The Integrator

IoT Cybersecurity: Challenges and Opportunities in a Connected World

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought about unprecedented convenience and efficiency in our daily lives, but it has also opened new avenues for cyber-attacks. As more and more devices are connected to the internet, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly pressing. In this editorial, we will explore the challenges and opportunities in the intersection of IoT and cybersecurity.

One of the biggest challenges in securing IoT devices is their sheer number and diversity. From smart home appliances to industrial sensors, each device has its own unique specifications and vulnerabilities. Moreover, many IoT devices are designed with a focus on functionality and user-friendliness, rather than security. This makes them easy targets for cybercriminals who exploit security loopholes to gain unauthorized access or control.

Despite these challenges, there are also opportunities to enhance the security of IoT devices. One such opportunity is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to detect and prevent cyber-attacks. By analyzing vast amounts of data from IoT devices, AI and ML algorithms can identify patterns and anomalies that indicate suspicious activity. This can enable real-time threat detection and response, improving the overall security posture of IoT systems.

Now the question is for the readers that what steps are you going to take to ensure the security of your IoT devices in the age of cyber threats

Vivek Sharma Founder

DATAIKU JOINS NVIDIA DGX-READY SOFTWARE PROGRAM TO SIMPLIFY ENTERPRISE AI

Dataiku, the platform for Everyday AI, announced that it has joined the NVIDIAs DGXReady Software program. Dataiku has been selected for the exclusive, invite-only program because of its tested and certified solutions that pair with NVIDIA DGX systems to simplify AI deployment and management, allowing NVIDIA customers and partners to easily implement advanced analytics and AI. Already a member of the NVIDIA AI Accelerated program, Dataiku has also recently become a Premier member of NVIDIA Inception, a program that offers resources and support to cutting-edge startups transforming industries with advancements in AI and data science.

• Data access: Organizations can

now use a single, coherent solution to design, develop and deploy AI and analytics applications as Dataiku allows for access to data regardless of where it resides, whether onpremises or in the public cloud.

• Lowering the barrier to

entry for AI: Dataiku provides software that helps everyone in an organization — from technical teams to business leaders — achieve exceptional results with AI and powers collective success at companies of all sizes, across all industries.

• Speed to value: Customers benefit from Dataiku’s use of prebuilt components and automation to streamline processes. Teams will see consistent management and governance across projects, and data scientists and engineers will experience a boost in productivity.

Abhi Madhugiri, Vice President, Global Technology Alliances at Dataiku, said, “This collaboration gives our customers a clear advantage with unrivaled access to market-leading NVIDIA technology.

D-LINK PRESENTS THE NEW LINEUP OF 5G O-RAN: TRULY TOTAL SOLUTIONS FOR SMART CITIES

D-Link, a global leader in connecting people, businesses, and cities with computer networking solutions and technology, showcased the latest products and innovations for the key themes of Private 5G O-RAN, M2M (machine-to-machine), Enterprise Solutions and Smart Home, aiming to fully realize the potential of connectivity and shape the IoT world of tomorrow.

One-Stop Service for O-RAN Solutions

Open RAN is built to fulfill the requirements for performance, capacity and latency with less cost and more flexibility. D-Link offers one-stop service for the comprehensive enterprise private 5G solutions based on tailored O-RAN infrastructure and 5G core network alongside the DU (distribution unit), CU (centralized unit) and RU (radio unit).

Integrating the new O-RAN lineup with the existing industrial products, such as M2M gateway, switch, wireless access point, IP camera and the cloud-based management solution (D-ECS), D-Link helps service providers build connectivity effortlessly

and enables success cases in manufacturing, transportation, school campus, energy and a wide range of applications for smart cities.

4G/5G M2M AIoT Solutions

To tackle the industrial network challenges of cost, internet instability and no access to fixed-line broadband, D-Link provides a vast array of 4G/5G gateways, routers and easy-to-use management tool (D-ECS) for remote machine-to-machine and secure VPN deployments, with the adoption of both Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), businesses are able to make good decisions with vast amount of data collected from a network of industrial sensors.

D-Link’s reliable and high-performance M2M solutions are broadly used in various industrial IoT scenarios, including EV charging station, high-speed rail, bank ATM and vending machine, to boost the connectivity for building an intelligent and connected city. (See more about the new 5G NR M2M Gateway: DWM-3010).

Abhi Madhugiri VP, Global Technology Alliances, Dataiku

AXIS COMMUNICATIONS PARTNERS WITH WATER ALLIANCE AND EMIRATES ENVIRONMENT GROUP

Axis Communications, the global leader in network video and surveillance solutions, has announced its participation in the 2023 RE-NEW Our WORLD Student Water Innovation Challenge. Organized by Water Alliance in association with Emirates Environment Group, two UAE-based environmental non-for-profit organizations, the 3rd edition of this inter-Emirates challenge calls students between the ages of 8 and 18 to ideate innovative solutions for tackling any aspects of the global water crisis.

"Water scarcity is a growing concern, with over two billion people lacking access to clean drinking water. The 2023 RE-NEW Our World Challenge seeks to address this crisis by inspiring young minds to think

creatively about solutions that can make a real, impactful difference,” commented Ettiene Van Der Watt, Regional Director for Middle East & Africa at Axis Communications. “Given our commitment to building smarter, safer and more sustainable communities in the UAE and across the broader Middle East, this is an excellent opportunity for us to engage with the next generation of UAE innovators and inspire them to use technology to create solutions that can impact the world."

As part of its commitment to the programme, Ronaldo Esguerra, Inside Sales Engineer at Axis Communications hosted an online educational session titled “Cool Tech for a Cool Planet: Tech-Wise Way to a Thirst-Free Future”, on the 9th of March, for UAE students

interested in participating in the challenge. During the session, Ronaldo explained how surveillance technology — such as network cameras and sensor.

FRESHWORKS EMBEDS GENERATIVE AI TO HELP CUSTOMER SUPPORT, SALES AND MARKETING

the latest generative AI capabilities of Freddy help a wide range of customer-facing professionals work faster, smarter, and more effectively.

Prakash Ramamurthy Chief Product Officer at Freshworks

Freshworks Inc. announced new GPT-based conversational enhancements to Freshworks’ natively-built AI powered assistant, Freddy. Using OpenAI’s ChatGPT and underlying large language models,

“We’ve made significant investments in our AI strategy over the last five years to enhance agent productivity and their customers’ experience. The newest Freddy updates using the latest in GPT large language models bring even more value to these experiences,” said Prakash Ramamurthy, Chief Product Officer at Freshworks. “We are fundamentally transforming how Freshworks customers will interact with our products through more conversations and fewer clicks.”

Conversational AI will be embedded via Freddy across Freshworks’ entire customer and employee suite of products. Marketers will receive smart

customer segmentation and optimized email content to maximize campaign efficacy. Sellers will close more deals through recommendations on opportunities with highest potential.

Today, Freshworks customers participating in the Freddy AI beta programs are able to:

• Summarize Conversations: Support agents using Freshchat can view an automatic summary of customer conversations to gain context, rather than reading through an entire conversation before responding.

• Rephrase Responses: Support agents can replace casual language with more formal and clear responses.

• Autocomplete Content: Support agents can save keystrokes and respond faster to customer inquiries.

Ettiene Van Der Watt Director for MEA, Axis

UAE CYBERSECURITY COUNCIL PAPER URGES GLOBAL CISOS TO FIGHT CYBER ATTACKERS

today released a special position paper for global CISOs and cybersecurity professionals titled “A GISEC-first Strategy: Attack is the best form of Defence”.

Co-authored by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security, UAE Government, and Dr. Aloysius Cheang, Chief Security Officer, Huawei Middle East & Central Asia, the paper urges global CISOs to “take the fight to cyber attackers by following the age-old adage: attack is the best form of defence.”

is ripe for us to take a proactive approach to defend our assets rather than being reactive.”

It stated that cybercrime is highly rewarding financially for successful attacks, the primary driver for escalating cybercrime, while the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical instability, and rapid de-globalisation have fuelled global tensions, sparking off a “paradox of a global cyber pandemic amid rapid digital transformation and growth”.

