Innovations in OT Security: Positive Technologies paves way for a safer tomorrow

Ilya Leonov highlights innovative demonstrations, challenges in securing critical infrastructure, and the UAE’s role in building a secure future for global talent and businesses.

Ilya Leonov, Regional Director of Positive Technologies, provided valuable insights into the company’s groundbreaking contributions to the cybersecurity landscape at GISEC Global 2025 to Tahawultech.com.

From showcasing sophisticated attack vectors to focusing on the complexities of securing operational technology (OT) and critical infrastructure, Ilya shared the unique challenges faced by the industry. In this interview, he also discussed the shortage of skilled resources in cybersecurity and the UAE’s emerging role as a global hub for talent and secure business environments. Below, we explore his thoughts on the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Interview Excerpts:

Can you tell us about some of the innovative things Positive Technologies showcased at GISEC Global 2025 this year?
We showcased some very unique technical demonstrations. One of the highlights was a direct memory access attack, where we showed how you can unlock a laptop without knowing the password. It looks like magic, but it’s actually quite simple and sophisticated at the same time. Another interesting demonstration is a fault injection attack, where we manipulate the voltage of a motherboard to trick encryption systems and unlock devices. We’ve received a lot of interest in these sophisticated attack vectors, as not many companies can perform these types of demonstrations.

How is your company focusing on OT security this year?
This year, we focused heavily on OT (Operational Technology) security, which has become increasingly important, especially with the growing emphasis on critical infrastructure. At GISEC Global, we had a dedicated area for critical infrastructure, and contributing to that was showcasing application security, network security, and monitoring tools that helped identify abnormal activities in the systems. The tools were specifically designed for the unique and complex environments in which critical infrastructure operates.

What challenges do you see in securing critical infrastructure and OT systems?
Securing critical infrastructure is quite challenging due to a combination of factors. One of the biggest challenges is the legacy systems still in use, such as outdated versions of Windows like XP, which are still running in some industrial environments. This makes it difficult to implement modern security measures. Additionally, the personnel working in OT environments often lack the specialised knowledge required for effective cybersecurity.

“The caliber of professionals needed for critical infrastructure is different from the typical IT security workforce, and this makes securing these systems even more complex.”

Is there a gap in the skills and resources available for securing critical infrastructure, and how can this gap be addressed?
The shortage of skilled resources is a major pain point in the industry. The gap between the basic knowledge required and the specialised skills needed to protect critical infrastructure is significant. While there are initiatives from governments and private companies to address this gap, there’s still a lot of work to be done. The rapid pace of technological advancements, especially in cybersecurity, makes it difficult to keep up. Bridging this gap requires ongoing efforts in upskilling and reskilling talent.

Do you believe the UAE has the capacity to attract global talent and create a safer environment for businesses?
I believe the UAE is doing an excellent job of creating the right conditions and environment to attract international talent across various fields, not just cybersecurity. If the right conditions are in place, it becomes a winning strategy to build a safer future. Since I’ve been here, I’ve seen how the government and the country have been focusing on creating these opportunities for professionals. In the long run, I believe this will yield tremendous results for the country.

Can we say that the UAE is a gateway to building a secure future?
The UAE is positioning itself as a gateway to building a secure tomorrow, both in terms of attracting talent and providing a conducive environment for businesses. It’s creating a significant difference in securing the future for both talent and enterprises. This is something that will have a lasting impact, and I strongly believe the UAE will continue to lead in this area.