Egypt’s Industrial Modernisation Centre, MCS sign deal to boost factories’ cybersecurity
Egypt’s Industrial Modernisation Centre (IMC) and Mideast Communication Systems (MCS Holding) signed a cooperation protocol on Tuesday to strengthen cybersecurity at industrial facilities and support their digital transformation, the Industry Ministry said.
The agreement, signed in the presence of Industry Minister Khaled Hashem and Communications and Information Technology Minister Raafat Hindi, aims to help Egyptian factories meet the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and modern international standards.
The protocol focuses on strengthening cybersecurity at industrial facilities and improving their ability to respond to digital risks, particularly those affecting operational technology and industrial control systems (OT/ICS), the ministry said.
It also seeks to develop workers’ digital skills and capabilities to help maintain production continuity, support supply-chain stability, and strengthen confidence among local and international investors in Egyptian products.
Ayman Elbayaa, Deputy Minister of Industry for Digital Transformation and IMC CEO, said the rapid adoption of manufacturing technologies and the shift towards smart factories had made cybersecurity an integral part of industrial modernisation.
“Protecting digital systems and operational and control systems inside factories has become a key element in maintaining production continuity and strengthening the competitiveness of industrial facilities,” Elbayaa said.
The protocol is part of the centre’s efforts to expand industrial and technological transformation programmes and encourage factories to adopt digital technologies and Fourth Industrial Revolution applications, he said.
MCS CEO Tarek Shabaka said the company would use its cybersecurity expertise and solutions to support Egyptian industrial facilities.
The cooperation would help strengthen protection of operational systems and digital infrastructure, improve factories’ readiness for digital transformation and smart-industry applications, and support the sustainability and competitiveness of Egypt’s industrial sector, Shabaka said.