The UAE Cybersecurity Council and GISEC Global 2023, the Middle East’s largest and most impactful cybersecurity event,

The paper warns businesses that assuming they will not be at the receiving end of cyberattacks “is no longer a luxury we can afford,” especially as ransomware attacks are expected to remain prevalent this year. “The time

The UAE was not spared of these changes, and the upheaval of the Covid-19 pandemic cultivated an urgent need to increase the pace of digital transformation, hence “paving the way for the UAE to establish itself as a trusted regional digital hub.”

BEYONDTRUST 10TH ANNUAL MICROSOFT VULNERABILITIES REPORT FINDS ELEVATION OF PRIVILEGE

BeyondTrust, the worldwide leader in intelligent identity and access security, today announced the release of the 2023 Microsoft Vulnerabilities Report. This report is the 10th anniversary edition and covers a decade of vulnerability insights, providing valuable information to help organizations see into the past, present, and future of the Microsoft vulnerability landscape. Produced annually by BeyondTrust, The Microsoft Vulnerabilities Report analyzes data from security bulletins publicly issued by Microsoft throughout the previous year.

COMPREHENSIVE REPORT BREAKS DOWN CVE AND KEY SHIFTS

This report dissects the 2022

report spotlights some of the most significant CVEs of 2022, and breaks down how they are exploited by attackers and ways they can be prevented or mitigated.

Microsoft groups product vulnerabilities into the following categories: Remote Code Execution, Elevation of Privilege, Security Feature Bypass, Tampering, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service, and Spoofing. Once again, Elevation of Privilege was the leading vulnerability category in 2022.

In 2022, total Microsoft vulnerabilities rose to 1,292, hitting an all-time high since the report began 10 years ago. It’s not just the number of vulnerabilities that should be of concern, but also the unique threat and impact posed by individual vulnerabilities.

Dr. Aloysius Cheang Chief Security Officer, Huawei ME & Central Asia

Microsoft vulnerabilities data, highlighting key shifts and trends since the inaugural report. The

James Maude Lead Security Researcher, BeyondTrust

IDC'S CIO SUMMIT 2023 IN SOUTH AFRICA TO EXPLORE DIGITAL ECONOMY

Johannesburg – As the digital economy continues to expand at an unprecedented rate, International Data Corporation (IDC) is delighted to announce that this year's edition of the annual IDC South Africa CIO Summit will take place on May 18 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg under the theme 'Enabling the Digital Economy's Leaders'.

"Across the region, we are increasingly seeing the growth of digitally enabled services, including remote healthcare, distance learning, mobile banking, and remote work, among others," says Jyoti Lalchandani, IDC's group vice president and regional managing director for the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa. "As we navigate this digital landscape, it is critical to stay informed and prepared for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

"Digital-native companies have shaken up various industries through innovative business models and substantial venture capital funding. Their disruption has fueled growth in areas like ecommerce, direct-to-consumer services, digital payments, and cloud kitchens. The advent of the metaverse and Web3 paradigms is expected to drive further disruption, transforming individual, enterprise, and industrial digital experiences."

Lalchandani will expand on these themes as he presents the event's opening keynote, 'Strategies for the CIO and Enterprise Innovation'. In this session, he will outline what CIOs need to do now — and in the future — to create an enabling environment for longterm sustainable innovation. This fast-paced keynote will highlight research on building a culture of

trust, examine the move toward industry ecosystem innovation, and highlight the impact of decentralization.

The IDC South Africa CIO Summit 2023 will bring together the country's leading IT and telecom executives, digital government pioneers, regulators, and industry thought leaders. With top CTOs and CIOs in attendance, the event will examine the current state of the digital economy, its impact on citizens, customers, employees, and operations, as well as the key challenges that need to be addressed. Attendees can expect to gain insights into proven best practices and strategies for driving future success.

The event will host a series of dedicated technology sessions that will stimulate critical thinking around topics such as:

• Cyber Protection for Today and Tomorrow: Dynamic Security Strategies to Minimize Risk

• Connecting the Distributed Cloud: From the Edge to the Core

• Enabling the Data-Driven Enterprise

• Transitioning Through AI and Analytics: How to Win in the Intelligent Economy

IDC is also thrilled to announce that the IDC South Africa CIO Summit 2023 will feature a special guest appearance by the renowned artist Neil Harbisson, who is the world's first officially recognized human cyborg. Harbisson's groundbreaking work has captivated audiences worldwide, as he uses a remarkable implant to "hear" colors and experience the world in a whole new way. The antenna-like device enhances Harbisson's perception of light, giving him super-senses that have revolutionized the way he creates art and interacts with the world around him. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to be inspired by Harbisson's innovative work and learn about the future of technology in the arts and beyond.

CYBERGATE LAUNCHES NEXT-GEN MANAGED SECURITY WITH ZERO-DWELL CONTAINMENT AND AI ANALYZER

system access until it has been proven safe. Our endpoint agents are Zero Trust by default. Lastly, our endpoint agents provide assist management, vulnerability discovery, and patching to every endpoint and a fully managed host-based firewall.

CyberGate also offers cutting-edge browser isolation and API solutions now to enhance the cybersecurity of our clients. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and widespread, it has become increasingly important for businesses to adopt proactive measures to safeguard their networks and data.

What steps is CyberGate taking to build strong cyber security resilience in the UAE

What were the products and services that you showcased at GISEC 2023?

CyberGate showcased two newly developed service offerings, Managed Detection and Response platform for small and medium businesses and our Managed Extended Detection and Response platform for larger scale or higher security requirement businesses. Our platform is a proper next-generation GCC cloud-native solution and one of the only GCC Hosted and operated MDR/XDR solutions offered to the GCC market.

Furthermore, the solution supports global operations, hosting, and operations from the USA or the EU in addition to the GCC. The core of our platform is complete endpoint management, protection, and visibility. We not only bring a combination of traditional AV and next-gen AV, but we also include AI-supported threat identification on top of our EDR tooling. This all works to stop 99% of the threats, and that last 1% is where our ZeroDwell Containment comes into play.

Unknown executables and files that request runtime privileges are automatically isolated and allowed only to run inside a virtual container that does not have any

CyberGate’s newly developed service offerings, Managed Detection and Response platform and Managed Extended Detection and Response platform, are designed to handle the most technical information security challenges from the start. With our core ZeroDwell Containment tooling, we can instantly prevent and roll back any unknown/unsafe file or object execution. This completely stops threats that threaten a system’s resiliency. Couple that with CyberGate’s Virus Scope AI-supported Behavior and Static File Analyzer built into the CyberGate platform, which provides file and script analyses and reputation cross-referencing against one of the world's most extensive whitelist and blacklist threat intelligence sources. It provides one of the most substantial zero-trust offerings at an endpoint level that a business can have. Lastly, automatic and triggered highly refined internal & external threat intelligence-based threat hunting.

What are your channel strategies and how are you planning to expand in the year 2023?

Starting in 2021, we expanded our services to encompass the entire region rather than solely focusing on the UAE. Our primary objective is to undertake global projects starting in the Gulf and moving East and West. At CyberGate, we also see that small and medium businesses are often overlooked by many of the Cybersecurity players in today’s market, and we want to ensure that not only government and large enterprises can benefit from next-generation tooling and services, as our newly developed service offering of Managed Detection and Response platform is aimed that this market to not only grow CyberGate but to also grow cyber security and resiliency here in the UAE and the GCC.

The Integrator had an exclusive interview with David Brown - Security Operations Director, Cybergate at GISEC 2023 and shared the insights about the CyberGate.

David Brown Security Operations Director, Cybergate

ADVANCED THREAT INTELLIGENCE AND AUTOMATED DEFENSE FOR NEXT-LEVEL SECURITY

Tell us about the products and services that Mandiant provides?

Mandiant, a cybersecurity company now owned by Google, is focused on assisting securityconscious customers in improving their defenses against breaches. Mandiant emphasizes that the effectiveness of technology depends on the expertise and intelligence supporting it. The company aims to aid customers in safeguarding their systems and responding to potential breaches, should they occur. This is the core message of Mandiant.

What are the products that you are showcasing at GISEC 2023?

