Minsait Launches Latin America’s First OT Cybersecurity Hub

Minsait, Indra's technology subsidiary, inaugurated Latin America's first Center of Excellence in Industrial Cybersecurity (CECI) in Medellin, Colombia. This center seeks to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructures and the resilience of industrial systems, in addition to promoting the development of talent specialized in operational technology (OT) cybersecurity.

"Our idea is to have three global talent and knowledge development poles in the company: one in Spain, this one in Colombia, and in the future, one in Mexico," says Luis Abril, CEO, Minsait,  and Member of the Board of Directors, Indra.

The increase in cyberthreats to critical infrastructure and industrial systems has driven the need for specialized approaches to OT cybersecurity. Unlike IT cybersecurity, which focuses on protecting networks, data, and computer systems, OT cybersecurity seeks to ensure the operational continuity of strategic facilities such as power plants, electricity grids and supply chains.

The company chose Medellin due to its position as a regional technology hub, backed by academic institutions, leading companies, and government support. Colombia has also gained international relevance within the technology industry, hosting multiple startups, technology hubs, and hosting recent events such as the IAI Ministerial Summit and the United Nations World Data Forum.

CECI Details

The CECI in Medellin is the second of three global centers planned by Minsait. Designed as a space for collaboration between academia, industry and the public and private sectors, the center focuses on mitigating cyberrisks and promoting OT cybersecurity training, according to Impacto TIC.

The initiative seeks to close the talent gap in the sector by offering academic programs including technical courses, diploma, and master's degrees in collaboration with universities such as the Universidad de Antioquia, Universidad del Rosario, and Escuela de Ingeniería de Antioquia. In addition, CECI's laboratories will simulate real cyberattack scenarios, preparing students for the demands of the labor market.

Priority sectors for the center include defense, energy, transportation, and manufacturing, where the risks associated with cyberattacks can include operational disruptions, damage to equipment, and public safety. According to Abril, "the fundamental trend will be to move from IT cybersecurity to OT, which will become more important every day".

Medellín was selected as the venue due to its proximity to renowned universities, strategic companies, and the support of local institutions such as Ruta N, the Mayor's Office of Medellín, and Procolombia. According to Minsait, the city offers an ideal infrastructure for the development of the center, consolidating itself as a key innovation hub in the region.

CECI will promote inclusion by encouraging the participation of women in the cybersecurity sector, says Minsait, seeking to inspire new generations through hackathons and training programs.