Saif Alrefai, Solutions Engineering Manager at OPSWAT, explains how Managed File Transfer (MFT) plays a critical role in cybersecurity – particularly in critical infrastructure environments – by enabling secure, efficient, and reliable data exchange between IT and OT systems.
In the last few years, cybercriminal groups have increasingly relied on supply-chain attacks, exploiting vulnerabilities in multiple organizations with a single campaign. In late 2020, the Cl0p ransomware group targeted Accellion’s File Transfer Application (FTA), affecting over 100 organizations worldwide. By 2023, Cl0p’s expertise in supply-chain attacks had expanded, impacting MOVEit Transfer and affecting 94 million users across 2,500 businesses, causing billions of dollars in damages.
Given their participation in the global digital economy, Middle East countries are squarely in the firing line for such attacks. This vulnerability is particularly stark in the manufacturing, heavy-industry, and energy production sectors, which have received close attention in a region that is dedicated to the diversification of GDP. Digitalization in these enterprises has led to a merger between data-driven systems (IT) and physical equipment (OT) that has left the latter more vulnerable to attack through file transfers. The deadlines of economic Vision programs loom; the potential for widespread disruption in the heat of a supply-chain attack also looms. Given these rising threats, it’s critical for the Middle East’s industries, especially in sectors like manufacturing and heavy industry, to adopt robust security measures. This is where Managed File Transfer (MFT) can play a pivotal role. MFT enables secure, efficient, and reliable data exchange between IT and OT systems, especially where critical infrastructure is involved.
On track, yet tied down
Keeping the digital-transformation train on the tracks can often require complex systems integration, especially when one is dealing with the IT-OT merger. MFT is an arbiter between IT (enterprise platforms, data warehouses, and core systems such as ERP) and industrial control systems (ICS). Smooth dataflows across IT and OT domains are vital for real-time visibility and operational efficiency. Building on its seamless-integration capabilities, MFT can apply industry-standard encryption protocols to protect at-rest and in-transit data. This is very important in merged systems because sensitive OT data often intersects with business data — a vulnerable nexus often targeted by cybergangs. MFT will use dual-layer (two separate algorithms) encryption to keep sensitive files from unauthorized eyes.
“Managed File Transfer (MFT) can apply industry-standard encryption protocols to protect at-rest and in-transit data. This is very important in merged systems because sensitive OT data often intersects with business data — a vulnerable nexus often targeted by cybergangs. MFT will use dual-layer (two separate algorithms) encryption to keep sensitive files from unauthorized eyes.”
Saif Alrefai, Solutions Engineering Manager, OPSWAT
Some MFT solutions integrate with other cybersecurity tools to assist with detection, analysis, remediation, and mitigation. The threat intelligence that can result from these integrations can go so far as to stop zero-day attacks. OPSWAT’s Metadefender MFT leverages multiscanning and Content Disarm and Reconstruction (CDR) technologies to enhance security further. By scanning files with multiple antivirus engines, multiscanning ensures a higher detection rate of threats, while CDR neutralizes potentially harmful content within files, effectively eliminating embedded malware and vulnerabilities before they reach your systems. Transferred files are subjected to comprehensive scans, and no file is forwarded without being certified as “clean.” This additional layer of security adds rigor to the threat posture in merged IT-OT environments where file integrity is of paramount importance. Extra steps like these — which are logged for auditing purposes but invisible to end users — help protect both the business (data assets) and the industrial (physical assets) sides from threats that could compromise sensitive data or take operations offline.
MFT is built with the understanding that teamwork is everything. In their merger, not only do IT and OT systems need to collaborate; their users must do so as well. MFT solutions make intuitive interfaces available to the end users that understand the business best. They can automate their own workflows, customize transfer settings, and track data movement in real time, giving them significant control over the business’ most vulnerable digital transactions. IT and OT teams can collaborate more effectively without the need for deep technical expertise, which addresses the challenge posed by the GCC region’s cybersecurity skills gap.
Connected and efficient
Digital transformation is the region’s best ally in its continuing success story. In its OT-dominated industries, the merger with IT can come with boosts to both efficiency and security. By leveraging these tools, innovators in the Middle East can confidently connect IT and OT, building a strong digital ecosystem. This will provide real-time insights and help shape the region’s prosperity for years to come.
Bio for Saif: Saif AlRefai is the Solution Engineering Manager for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) region at OPSWAT, where he leads a team of engineers in delivering cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions for critical infrastructure protection. With over 10 years of experience in engineering cybersecurity products, Saif is renowned for his expertise in designing and deploying hundreds of projects across critical infrastructure areas. He continues to drive innovation in cybersecurity, ensuring that clients benefit from advanced, reliable solutions that address today’s most pressing security challenges. His focus on government, military and financial sectors has established him as a trusted advisor and thought leader, offering a wealth of expertise to the cybersecurity community.