We're excited to showcase our services and our platform called Maintained Advantage, which offers five key benefits to our customers. First, we provide threat intelligence to help customers stay informed about potential security threats. Second, we assist in the operationalization of this intelligence to ensure customers can effectively respond to any threats. Third, we help customers manage their attack surface by providing them with a view of their digital assets from the perspective of an attacker.

This helps them identify any potential vulnerabilities and prioritize their security spending on the most critical areas. Fourth, we offer security validation to ensure that customers' existing security controls are working effectively. Finally, we provide two lines of defense: managed and automated defense. With managed defense, we proactively hunt for any indicators of compromise in our customers' environments.

With automated defense, we offer a "sock in a box" solution that provides real-time attack scenarios to test the effectiveness of customers' security tools. We believe that by offering these services, we can help our customers better protect themselves from potential security threats.

What are your plans about cyber security for the rest of the 2023?

Our market is highly advanced and regulated, with a strong focus on cybersecurity. We're witnessing an increasing investment in cybersecurity across

various sectors, such as government, banking, finance, and utilities. However, the geopolitical turbulence in our region and the increased demand for energy supplies makes us a potential target for those who want to disrupt our operations.

As we continue to supply the world with energy, it's critical that we maintain our advanced infrastructure and technology. For 2023, our plans include continuing our integration story with Google, which has brought numerous benefits to both parties. We also aim to help advance the cybersecurity posture of the UAE market and neighboring markets by upskilling people in the region and proactively testing their security plans.

Rather than waiting for a breach to happen, we believe in being proactive and testing and validating plans of time. By doing so, we can better prepare ourselves for potential breaches and minimize their impact if they do occur.

The Integrator had an exclusive interview Jamil Abu Aqel – Head of Mandiant systems engineering for MEA and Emerging region, Google Cloud

Jamil Abu Aqel Head of Mandiant Systems Engineering for MEA and Emerging Region, Google Cloud

SPIRE DATA SHARES ITS INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO DATA GOVERNANCE AND AI

positive and negative aspects to consider, and it is crucial to adapt and secure ourselves effectively.

Which products related to data analytics and AI are in your portfolio?

Our company addresses two different segments of the market. For those who have advanced data management capabilities, we offer AI and machine learning governance to ensure their data is secure. For those who are still in the process of extracting value from their data, we offer services to help them engineer, transform, and store their data securely. Our expertise in data analytics and AI enables us to assist them in generating insights, creating KPIs, and developing analytics that help them make better business decisions.

What are your plans for the year 2023?

Our plans for this year are quite straightforward. Two major governance models or regulations have been announced in two countries, the UAE and KSA. These are mainly focused on government and semi-government sectors. Our goal is to build a complete framework for our predominantly government and semi-government customers, something we have been doing in the past but now have a clearer mandate to pursue. Additionally, we are targeting small and medium-sized businesses that want to quickly adopt cloud technology. So our initiatives include hybrid adoption and data modernization.

What are the latest trends in data analytics and AI?

Data analytics has been a prevalent topic in the region, but in recent years, the adoption of AI has become a critical consideration in terms of governance. Previously, AI was adopted primarily for its ROI perspective, but now it is becoming crucial to ensure AI and ML integrity are incorporated into overall cyber security and data governance. This trend is gaining traction, and selfservice technology and automated AI models are also popular in the region.

Do you think ChatGPT is taking over the IT industry?

ChatGPT takes Google search to the next level, providing relevant answers to questions without the need for extensive research. While this is a time-saving tool, it can also negatively impact technical capabilities as individuals may rely heavily on the tool and not actively seek solutions. However, there are positive aspects of optimizing efforts for repetitive tasks. As with any technology, there are both

Can you elaborate on the products and services that you showcased at GISEC 2023?

Our services are broken down into four different areas. The first is data asset modernization. As data volume, variety, and velocity increase, it becomes crucial to have better data storage, data warehouses, and data lakes. The second area we specialize in is data engineering, which is often the most difficult part of handling raw data. We transform data by cleaning it up, making sense of it, standardizing it to meet regulations, and tokenizing & encrypting it. The third service is analytics and AI. We help build models, but we also enable AI and machine learning, empowering organizations to drive their own analytics efforts. Finally, we offer consulting and implementation services. We don't just provide direction or consulting; we also implement solutions alongside our customers, becoming their data partner and helping them achieve their data goals.

The Integrator had an exclusive interview with Tausif Sayyed, Director Data Analytics & AI – Spire Data at GISEC 2023

Tausif Sayyed Director Data Analytics & AI – Spire Data

PENTERA TAKES THE LEAD IN AUTOMATED SECURITY VALIDATION

Talk about Pentera and what are the products and the services that you showcased at GISEC 2023?

Pentera is the leading provider of automated security validation. Our solution provides an entirely new approach to cybersecurity validation and exposure management based on real-world attack emulation. Pentera's focus is on being proactive and identifying potential threats before they can be exploited.

While companies use a wide range of security solutions to protect their IT assets, they still struggle to know the true extent of their security risks and understand where they are vulnerable. Pentera’s platform addresses this issue by helping companies challenge and test their own security controls to identify true security gaps. Emulating the behavior of hackers, our automated solution enables security teams to continuously test the effectiveness of their security controls at scale. Pentera identifies exploitable vulnerabilities and misconfigurations, enabling organizations to remediate them effectively before any malicious hacker does so.

One of the main products we showcased this year was our new Credentials Exposure module. On the stage of Gisec, our team was able to demonstrate how hackers utilize leaked credentials to infiltrate organizations. The Credentials Exposure module continuously tests stolen and compromised credentials against your complete attack surface to preempt breaches. Utilizing the millions of credentials found on the dark web, paste sites, and in data dumps, we ensure hackers cannot exploit them to breach your organizations.

How are your products different from the rest of your competitors? Many of the players in the field of network security focus on simulation or network analysis and vulnerability assessment, rather than actual real-world validation. Pentera, on the other hand, takes a unique approach by actively testing the security controls in production to ensure their effectiveness against actual scenarios and latest attack techniques. The Pentera platform is agentless and traces the actions of real ransomware families but in a secured way, without any effect on business continuity.

Backed by a team of 30 security researchers, Pentera’s engine is constantly updated to ensure the latest and most cunning hacker techniques and tactics are guarded against. By emulating the techniques and tactics of hackers, Pentera is able to identify exactly where malicious actors can bypass the security controls of the organization and where they would land eventually through lateral movement. This approach allows us to provide costeffective, surgical remediations based on the real impact of threats on the customer’s business, rather than focusing on the theoretical severity of vulnerabilities.

How was the response at GISEC 2023?

This year marks Pentera’s third time at GISEC, and every year we see greater market recognition and reaction at the conference. As the cyberthreats facing the region continue to grow, Pentera is committed to helping companies grow and effectively expand their cybersecurity programs. We serve many customers from various

industries and have a regional presence with ten local staff to support our clients and prospects.

During the conference, we had four incredible sessions where we were able to showcase how applying adversarial perspective improves security. Personally, I think the highlight was being on stage with our customers from the MBC Group discussing the real-world value of automated security validation, how it has helped their day-to-day security and improved their team's cyber resilience.

Ultimately, what I find most enjoyable about GISEC is the opportunity to bring existing and future customers together in one room. When you hear our current customers explain to their peers about the value they see in our platform, you know you are in the right business. For me, this is the main advantage and excitement.

The Integrator had and exclusive interview with Sivan Harel - Pentera’s VP Sales, EU North, South & MEA at GISEC 2023

Sivan Harel Pentera’s VP Sales, EU North, South & MEA

THE INTERNET OF THINGS: PROTECTING OUR CONNECTED WORLD FROM CYBERSECURITY THREATS

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the way we interact with the world around us, with interconnected devices providing real-time data and insights. However, this new era of connectivity has also brought with it a new set of challenges and cybersecurity threats that must be addressed to ensure the safety and security of our connected world.

According to a report by The State of Cybersecurity in the UAE, cybersecurity incidents in the UAE increased by 48% in 2018 compared to the previous year, with phishing attacks being the most common type of cyberattack, accounting for 54% of all reported incidents. The financial sector was the most targeted sector for cyberattacks, accounting for 39% of all reported incidents.

