At the Device Authority Virtual Summit, Kaivan Karimi discussed how, as IoT and OT ecosystems grow more intertwined, especially within the automotive industry, the stakes in cybersecurity have never been higher. Connected vehicles, once a novel innovation, are now mission-critical infrastructure vulnerable to advanced threats.

The rapid evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) is transforming industries, especially in critical sectors like healthcare. While these innovations promise enhanced efficiency and connectivity, they also expose organisations to a broader and more complex cybersecurity threat landscape. With quantum computing on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher.

The intersection of IoT (Internet of Things) and OT (Operational Technology) in healthcare has become a focal point in securing critical infrastructure. With the industry accounting for 9% of global GDP and integrating thousands of devices, from bedside monitors to surgical robots, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The journey from isolated systems to hyper-connected healthcare environments has unlocked unparalleled efficiency and innovation. Yet, it has also introduced unprecedented security risks.

Trend Micro’s recent report on the Water Barghest threat actor underlines a critical issue that has long plagued the IoT ecosystem: the security shortcomings inherent in many connected devices. With over 20,000 IoT devices compromised and exploited as residential proxies within minutes, this story highlights the growing risks posed by insecure IoT devices and the urgent need for proactive security measures.

The Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) are revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and industrial automation, connecting devices on a new scale. However, with these benefits come unique cybersecurity challenges. Traditional IT security practices alone are no longer enough to safeguard complex IoT/OT ecosystems. To address the increasing risks, collaborative efforts are essential.

Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a comprehensive methodology for managing and securing privileged accounts—those that possess elevated permissions to perform critical functions within an organisation’s IT infrastructure. These accounts enable access to sensitive data and systems, making them highly attractive to cybercriminals. The core objective of PAM is to ensure that only authorised personnel have access to these accounts, under strict monitoring and control.

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) devices is reshaping industries, accelerating innovation and driving new efficiencies. However, as organizations increasingly depend on these devices, the security challenges associated with them are mounting. Traditional security measures often fall short in protecting these critical assets from cyberthreats, leaving organizations vulnerable to potentially severe disruptions.

Privilege Access Management (PAM) controls access to privileged accounts, a key step in securing sensitive data and systems. Discover what PAM is, why you need it, and how to implement it effectively.

As digital transformation accelerates, so do the cybersecurity risks, particularly for organisations handling critical infrastructure and sensitive data. To address these challenges, the European Union has updated its cybersecurity regulations with NIS2 (Network and Information Security Directive 2), expanding and strengthening the original NIS Directive, which was established to improve cybersecurity across essential sectors.