emerging technologies are not the root cause of current security vulnerabilities, OTMEC’s leadership pointed out that advancements like AI-enabled monitoring, predictive maintenance, and digital twins introduce new considerations. These include concerns about data integrity, the establishment of trusted system boundaries, and the validation of operational processes.
OTMEC plans to integrate these emerging technology considerations into its discussions and workforce development programs. The aim is to ensure regional organizations are well-prepared for the future landscape of operational technology. By aligning practitioners and decision-makers, the initiative seeks to enhance regional OT readiness, build compétences, and bolster industrial resilience across the Middle East.
Operational Framework and Future Outlook
The OTMEC initiative is structured as a collaborative hub with open membership for practitioners, operators, vendors, regulators, and academic institutions. Its activities will include technical workshops, hands-on training sessions facilitated by ICS Village, and strategic partnerships with regional events like BlackHat MEA.
Online channels will support continuous cross-border discussions, fostering ongoing dialogue and problem-solving. The initiative will also implement mentorship programs, inspired by WiCSME’s success, to support early-career professionals. Community-driven working groups and engagement with national cyber authorities on policy development are also key components.
OTMEC will measure its impact through community participation, workforce development metrics, and the successful application of shared best practices by member organizations. Gains in regulator engagement and improved operator preparedness will serve as important benchmarks.
The ultimate success of OTMEC will be determined by its contribution to strengthening industrial resilience, reducing operational risk, and advancing both regional and global standards for OT security. The long-term ambition is to evolve from a regional focal point into a globally connected OT community that actively shapes the future of industrial cybersecurity worldwide.