To tackle these challenges, the IoT security industry has emerged, with companies developing new technologies and solutions to protect devices from cyber threats. One example is the use of blockchain technology to create secure and tamper-proof records of IoT transactions, as well as the development of advanced encryption and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.

However, there are still challenges and risks associated with using IoT in security. One major concern is the potential for IoT devices to be hacked and used as a gateway for cyberattacks. Therefore, it's important to implement strong security protocols and use encryption to protect data transmitted between IoT devices.

As the IoT continues to grow and evolve, it's essential that we prioritize the security and safety of our connected world. This means not only developing new technologies but also educating consumers and businesses on the importance of cybersecurity best practices and implementing security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and regular software updates.

In summary, while the IoT has the potential to enhance security measures by providing real-time monitoring and analysis, it's crucial to be aware of the risks and implement strong security protocols to ensure the safety of IoT systems. This issue is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of technology and cybersecurity. As we continue to embrace the benefits of the IoT, we must also prioritize the security and safety of our connected world

SENTINELONE HIGHLIGHTS ITS SINGULARITY XDR PLATFORM AT GISEC 2023

Tamer Odeh, Regional Sales Director, SentinelOne speaks to The Integrator in an exclusive interview about how SentinelOne augments the UAE’s cybersecurity capabilities.

various other tools that cybersecurity professionals are placing today within enterprises to address business needs. Whether it is e-mail, network or cloud protection solutions, with Singularity XDR, customers can get unified and proactive security measures to defend the entire technology stack, making it easier for security analysts to identify and stop attacks in progress before they impact the business.

What are you highlighting at GISEC 2023?

This is the second year that SentinelOne is presenting the Singularity XDR platform at GISEC, but this year we will be introducing new modules. We will be focusing on identity and cloud modules, with a particular emphasis on individual identity as a major target for cyber-attacks. Additionally, we will be addressing various aspects of cloud security, including public, private, and crossserver cloud configurations, as well as cloud workload migration. With the presence of AWS, GCP, and Azure in the region, this is a timely and relevant topic.

UAE is taking several other efforts to maintain and strengthen cybersecurity. How is SentinelOne contributing to this vision?

Why is SentinelOne participating at GISEC 2023 and how does that fit into your plans for regional growth?

SentinelOne has recently established an office in the UAE, this shows our commitment to grow in the region. At GISEC 2023, we aim to solidify this commitment by bringing in experts, participating in thought leadership panels and presentations, and engaging with enterprise leaders and government officials in the UAE.

How does Singularity XDR differ from other cybersecurity solutions?

Singularity XDR is a term that has been in circulation within the cybersecurity industry for a few years now with various definitions. Today XDR is narrowed down to the automation and orchestration of various tools and processes leveraging XDR, so for us it is a natural evolution from where we come from as an endpoint player. Being an EDR vendor, we have some of the richest data output or what we call in the cyber world - ‘telemetry’. We need to take that and augment it with

We are working to support the UAE's cybersecurity vision by aligning our technology with the various regulations and frameworks that have been put in place. We are also sharing threat intelligence with government councils and providing white papers to help educate the community. We are also actively involved in educating schools and academies about cybersecurity and cyberbullying. In this way, we are contributing to the growth and development of cybersecurity in the UAE at government, enterprise, and academic levels.

What is the response to SentinelOne's participation in GISEC 2023?

SentinelOne's participation in GISEC 2023 has been very positive. We have received significant interest and engagement from attendees. The event provides a platform for us and our partners to connect, share best practices, and exchange insights on industry trends. Additionally, it is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our Singularity XDR platform.

Tamer Odeh Regional Sales Director, SentinelOne

THE LIGHTER SIDE OF THE INDUSTRY LEADER

Get a sneak peak of the lighter side of the industry leaders while enjoying a delightful and exclusive conversation. The Integrator had an exclusive discussion with Mazen Kanaan, CEO and co-founder of House of Pops.

Mazen Kanaan

CEO and co-founder of House of Pops

If you could design a hotel room of your dreams, what would it include?

It will be a super minimalist room, with a glass bottle of water, a vase with three flowers, a laptop, table chair, and a neat bed. White walls, and a window

If you get free tickets, which place will you travel to?

Cuba!

If you could only eat one type of cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Japanese

What is the most hilarious customer experience that you have had?

We were selling on the beach from House of Pops cart, a family passed by, the kid asked for a Pop, but his mum did not agree, so he ran to the A-board, where we have larger than life pops visual and started licking the print.

What dish you wish to have in every restaurant you go to?

Spicy shrimps!

If you are trapped in a hotel which floor/area, will you try to explore?

The kitchen, and see how they plan and prepare the food for each meal.

In a condition of thirst, what you prefer? Water/ soft drink/ juices

Water

Are you a cold-water person or warm water person?

Warm water

If you get the opportunity to move to a different industry, where will you go? Consultancy! I would love to do some theoretical advisory to customers in my area of expertise.

If you win a lottery, what are you spending it upon? I will buy a big house with a garden in Lebanon, to be a family house.

As a child, what you wanted to be when you grow up? I wanted to be a fruit and vegetables trader.

PARTNER EDUCATION: OUR PRIORITY FOR SALES GROWTH AND VAD

saw adoption equivalent to four or five years of their plan within six months during the pandemic. We ourselves use video extensively to connect with family and friends, and businesses have also embraced it due to the pandemic. Our studies indicate that 80% of meetings today involve at least one participant attending via video, with only 20% being fully in-person. This clearly demonstrates the widespread adoption of video. The video market is estimated to be worth around $5.7 billion, and we at Jabra are determined to be a part of it by introducing innovative new products and growing our market share.

Can you provide more information on your products and how they differentiate from other companies in the video solutions market?

Could you provide some details about today's event and explain what you have learned from it?

Our company constantly strives to keep our partner community up to date with the latest technology, and we take pride in educating them about it. We have noticed an increasing number of partner requests for training on new technology, as they aim to enhance their knowledge and ultimately increase sales. This is the primary goal of our events - to transfer knowledge and provide training opportunities to our partners. Moreover, we have observed that some of our existing partners have hired new employees who also require this training. We are pleased to have Alpha Tech's support in this endeavour as it aligns with our belief in value-added distribution.

What are your thoughts on video solutions? Do you believe that they have become dominant in the market following the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is currently a lot of hype surrounding them?

The growth of video solutions has been remarkable, as evidenced by Satya Nadella's statement that Microsoft

Although we are a newcomer in the video market, we have a strong background in technology due to our acquisition of Altia Systems in 2019. By combining their video expertise with our audio technology, we have created a unique product line, including the PanaCast 50 and PanaCast 20, which incorporate our AI algorithms and special hardware chipset to make them future proof. This means that customers do not have to replace their products every year due to rapid changes in technology. One of our key advantages is the ability to show a 180-degree view of a room without distortion, which is made possible by our camera array of three lenses and our patented real-time video stitching technology. Our PanaCast 50 was the first product in the world to receive Microsoft Intelligent Video certification, and we take pride in our innovative approach to video solutions.

What about the plans of Jabra for the rest of the year 2023?

Certainly, our company takes the video business very seriously. We have expanded our team to include experts in the field, such as myself, who have been in the industry for a long time. We recently added two more technical pre-sales specialists to our team to support our region, and worldwide, we have added even more people to our team.

Our full team is an enterprise team that sells various video products. Speaking of products, at ISE in late January, early February, we announced our PanaCast 50 Video Bar System, which is an Android-based video bar.

The Integrator had an exclusive interview with Mr. Abraham Mammen Director Intelligent Video Systems, Jabra.

Abraham Mammen Director Intelligent Video Systems, Jabra

TENABLE ONE FOR COMPREHENSIVE CYBER RISK MANAGEMENT

What is Tenable One, the exposure management platform, and how does it manage cyber risks?

Tenable One is a new Exposure Management Platform that consolidates data from various sources, including IT, identity, cloud security, and OT, into a cloud-based platform. By integrating all of this data, companies can gain a comprehensive view of their exposure to cyber risks. From a risk management perspective, Tenable One calculates risk based on exposure and combines different data sources in real-time to provide customers with a clear understanding of the risks they face in specific areas of their business.

