“The race to embed AI into environments has inadvertently created a new set of identity security risks centered around the access of unmanaged and unsecured machine identities – and the privileged access of AI agents will represent an entirely new threat vector,” said Craig Harwood, Area VP for Africa and the Middle East at CyberArk. “For UAE organizations to stay resilient, CISOs and security leaders must modernize their identity security strategies to contend with a new and expanding attack surface characterized by the proliferation of identities with privileged access and made worse by damaging identity silos.”

‘Rise of the machines’ contributes to unsecured privilege sprawl: Machine identities, driven primarily by cloud and AI, now vastly outnumber human identities within organizations and nearly half have sensitive or privileged access. However, many enterprises leave both human and machine access to critical systems under-secured. There are 82 machine identities for every human in organizations worldwide.

In 92% of UAE organizations, the definition of a ‘privileged user’ applies solely to human identities – but 42% of machine identities have privileged or sensitive access. Fifty two percent do not have identity security controls in place to secure cloud infrastructure and workloads. Fifty four percent of UAE organizations experienced at least two successful identity-centric breaches in the past 12 months, ranging from supply chain attacks and compromised privileged access to identity and credential theft.

AI is everywhere and identity-centric agentic AI risk looms: Sanctioned and unsanctioned adoption of AI and large language models (LLMs) is simultaneously transforming organizations while amplifying cybersecurity risks. Concerns around the emergence of AI agents in the UAE and their privileged access underscores the urgency for targeted identity security investment. AI will drive the creation of the greatest number of new identities with privileged and sensitive access in 2025.

Only eighteen percent of UAE organizations have identity security controls for AI in place. Sixty percent cannot secure shadow AI usage in their organization. AI agent adoption roadblocks include manipulation and sensitive access concerns. Complexity and identity silos are overwhelming security leaders and undermining business resilience: Fragmented identity security programs and poor environmental visibility are diminishing resilience in the face of evolving cybersecurity threats. Most organizations face increased privilege-related compliance pressure.

Seventy percent of UAE respondents say identity silos are a root cause of organizational cybersecurity risk. Sixty eight percent of security professionals in the UAE agree that their organizations prioritize business efficiencies over robust cybersecurity. Human and machine identities – many of them with privileged access – are expected to double in 2025. Ninety percent of UAE organizations are under increased pressure from insurers mandating enhanced privilege controls.

CyberArk is also participating at GISEC Global 2025, taking place from 6–8 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The company will be present at the HELP AG stand, where it will host a dedicated pod showcasing its latest cybersecurity solutions and discuss the Identity Security Landscape report. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with CyberArk’s leadership, including Craig Harwood, Vice President for Middle East and Africa, and Laurence Elbana, Director of Sales, who will be available throughout the event.

Trusted by 50% of the UAE and KSA-based companies listed in the Forbes Global 2000, Proofpoint’s comprehensive AI-driven cybersecurity solutions help organizations navigate today’s complex threat landscape with confidence, delivering robust protection. Available in Q1 2025, Proofpoint’s offerings will enable UAE-based customers to comply with local data residency policies and meet regulatory compliance.

The cyber threat landscape in the UAE continues to evolve. While Emirati CISOs continue to fear cyber-attacks, they are demonstrating increasing confidence in their ability to defend against them. Proofpoint’s 2024 Voice of the CISO Report reveals that two-thirds (66%) of CISOs in the UAE feel prepared to cope with a cyberattack, an increase from 43% last year. This growing confidence may be attributed to the 89% of Emirati CISOs surveyed looking to deploy AI-powered capabilities to help protect against human error and advanced human-centered cyber threats.

To address this, Proofpoint’s ongoing investments in the region will help organizations in the UAE address human-centric cybersecurity risks, providing the opportunity to benefit from Proofpoint’s market-leading email security solutions, running through an in-country data centre. Proofpoint Email Protection is the only AI/ML-powered, cloud-based threat protection platform that disarms today’s advanced attacks, including email fraud, ransomware, weaponized URLs, multifactor authentication (MFA) bypass for credential phishing, and more.

