Key Takeaways
- Visibility, strong identity management, and operational discipline are crucial for effective cybersecurity in IT and OT environments.
- AI enhances threat detection but does not replace fundamental security practices.
- Proactive visibility helps organizations prioritize risks without disrupting operations.
Visibility as a Cornerstone of Cybersecurity
Max Borovkov, CEO of MBCTG, emphasizes the importance of robust security fundamentals in today’s technology landscape, particularly in environments where IT, IoT, and OT converge, such as manufacturing sectors. His focus is on addressing cybersecurity risks where business and operational vulnerabilities intersect, utilizing GREYCORTEX’s network detection and response capabilities tailored for both IT and OT realms.
According to Borovkov, a significant issue is not the absence of tools but rather the absence of visibility into critical security events. He asserts that organizations need to understand their operational environments better. “The real challenge is often not a lack of tools, but a lack of clear visibility into what is actually happening,” he states. Enhanced visibility contributes not only to security posture but also to operational resilience—vital in environments where minor security breaches can lead to substantial production losses.
While many organizations are moving toward cloud-first policies, Borovkov warns that this shift does not inherently bring enhanced security. He stresses the importance of maintaining strong identity management, ownership clarity, robust configuration management, and continuous monitoring. Moreover, understanding the shared responsibility model is essential. “Cloud-first should mean more control and better visibility, not moving complexity somewhere else,” he explains.
As for artificial intelligence, Borovkov notes that while AI can accelerate the detection and response to threats, it does not eliminate the need for foundational security measures. He advocates building environments that can be easily monitored and controlled rather than chasing every emerging technology trend. Utilizing anomaly detection within their solutions, MBCTG aims to speed up response rates and enhance visibility into security incidents.
A recurring challenge involves organizations that sense potential security risks but lack a comprehensive view of their environment. Borovkov points out that a passive approach to monitoring can provide vital visibility without interrupting production. This early visibility allows teams to differentiate between actual risks and mere noise, enabling informed decision-making.
Many clients seek solutions that minimize operational disruptions. Once they gain visibility into their security landscape, they can prioritize actions effectively. Borovkov and his team collaborate with customers to determine the next steps, leveraging a consolidated view of their systems.
Keeping an open mind about possible issues is also crucial, Borovkov notes. Performance problems can emerge alongside security concerns. He references a case where connecting a switch to the internet caused PLCs to attempt automatic firmware downloads from vendor sites, leading to operational instability. His team identified and resolved the issue swiftly, restoring stability with minimal disruption.
Borovkov’s insights were part of his engagement at TechEx North America in San Jose, where he presented alongside GREYCORTEX at the Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. His objective was not merely to showcase products but to equip attendees with practical frameworks for recognizing risks early and translating visibility into proactive measures.
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