What products are you showcasing at GISEC 2023?

We offer a wide range of products tailored to the specific needs of the region, which is home to many oil and gas industrial companies. We cover everything from the ground to the cloud, with a focus on OT solutions, identity space, vulnerability management, and our new cloudbased platform, Tenable One.

How does Tenable One's Exposure Management Platform differ from Tenable's other products?

Tenable's other products cover specific areas within the attack surface, whereas Tenable One fills the gap by linking data from multiple sources. Tenable One is a platform that relies on Tenable's existing solutions to provide a comprehensive view of cyber risks. The value of Tenable One lies in its ability to bring together data from various sources and provide a unified view for customers.

Were there any other products showcased at GISEC 2023 besides the ones mentioned?

Tenable One was the primary focus of our presentation, but we are also continuing to invest in our underlying solutions. We offer both on-prem and cloud deployment options and believe in the hybrid approach that combines both. We are also invested in the convergence of IT and OT and believe that bringing vulnerability management and OT misconfiguration together is crucial for effective cyber risk management.

How has the response been to Tenable's products at GISEC 2023? Is it different from previous years?

The response has been very positive, with a busy event

globally. As someone who attended last year, I can see that the excitement is already high on the first day, and we anticipate an even bigger response tomorrow.

The Integrator had an exclusive interview with Bernard Montel – EMEA Technical Director and Security Strategist at Tenable GISEC 2023

Bernard Montel EMEA Technical Director and Security Strategist, Tenable

TENABLE ONE IS A PLATFORM THAT RELIES ON TENABLE'S EXISTING SOLUTIONS TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE VIEW OF CYBER RISKS."

CROWDSTRIKE FOR A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH WITH PARTNERS

CrowdStrike has redefined security with one of the world’s most advanced cloud-native platform that protects and enables the people, processes, and technologies that drive modern enterprise. The Integrator spoke with Roland Daccache, Senior Sales Engineering Manager, MEA at GISEC about their expansion plans in the region and their new partnership with Dell Technologies.

connect with our reseller network and global tech alliance vendors such as Zscaler, AWS, and Extrahop. Our goal is to be able to build around our platform and deliver more value to our customers through integrations with our technology partners, as well as to our resellers by providing a complete solution to protect their end users.

What distinguishes Crowdstrike's Falcon Platform?

CrowdStrike is innovating relentlessly across the CrowdStrike Falcon platform – from endpoint security & XDR, cloud security, managed services, security & IT operations, threat intelligence, identity protection, data protection and observability.

We see that customers are looking to take a modern platform approach and consolidate their spend. CrowdStrike's technology leadership showcases the power of the CrowdStrike Falcon platform, which drives better security outcomes, automation, and lower TCO.

Customers see a massive opportunity to leverage CrowdStrike’s AI-driven "collect data once, reuse many times" platform. CrowdStrike has become experts at leveraging data science to deliver best-of-breed attack discovery and prevention to our customers.

Tell us about your experience with GISEC. We attend GISEC on a regular basis. We believe it is a highly targeted platform for connecting cyber security professionals from vendors, resellers, and users. We believe in GISEC's reach and hope to meet as many Partners and end users as possible at this event.

What solutions and services will you be exhibiting at GISEC 2023?

We are introducing the most recent version of the Falcon platform. Our new modules are focused on vulnerability management, as well as exposure attack and surface management. The emphasis this year is on proactive security, which is the year's theme. We'd like to inform your readers that we've also signed a global partnership with Dell and are hosting a partner summit for our regional partners.

What is your goal for attending GISEC as well as hosting your partner summit?

We are a very channel-oriented company, so we only

This drives immense leverage across the platform and better, more efficient outcomes for customers.

What is your strategy for the Middle East? How do you intend to expand your business here?

We are committed to building our business in the Middle East. According to IDC, digital transformation investments in the Middle East will more than double in the coming years. Our priority is to strengthen our relationships with our existing partners, whether they are global Tech Partners or local resellers. In addition, we intend to add new resellers to our partner network in order to capture a larger share of this market.

Could you please tell our readers about your partnership with Dell Technologies?

The collaboration with Dell will allow Crowdstrike's platform to reach as many end users as possible. For decades, Dell has been a titan in the world of end-user computing. We believe that Crowdstrike's partnership with Dell is a very strategic decision.

Jos Beernink Vice President of EMEA, Milestone Systems

BTR CONSULTING OFFERS A BROAD RANGE OF CYBERSECURITY SERVICES

BTR Consulting is a flexible company that helps firms to control risk, improve performance, and maximize results. The Integrator spoke with Gaspar Poca, Director at BTR Consulting about their entry into the region and their collaboration with cybersecurity firms to provide a variety of services in the region.

What are you looking to achieve through GISEC 2023?

We are an international company with our Shared Service Centre based in Latin America, bringing to the Middle East knowledgeable and experienced professionals at competitive rates. Many companies in the region are looking for innovative services and services but still at affordable price.

Explain briefly your relationship with CyberGate and what you're showcasing here at GISEC. We joined CyberGate, our local partner, to provide the best cybersecurity services to customers in the Middle East region. At GISEC we have been mainly showcasing Security Awareness resources, in particular videogames (Human Shield), as well as our Ethical Hacking and OT Cybersecurity service offerings.

Through specific services, we help local organizations to assess their cybersecurity posture. We achieve this through specific services such as: GRC (Governance, Risk and Compliance), Ethical Hacking, Vulnerability Assessments and Industrial Operations Cybersecurity. We also provide Awareness programs using innovative resources including our own Videogame Saga.

Could you tell us about the consulting services that BTR provides?

BTR Consulting provides a wide range of services under the following 5 service lines: Cybersecurity, Risk & Audit, Consulting, Knowledge and People & Culture.

Cybersecurity services: We provide everything from the initial stages of information security governance and preventive controls to the operation and support. We delivery specific services including OT CyberSecurity, Ethical Hacking and Awareness & Training.

Risk & Audit: We assess organization risks and assist in the implementation of adequate and efficient controls, while also evaluating and auditing the level

of compliance and alignment with standards and best practices.

Consulting: Our highly skilled professionals help you develop and implement complex projects, reducing risk and allowing you to focus on your business.

Knowledge and talent are assets that our professionals capitalize not only through training but also through field experience and the challenges we face on a daily basis during project execution. We make these assets available to our clients in the form of awareness programs and learning paths.

People & Culture: We join business leaders in the challenge of assembling high-performing, qualified, human teams with the skills required to achieve extraordinary results.

Gaspar Poca Director at BTR Consulting

WE ASSESS ORGANIZATION RISKS AND ASSIST IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ADEQUATE AND EFFICIENT CONTROLS."

ACRONIS PROMOTES CYBER PROTECTION EDUCATION IN GCC WITH ACADEMY AND EVENTS

The Integrator had an exclusive interview with Islam Shaker - Distributor Manager at Acronis at GISEC 2023

which has created a high demand for cyber protection solutions and services that can protect organizations from complex threats. With the increasing reliance of customers and partners on IT for conducting their businesses, any interruption in the IT infrastructure can lead to significant disruptions. Although there are many cybersecurity products available in the market, cyber protection is now emerging as the go-to solution due to its unified approach to emerging threats. Furthermore, the market still requires more education on how to protect their data, indicating a need for further investment in cybersecurity services.

How is Acronis contributing to educating people about cybersecurity?

to showcase its solutions and educate attendees on how to protect their data from cyber threats. By participating in these events, Acronis is actively contributing to the education and awareness of cybersecurity risks in the region.

What are the plans of Acronis for the year 2023?

Acronis has ambitious plans for 2023 that involve raising awareness among customers about the critical importance of cyber protection solutions. The company believes that data protection and cybersecurity should be a top priority for every business, and it is committed to ensuring that its customers are fully aware of the risks and threats that they face in today's digital world.

Tell us about the products and services provided by Acronis?

Acronis is a leading name in the field of cyber protection – a unified approach to cybersecurity and data protection. Our comprehensive cyber protection solution provides a toolbox for service providers to safeguard their customers' data. This includes a range of features such as backup, security, and management solutions, all integrated into a single agent from a single vendor. This unique platform can be easily deployed to customers, enabling service providers to offer these features as a service on a recurring monthly basis.