“Organizations in the United Arab Emirates face a rapidly evolving threat landscape and our main objective over the coming years is to continue protecting even more companies in the region, with innovative, AI-powered solutions,” said Sumit Dhawan, CEO at Proofpoint. “Our solutions being delivered through local a data center underscores our unrelented investment in a key region for us and highlights our commitment to keep pace with the region’s accelerating digital transformation. This will enable organizations in the UAE to roll out multi-layered, cloud-native cybersecurity protection that safeguards people and data from today’s biggest threats, while keeping their data in-country.”

Proofpoint Middle East by the Numbers:

• Proofpoint is trusted by 50% of the UAE and KSA-based companies listed in the Forbes Global 2000 and protects more than 1,200,000 employees across the Middle East.
• Proofpoint’s Middle East customer base saw a growth of more than 20% in 2024, with continued growth at-pace expected in the coming years
• Since 2019, Proofpoint has increased its employee base by more than 40% across the region
• Proofpoint works with over 550 partners across the Middle East, Turkey & Africa

“Organisations in the Middle East are leading the charge in implementing cybersecurity measures to protect their customers from today’s threat landscape,” said Emile Abou Saleh, Vice President, Northern Europe, Middle East, Turkey and Africa at Proofpoint. “At Proofpoint, we remain committed to empowering organizations with the tools and knowledge needed to safeguard their most valuable assets—their people. With our solutions being delivered through a local data center, we will bring our industry-leading human-centric cybersecurity to more organizations in the region, while better meeting local customer and regulatory needs.”

As we witness an unprecedented acceleration in the digital landscape, securing artificial intelligence (AI) systems and supply chains has become a critical concern for global technology companies. Huawei, a global ICT leader, is tackling these challenges head-on and leveraging its expertise to establish industry standards in AI security and supply chain resilience.

AI Security: Addressing Complex Challenges
AI’s transformative potential is accompanied by inherent risks such as data breaches, adversarial attacks, and algorithmic biases. Acknowledging these vulnerabilities, Huawei has crafted a multi-layered strategy to safeguard AI systems. Central to Huawei’s AI strategy is a steadfast commitment to ethical practices. The company designs AI frameworks that prioritize transparency, privacy, and accountability.

It integrates Explainable AI (XAI) techniques to ensure decision-making processes are understandable and unbiased, thereby fostering trust among users and stakeholders. Huawei has also harnessed the power of AI to bolster its cybersecurity defences. By deploying advanced threat detection systems, its technology analyzes vast amounts of data to identify and neutralize potential threats in real-time, providing robust protection for its AI solutions.

Huawei’s efforts extend beyond its internal operations. Through initiatives like the Huawei Cyber Security Transparency Center, the company collaborates with academia, industry experts, and policymakers to advance AI security research and address emerging challenges. These measures underline Huawei’s commitment to creating secure, scalable, and trustworthy AI systems that can withstand the complexities of the modern digital ecosystem.

Securing the Global Supply Chain
In the interconnected world of global supply chains, vulnerabilities such as counterfeit components, tampering, and cyberattacks pose significant risks. To mitigate these challenges and protect the integrity of its supply chain, Huawei has implemented a comprehensive security framework. Huawei employs blockchain technology to enhance supply chain traceability, ensuring every component and process in its network is authenticated, thus reducing the risk of counterfeit products and unauthorized modifications.

Huawei also enforces stringent supplier verification protocols, requiring partners to adhere to its cybersecurity standards. Regular audits and compliance checks are conducted to maintain the integrity of the supply chain. Huawei incorporates secure-by-design principles into its hardware and software, ensuring resilience against potential cyberattacks. AI technologies are also deployed to predict and mitigate supply chain disruptions, enhancing overall reliability.

By aligning with international frameworks like ISO 28000 and contributing to global cybersecurity policy development, Huawei demonstrates its commitment to fostering a secure and standardized supply chain ecosystem.

