Fortinet and Aramco have signed an MoU to strengthen industrial cybersecurity capabilities in Saudi Arabia. The collaboration will explore OT security, localization, cloud services, research and cybersecurity talent development.

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Industrial organizations are going through a change. As operational technology becomes increasingly connected to digital systems, cloud infrastructure, and automated platforms the traditional separation between IT and industrial environments is becoming harder to maintain.

To support the continued development of secure, resilient, and future-ready operational technology environments, specifically in cybersecurity, Fortinet, the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aramco.

Operational Technologies are a New Challenge

Operational technologies control and monitor physical processes across different sectors such as oil and gas, power generation, product manufacturing, transportation, and utilities. As these processes and systems get digitized, a cyber attack will cause more damage than data loss; it can disrupt production cycles.

Unlike many conventional IT systems, OT environments can contain equipment that is expected to operate continuously for years. Some industrial systems also rely on legacy technologies that were not originally designed to operate in highly connected environments. Konsulteer

This is where Fortinet's security capabilities can help industrial control environments. Aramco and Fortinet also intend to explore opportunities for cybersecurity research and development, including the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and technologies to address emerging challenges. They will also explore localizing cybersecurity solutions to address sector-specific challenges in industrial environments and the potential deployment of Fortinet Cloud services in Saudi Arabia.

The MoU also outlines promotion of advanced and targeted development programs through bootcamps and workshops, access to Fortinet platforms for educational and training purposes, and ongoing dialogue on cybersecurity threats and best practices.

Joe Sarno, Executive Vice President of International Sales at Fortinet, said: “Securing critical infrastructure requires more than technology. It also depends on strong local expertise, continuous innovation, and collaboration. Through this MoU with Aramco, we look forward to exploring how our cybersecurity expertise can support more secure and resilient industrial environments in Saudi Arabia, while contributing to the development of local cybersecurity skills and capabilities.”

As the region and its physical infrastructures are getting digitized, the cybersecurity challenges are growing. Having localized capabilities to protect those systems must evolve at the same speed.

“This announcement with Fortinet reflects Aramco’s commitment to advancing industrial cybersecurity.⁠‌ ‌‌This collaboration aims to support innovation in cybersecurity solutions while growing local expertise in this field.” Abdul Aziz S. Al Shafi, Aramco Vice President of Cybersecurity & Chief Information Security Officer

Collaborations like these highlight the importance of having cybersecurity capabilities as the world shifts to digitizing every process, and organizations are expected to keep up with the speed of adoption.

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