What is the level of preparedness of the UAE market for cybersecurity services?

The UAE market has witnessed a surge in sophisticated cyber-attacks,

Acronis not only provides cyber protection solutions but also offers Acronis #Cyberfit Academy, a comprehensive portal that allows service providers to educate themselves on various features and actions. This portal is designed to help partners fully understand the capabilities of Acronis solutions and how to utilize them for their customers' benefit. By providing easy access to valuable educational resources, Acronis is equipping its partners with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively protect customer data.

In addition to the Acronis #Cyberfit Academy, the company also participates in various events in the GCC region, such as GISEC, to spread awareness among customers and partners about the critical importance of cyber protection solutions. These events provide a platform for Acronis

To achieve this goal, Acronis plans to split the world into two categories: customers who understand the critical importance of cyber protection solutions and those who do not. For the former, Acronis will provide comprehensive solutions that can help them safeguard their data and protect themselves from cyber threats.

For the latter, Acronis plans to focus on educating and raising awareness about the importance of cyber protection solutions. The company will engage in various activities, such as participating in events and roadshows, to help customers understand the risks and threats that they face and the need for robust cybersecurity solutions.

In addition to educating customers, Acronis also plans to focus on service providers, offering them a unique platform that enables them to offer cyber protection services to their customers.

Islam Shaker Distributor Manager, Acronis

SECURITY SOLUTIONS GO BEYOND FIREWALLS FOR COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION

Could you provide some insights with the upcoming cyber security trends?

The constantly changing landscape and evolving threats in the Middle East present complex challenges for organizations operating in the region. According to Check Point Software’s latest threat intelligence report, an organization in Middle East is being attacked on average 1586 times per week in the last 6 months, compared to 1206 attacks per organization globally. There is an increase in hacktivism and ransomware attacks, which highlights the need for strong technologies, process, and approach to effectively address these cyber security concerns. To mitigate the specific threats that arise in this part of the world, it's important for organizations to have robust security measures in place. Check Point Software is a leading provider of cyber security solutions with a strong presence in the Middle East for the past three decades and offers a range of solutions designed to protect large organizations from cyber threats, including firewalls, threat prevention, endpoint security, and cloud security through a range of products and services tailored to the needs of enterprises in the region.

Can you talk about the channel strategies you have?

Our channel strategy involves a two-pronged approach focused on growth and partnerships in our target region. To achieve this growth, we offer attractive incentives to our partners to expand our reach and secure new customers.

Furthermore, our channel strategy aims to facilitate growth for our partners by leveraging our new technologies, which extend beyond our traditional firewall solutions.

Our cloud security solutions, network security, user & access security and security management solutions are the key elements of our expanded portfolio. We are highlighting these solutions to demonstrate our commitment to innovation and to showcase the breadth of our capabilities.

What are all the products and services that were showcasing and what is the response that you got?

Over the past few years, Check Point Software has expanded its offerings beyond its traditional firewall products to provide a more holistic approach to security.

As the threat landscape evolves, relying solely on a firewall is no longer enough to keep customers safe.

Our focus is on providing prevention-first consolidated security solutions that integrate network, endpoint, mobile, and cloud security into a single, integrated management console. By offering a comprehensive security solution, we aim to make a difference in the industry and ensure our customers have the protection they need to operate confidently in today's complex security environment.

We are showcasing our latest range of cyber security solutions within our portfolio including Check Point CloudGuard for unified cloud native security across applications, workloads, and network, giving the confidence to automate security, prevent threats, and manage posture-at cloud speed and scale.

Secondly, Check Point Quantum Network Security for ultra-scalable protection against Gen V cyber attacks on network, cloud, data center, IoT and remote users.

Thirdly, Check Point Harmony, the industry’s first unified security solution for users devices and access, and lastly, Check Point Horizon, which offers XDR, MDR, and events management solutions for complete coverage of networks, endpoints, cloud, email and IoT, from one pane of glass.

The Integrator had an exclusive interview with Prashant Menon, Channel Manager UAE - Check Point Software Technologies

Prashant Menon Channel Manager UAE - Check Point Software Technologies

MICROSOFT UNVEILS A MIXED REALITY AND AI CRIME PREVENTION DEMO AT GISEC 2023

The Integrator had an exclusive interview with Ahmed El Dandanchi – Enterprise Lead, Microsoft UAE

system can identify patterns and connections between seemingly unrelated events, enabling law enforcement officials to make better-informed decisions and take proactive measures to prevent future crimes. We believe that this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach crime prevention and are excited to share it with the world at GISEC.

How different is this year GISEC from previous ones?

I've noticed a significant surge in interest around cybersecurity lately. Cloud security and cybersecurity, in general, have experienced exponential growth over the past three years, and we see a lot of momentum in terms of how digital technology can enhance cybersecurity efforts.

What are the products and services that you are showcasing at GISEC 2023?

Today is a highly anticipated day for us, as every year we participate in the GISEC conference to showcase our latest developments in the field of technology. This year, we are thrilled to present a ground-breaking opportunity through the Digital Crime Unit demo, which is aimed at demonstrating how the use of mixed reality and artificial intelligence can help accelerate the identification of crimes and ultimately reduce crime rates in specific locations.

Our demo involves a mixed reality experience using the HoloLens 2, which seamlessly blends the real world with digital information. By creating an immersive experience that allows law enforcement professionals to visualize and analyse crime scenes in a whole new way, we are confident that we can help improve the effectiveness of investigations and ultimately reduce the number of crimes in a specific place, city or country. Using advanced algorithms and data analytics, our

There is a growing awareness among executives, such as CEOs and Chief Security Information Officers, about the importance of cybersecurity. It has become a top priority that is frequently discussed during meetings with customers. This indicates that cybersecurity is at the forefront of everyone's minds and the need for robust solutions is more pressing than ever.

What other plans does Microsoft have for the year 2023, in addition to their cybersecurity awareness efforts? Microsoft is deeply committed to security and incorporates it into every product and solution they offer, from client-side products like desktops to modern workplaces such as Office 365 and the cloud-based Azure platform, as well as data and artificial intelligence. Even ChatGPT, which is now part of the Azure Cloud and transformation, will have security embedded within it. Microsoft is investing heavily in security, with a projected $20 billion business this year, and the focus on security extends to the partner ecosystem, with around 15,000 partners worldwide who focus specifically on security within the Microsoft portfolio. In summary, Microsoft's approach to security includes developing products with layers of security embedded within them, a focus on business growth and exponential expansion, and a partnership system dedicated to security.

Ahmed El Dandanchi Enterprise Lead, Microsoft UAE

FORTINET: INTEGRATED CYBERSECURITY SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN ORGANIZATIONS

The Integrator had an exclusive interview with Kalle Björn - Senior Director, Systems Engineering - Middle East at Fortinet at GISEC 2023

What are the key challenges that Fortinet will focus on addressing at GISEC 2023?

One of the key factors contributing to the challenges faced by organizations in today's market is work-from-anywhere environment. In recent years, organizations have undergone significant turmoil due to this. However, a promising solution to these challenges is the implementation of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). This approach focuses on ensuring secure access to corporate applications for users and devices, regardless of their location. Zero Trust network access verifies user and device identities, security posture of endpoints, and secures communication between endpoints and services. Another factor influencing the security landscape is the shift towards cloud-based solutions. This has presented additional security challenges, as traditional security measures were designed for on-premises data centers. However, with Zero Trust network access, data location is no longer a relevant factor, as the same level of security can be achieved regardless of whether data is stored in the cloud or on-premises.

What is the portfolio of cybersecurity solutions that Fortinet offers, and how can they be delivered?

Fortinet is a leading cybersecurity company that provides a range of solutions to address the diverse security needs of modern organizations. Our portfolio includes solutions for endpoint security, network security, cloud security, and more. One of their unique offerings is secure switching,

which is a networking solution that includes security features such as intrusion prevention, antimalware, and content filtering. This approach integrates security into the networking solution itself, rather than being an add-on feature.