Setting Industry Benchmarks
Huawei’s proactive approach to AI and supply chain security establishes it as a leader in the global technology landscape. By combining cutting-edge innovation with robust security measures, the company not only protects its operations but also contributes to the broader effort to secure the digital future. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, Huawei’s initiatives serve as a model for how technology companies can balance innovation with security.

Its commitment to transparency, collaboration, and ethical practices underscores the importance of building trust in an increasingly digital world. For industries and organizations navigating the complexities of AI and global supply chains, Huawei’s efforts underscore the critical need for vigilance, resilience, and collaboration in ensuring a secure and sustainable technology-enabled future.

With an increased focus on safety, convenience, and lifestyle enhancements, the UAE is seeing rapid growth in its home security market. According to recent insights, the UAE surveillance camera market is projected to grow from USD 0.62 billion in 2024 to USD 0.95 billion by 2029, reflecting an annual growth rate of 8.85%. In parallel, the smart home security market in the UAE is expected to reach USD 9.7 million in 2024, driven by technological integration and a rising demand for smart, connected solutions. This upward trend highlights the UAE’s readiness for the advanced, user-friendly features that eufyCam S3 Pro brings.

“The UAE market is evolving rapidly, with homeowners looking for solutions that fit seamlessly into their everyday lives but add convenience as well,” said Faisal Shah, General Manager, Anker Innovations for Middle East, Africa and South Asia. “The eufyCam S3 Pro is designed to simplify and enhance home experiences, blending advanced technology with unparalleled ease of use.”

Key Features of the eufyCam S3 Pro include:

1. Crystal-Clear Vision Day and Night: With 4K resolution and MaxColor Vision technology, eufyCam S3 Pro captures every detail in high-definition, even in low-light settings, offering reliable monitoring at any time.
2. Solar-Powered Convenience: Equipped with SolarPlus 2.0 technology, eufyCam S3 Pro operates independently with integrated solar panels. For added flexibility, the S3 Pro 2-cam and 4-cam bundles include an external solar panel, ensuring optimal performance regardless of where you place your camera ensuring uninterrupted, hassle-free power all year.
3. Smart Motion Detection: Combining radar and passive infrared (PIR) sensors, the dual detection system ensures notifications are triggered by essential movements only, enhancing convenience by filtering out irrelevant activity.
4. Local Storage, No Monthly Fees: The HomeBase 3 offers 16GB of built-in storage, with an expandable capacity of up to 16TB, offering privacy without recurring costs.
5. Smart Home Compatibility: Easily integrates with Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Assistant, making eufyCam S3 Pro a versatile addition to any smart home system.
6. Clear Two-way Audio with Intelligent Noise Reduction: Communicate clearly with visitors or family members through the camera, with advanced noise reduction ensuring crystal-clear conversations.

Beyond its security capabilities, the eufyCam S3 Pro offers UAE residents a range of lifestyle benefits. Families can use it to keep an eye on children and pets outdoors, monitor package deliveries, and capture memorable moments during outdoor gatherings. For those with elderly family members, the eufyCam S3 Pro provides an additional connection to loved ones, giving families the ease of checking in remotely.

The eufyCam S3 Pro goes beyond traditional surveillance, seamlessly fitting into the daily lives of UAE residents. Designed to be both adaptable and dependable, the eufyCam S3 Pro provides a blend of functionality and convenience, making it an ideal addition for households seeking enhanced connectivity and hands-off home management. The eufyCam S3 Pro is now available at leading electronics retailers and e-commerce platforms across the UAE, starting at AED 1,799.

“Today’s announcement reaffirms Cisco’s commitment to rapidly extend its global reach for customers and provide advanced cloud security protection and services to the UAE and the surrounding region,” said Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director for Cisco in the Gulf and Levant region. “Our goal is to help companies in the UAE accelerate the deployment of cybersecurity capabilities by adopting a platform approach. This will enable the seamless integration of various solutions within their stack, allowing them to maximize their potential.”