Over the past few years, there has been a convergence between security and networking, and Fortinet has been at the forefront of this trend. Rather than having separate teams for networking and security, the focus is on developing integrated solutions that provide both functionalities. This approach is becoming increasingly important as the demand for highperformance networks continues to grow. By integrating security into the networking solution, Fortinet can provide the throughput and secure performance that organizations require. Overall, Fortinet's approach to cybersecurity is to provide a comprehensive suite of solutions that address the full range of security needs.

What are you showcasing at GISEC?

Fortinet's product portfolio includes solutions such as FortiRecon which provides external visibility of corporate assets and additional features to identify website breaches and data theft. Another solution gaining attention is Zero Trust Network Access, which is easy to deploy as it utilizes existing Fortinet products and requires no additional licensing. Customers can migrate from traditional VPN solution to Zero Trust Network Access with ease. With these products, Fortinet offers a range of functionalities in a single platform to provide comprehensive security coverage.

Apart from the cybersecurity solution, what are other solutions and Products you are showcasing. Organizations struggle with managing the complexity of their networks and solutions, requiring skilled personnel to handle them. Fortinet offers a Certification program to provide cybersecurity training through its Network Security Expert (NSE), which includes free self-paced training formats. The program offers training material from basic to advanced levels and covers both vendor-specific and non-productrelated security training. As part of Fortinet’s progress to close the skills gap, the Fortinet Training Institute achieved the milestone of over 1 million NSE certifications issued in October 2022. The Fortinet Training Institute aims to provide professionals the opportunity not only to gain skills to ward off cyber threats, but also career growth opportunities, as leaders value certifications.

Kalle Björn Senior Director, Systems Engineering – ME, Fortinet

Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) devices are becoming invaluable in modern times, as they allow organisations to improve their product and service quality, reduce operational costs and increase workforce productivity. A new forecast from IDC estimates that there will be 41.6 billion connected IoT devices, or “things,” generating 79.4 zettabytes (ZB) of data by 2025, while for enterprises in the manufacturing and logistics environment, OT-based automation has been invaluable for a number of years already. As OT, IT and IoT systems continue to converge, more proactive maintenance and critical infrastructure monitoring has been made possible and businesses are becoming increasingly agile.

However, many OT environments were designed with no intention of being connected to a wider IT environment and therefore threat analysis was never a top priority.

GAINING A CLEAR, SINGULAR VIEW

It is impossible to manage and protect what you cannot see, and visibility across IoT and OT networks is integral. Enterprises must ensure they have a clear view into the number of authorised (and unauthorised) devices across their IoT network, where these devices are located, whether they have the latest patches and how often they are utilised. It is also important to gain sight of which servers each device communicates with and whether any part of the chain may be vulnerable to malicious actors. In order to gain this level of visibility across systems with varying security capabilities, it is important that security issues are addressed within the network and not at each end-point.

THE BENEFITS OF VISIBILITY FOR IOT AND OT SECURITY

By Garth Braithwaite, Senior Director at Gigamon

To completely eliminate blind-spots, a single pane of glass view into all environments from cloud to onpremises is the best option. This means there will be no piecing together of individual tools as NetOps teams hope not to miss anything, and all devices, data and dangerous actors can be in sight at all times from one integrated platform.

Eradicating these blind-spots is critical in an age in which ransomware poses one of the largest threats to businesses. While IoT might not offer the access to the wider IT system at the moment, the threatscape is fastmoving and businesses must make sure they are ready for criminals to switch their tactics. This is particularly pertinent given that adversaries have changed the way they deploy ransomware dramatically over recent years; rather than a ‘spray and pray’ approach with little skill involved, cybercriminals will carefully target vulnerable organisations and lay dormant on their network for months on end. In fact, the latest stats demonstrate that network dwell time for these criminals’ averages at 285 days.

OPTIMISING DATA

Delivering increased visibility not only supports IoT and OT security, it also enables organisations to better scale and boost service performance. Observability into these networks will allow operations teams to recognise whether the right data is being directed to the correct tools, or make changes if this is not the case. Integrating de-duplication processes can reduce the amount of unnecessary traffic running past security monitors in order to prevent packet loss and avoid expensive maintenance or upgrade costs.

Garth Braithwaite Senior Director, Gigamon

MOBILE DEVICES ARE THE NEW ENDPOINTS

Enterprise IT organizations are under pressure to deliver a robust mobile experience to employees. One tech publication recently noted that 70% of executives agreed that increasing mobile access to enterprise software represents an immediate digital transformation opportunity.

Enterprises are embracing a range of BYOD (bring your own device), CYOD (choose your own device), and COPE (corporate-owned, privately enabled) strategies, despite the security risks mobile devices pose, such as malware, phishing attacks, and data theft if they are not adequately secured. Mobile apps are fueling device proliferation as well. With mobile device usage inevitable in the enterprise, the challenge becomes how best to secure the devices. To realize the goal of mobility initiatives, enterprises need robust mobile security against today's major threats.

Catalyst Business Solutions provides mobile security solutions to protect mobile devices from the abovementioned threats. Our partner solutions use machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect and prevent these threats, providing a comprehensive approach to mobile security.

Catalyst Business Solutions proposes a solution that uses machine learning to detect malware on mobile devices, allowing it to identify and prevent threats in real time.

Another threat to mobile security is phishing attacks. Our partner solution includes a phishing protection feature that can detect and block these attacks, providing an additional layer of security for mobile users.

Data theft is also a significant concern for mobile users. A data breach could be devastating with so much personal information stored on our devices, including contacts, emails, and financial information.

In addition to these features, we also provide a range of tools to help businesses protect their mobile devices. Our partner Mobile Application Risk Assessment (MARA) tool can help identify potential security risks in mobile apps, while their Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) platform provides a centralized way to manage and monitor mobile security across an organization.

One of the key takeaways from our approach to mobile security is the importance of a comprehensive strategy. Mobile security is not just about detecting and preventing

individual threats; it's about creating a holistic approach that addresses the entire mobile ecosystem.

1. Mobile Threat Defense (MTD): refers to a set of security measures and technologies designed to protect mobile devices from various types of threats, such as malware, phishing attacks, and network attacks. MTD solutions typically use a combination of techniques such as behavioral analysis, machine learning, and threat intelligence to detect and prevent mobile threats.

2. Mobile Device Management (MDM): a set of tools and techniques used to manage and secure mobile devices across an organization, such as smartphones and tablets. MDM solutions allow IT administrators to remotely manage and configure devices, enforce security policies, and monitor device usage.

3. Mobile App Security: refers to the security measures and best practices used to protect mobile applications from various types of threats, such as data theft, unauthorized access, and malware. Mobile app security includes techniques such as code obfuscation, encryption, and app hardening, as well as security testing and auditing to identify and address vulnerabilities in mobile apps.

HOW TECHNOLOGY IS TRANSFORMING CONTENT CREATORS

which will helps influencers, business owners and Brands to book and pay without any hassle.

What is web 3.0 and why influencers should start taking their first steps to take control of their data?

Web 3.0 is the next generation of the internet that aims to make it more decentralized, secure, and user-centric. It uses blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and other advanced tools to create a more open and transparent internet.

One of the key features of Web 3.0 is the ability for users to take control of their own data, and not rely on centralized companies to store and manage it. This is where influencers come in. Influencers have large followings and generate a lot of data, but often they have to rely on social media platforms to store and manage this data.

Rutavi Mehta

Digital content Expert and creator

The world of content creation is undergoing a massive transformation, and technology is at the forefront of this change. Gone are the days when content creation was limited to a few select individuals or organizations. Today, anyone with a smartphone and internet connection can create and share content with the world.

The rise of social media platforms has enabled content creators to reach millions of people, and the

growth of the influencer industry has made it possible for individuals to monetize their content in new and innovative ways. This is just the tip of the iceberg, however, as the future holds even greater potential for content creators.

The website www.rutavimehta. com acts as a central hub for all my digital contents like blog posts, images, videos and other forms of media. For workshop activities, a payment gateway has been created,

With Web 3.0, influencers can take control of their data, decide who has access to it, and even monetize it directly. This gives them more control and autonomy over their online presence, and can potentially lead to new revenue streams.

Web 3.0 is right around the corner, and it promises to revolutionize the way we interact with the internet. With the advent of blockchain technology, a new era of digital content is on the horizon. This new era will be characterized by decentralized content platforms, where content creators will have more control over their creations and will be able to monetize them in new and innovative ways.

SUNMONEY'S SDBN2 ASSET-BACKED CRYPTOCURRENCY TOKEN

This cryptocurrency is backed by the SunMoney Solar Group’s growing solar power production capacity. The Integrator spoke with Peter Bahorecz, Partner, Chief Networking Officer, SunMoney Solar Group, to learn more about the token's purpose and benefits.

others. By investing in green initiatives, companies can take responsibility for their carbon footprint while simultaneously demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. This is an important step towards achieving global ESG goals that promote environmental protection and social development.

Can you tell us about the SDBN 2 token in detail, please?

The SDBN2 token is a revolutionary digital currency that operates on the Smart Digital Business Network (SDBN), and it is backed by the increasing capacity of SunMoney Solar Group to generate renewable energy from their solar parks. By investing in the SDBN2 token, all investors can capitalize on a tangible, permanent resource with long-term value. It is a great green investment that generates dividends for its holders each month— automatically multiplying their wealth! Offering an established infrastructure with a dependable guarantor system, this digital currency has unlimited potential for growth and lucrative gains.

Is there a specific reason/benefit why SunMoney decided to foray into the blockchain platform?

Please brief us about Sunmoney's expansion plans in the region.

We are highly focussed on expanding the awareness of our latest asset-backed cryptocurrency token, the SDBN2, in the Middle East. We have recently opened applications for the value-producing token after the success of our previous token, the SDBN1, and are investing our efforts towards building on the same. Apart from that, we believe that engaging with local companies is the most effective approach to creating meaningful and lasting change in the Middle East and South Africa, as they possess the expertise of their environment that will be invaluable to us as we expand our reach across these regions.

How vital are green investments for making good on global ESG goals?

Companies that do not invest in renewable energy or other green initiatives may have a negative impact on their local environment and the planet as a whole. Green investments not only help combat climate change but also increase economic opportunities for those living in developing countries by providing jobs related to solar panel installation and maintenance, among

Yes, we saw several distinct advantages of using blockchain technology. By integrating blockchain into their platform, we are able to offer a secure and transparent system that allows anyone from anywhere in the world to invest. Blockchain also ensures data integrity and protection against manipulation, increases system performance and efficiency, reduces transaction and administrative costs, improves efficiency, and increases investor confidence. This has resulted in more money flowing into the sector.

How is an asset-backed value-generating cryptocurrency token different from a regular cryptocurrency token?

An asset-backed value-generating cryptocurrency token is different from a regular cryptocurrency token in that it is backed by actual assets. This means that the value of the token is based on something tangible, which gives them an inherent value beyond just being a currency, thus, making them more lucrative investments for those looking to diversify their portfolios. The potential for growth through appreciation in price makes assetbacked tokens attractive investments for those looking to capitalize on market changes and trends.

Peter Bahorecz Partner, Chief Networking Officer, SunMoney Solar Group

GMG SHOWCASES COMMITMENT TO QUALITY WITH ‘FARM-TO-FORK’ VISION AT GULFOOD

Gulf Marketing Group (GMG) is a leading company that has been operating in the Middle East since 1978. With a diverse portfolio of brands, retail outlets, and services, GMG operates across the GCC region and has subsidiaries in sectors such as retail, distribution, health, fitness, food processing, logistics, real estate,education, and technology. In this interview, JNS Media International is speaking to Roy Nasrallah, VP Marketing at GMG at Gulfood, 2023, to learn more about the company's approach to marketing, its portfolio of brands, and its plans for the future.

How many years has GMG been attending Gulfood?

This is the first time that we are attending Gulfood on such a large scale. Although we have attended in the past with the Farm Fresh brand, we have never been at this level before.

What is GMG showcasing at Gulfood?

We are showcasing our five different brands at the event, with Farm Fresh being the most prominent among them. The Farm Fresh brand plays a significant role in various categories, including frozen, and now spices and herbs. We have revealed our expansion into the spice and herb category during the event, with a focus on showcasing the Farm Fresh brand's new range of spice and herb products. GMG is also presenting its Pink Himalayan Salt Sapora brand, which has been expanded to include organic spices, along with other brands like Noor Al Islami,

Klassic (a premium seafood brand), and RUH, inspired by the flavors and spices of India and Pakistan

Could you elaborate on GMG's ‘farm-to-fork’ vision?

Our 'farm-to-fork' vision is our main focus, and it revolves around sourcing the best products from around the world. It's not just about developing the product, but also ensuring that we bring it to the consumer in the best possible way. We believe that this vision helps us to maintain the highest standards of quality and freshness for our customers.

Could you share any information about GMG's latest product innovations or upcoming plans? We recently launched Sapora on the first day of Gulfood. It's an organic brand with a beautiful jar design that I would encourage you to check out. This is our latest innovation and growth revealed

by the food division of GMG. We are continuously striving to bring new and exciting products to our customers, and we have many upcoming plans that we are excited to share with everyone soon.

Can you tell us about how GMG is collaborating with other businesses or partners to grow or enhance their own portfolio?

GMG collaborates with partners in various ways, from sourcing products to finding the right partners around the world and developing products with our R&D team. We also partner with retailers, such as Carrefour and other well-known companies globally. Our collaboration is not limited to our 'farm-to-fork' vision, as we also look at partnerships from a marketing perspective. By partnering with other brands, we can enhance our own portfolio and offer more diverse and high-quality products to our customers.

Roy Nasrallah VP Marketing at GMG, Gulfood

MAGNER'S FARM ADVOCATES FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN THE ME HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Magner's Farm, established in 2017, is a sustainable farm that produces pasture-raised eggs, vegetables, and raises heritage oxford sandy and black pigs, cattle, and sheep to promote soil health. Led by General Manager, Kylie Woodham, the farm strives to provide fresh, nutritious, and ethically raised food to their local community. JNS Media International connects with Kylie Woodham to learn about their plan and collaborations to be working in the Middle East, helping the hospitality brands with regenerative techniques.

What is your view on the role of technology in advancing sustainable agriculture?

In my opinion, technology will have a significant role to play in advancing sustainable agriculture. One of the main areas where technology can make a difference is in data monitoring and analysis, which can provide farmers with valuable insights on how to improve their farming practices. Additionally, technology can be used to measure the positive impacts of regenerative farming, which is of particular interest to me as a farmer. By using technology to showcase the positive changes that can be made through sustainable agriculture, we can inspire others to adopt more sustainable practices and help to create a more sustainable future.

How do you see the opportunities of transitioning to regenerative farming practices in the Middle East?

While I may not be an expert on farming in the Middle East, I believe that regenerative farming practices have great potential in

this region. One of the key benefits of regenerative farming is its ability to capture water and carbon, which could be especially valuable in a dry region such as the Middle East. Additionally, regenerative farming can help to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. While there may be challenges to transitioning to regenerative farming practices in the Middle East, I believe that the benefits make it a worthwhile endeavor. Other dry regions in the world have successfully employed regenerative agriculture methods, and I believe that the Middle East could do the same.

Are you interested in collaborating with others in the Middle East agriculture industry?

Absolutely. I am always open to forming alliances, such as working with other farmers to develop strategies for regenerative and sustainable farming. Our company in Ireland has already formed some alliances to supply our products, which is very exciting, and the more

we can continue to grow and build on those relationships, the better.

Do you believe education plays a role in promoting sustainable agriculture and farming methods? Yes, I believe education is crucial because it's not just the farmers who need to be educated, but also the consumers. Consumers should want to know and question more about where their food comes from, and when they start demanding changes, it can have a significant impact on the whole system. We shouldn't wait for government policies to change; it's up to the consumer.

How

was your experience at Gulfood?

I was completely overwhelmed by how amazing and huge the event is, but it was also inspiring to listen to some of the speakers at Gulfood Inspire. It made me realize how much impact farmers like me can have at the ground level and educating consumers about regenerative farming and its positive impact on the environment, soil, and people is incredible.

MAGNER'S FARM

Kylie Woodham General Manager Magner's Farm