The new PoP will play an important role in delivering agile, highly resilient, high-capacity secure access closer to users in the UAE. It will support Cisco’s cloud services including its Secure Service Edge (SSE) solution, Cisco Secure Access. This cloud-delivered platform helps organizations solve a variety of security challenges.

Users can now safely and seamlessly access the resources and apps they need, regardless of protocol, port or level of customization. As a result, customers can move away from the complex web of point products that weren’t designed to support today’s highly distributed environment. With Cisco Secure Access, decisions about how users connect to the Internet, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and private applications are automated, removing complexity and helping to increase productivity.

“This initiative marks a new milestone in Cisco’s commitment to helping strengthen the region’s cybersecurity efforts,” Fady Younes, Managing Director of Cybersecurity, Middle East, Africa and Romania, commented. “In February, we announced a local data centre for our Duo multifactor authentication (MFA) offering and I am pleased to say that this is already up and running, in line with our original schedule. As a next step, with the new PoP for the converged cloud security SSE solution, grounded in zero trust, to provide our customers with seamless, transparent, and secure access from anything to anywhere.”

In the UAE, organizations will experience the benefits of Cisco’s SSE PoP with the scalability of the public cloud. The PoP will be carrier-neutral and available on any Internet Service Provider (ISP) in UAE. The findings of the Cisco Cybersecurity Readiness Index underscore the importance of security resilience. The study revealed that in the UAE, only 2% of organizations are at the Mature stage of readiness, 33% are at the Progressive stage, 54% are Formative and 11% are Beginners. It also found that 73% of companies expect a cybersecurity incident to disrupt their business in the next 12-24 months.

According to the research, cybercriminals remain focused on the two largest economies in the region—the UAE (40% of all posts) and Saudi Arabia (26%). The spotlight on darknet forums is on the public sector, which accounted for 21% of all analyzed posts. Most of the data (63%) related to regional government institutions was published for free as part of hacktivist attacks. Next in line for most popular on the dark web are commerce (16% of all ads), the service sector (15%), and financial institutions (13%).

Amid geopolitical tensions, hacker groups have ramped up calls for DDoS attacks and breaches to disrupt government institutions in the region. In the first half of 2024, the number of reports on the results of DDoS attacks on the dark web surged by 70% compared to the same period in 2023. Beyond the public sector, hacktivists also targeted the financial and transportation sectors.

According to the research, 33% of all the analyzed ads were linked to data breaches. One-third of these messages were about selling information. In these ads, criminals primarily offered databases stolen from major commerce companies, with an average cost of $2,300.

Positive Technologies analyst Anastasiya Chursina commented, “When compared to our previous research over a similar period, the share of freely distributed data almost doubled (up to 59%). This allows criminals to broaden the profiles of potential victims for targeted attacks. If the victim refuses to pay the ransom, both ransomware groups, as well as hacktivists (whose goal is to draw public attention to a political stance rather than just receive financial gain), can distribute data for free.”

Accessing company information resources is the second most common type of dark web ads, making up 21% of all listings. According to the research, in 70% of all cases, access can be bought for less than $1,000. The vast amount of access-for-sale ads on the darknet and their low cost make it easier for cybercriminals to gain initial access and launch attacks on organizations in the region.

Positive Technologies recommends that companies build their defences based on result-driven cybersecurity, using modern tools such as application-level firewalls, including cloud versions, network traffic analysis systems, solutions for monitoring information security events and managing incidents, as well as metaproducts.

This shows that Positive Technologies’ expertise in practical cybersecurity and extensive experience investigating real-life cybersecurity incidents are in demand internationally. About 70 international students are participating in the Positive Hack Camp, organized by Positive Education and CyberEd, with 34 of those students coming from Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and Palestine.

These successful candidates were chosen from more than 350 individuals who initially applied to participate in the program. During the selection phase, candidates were tested for the necessary level of IT knowledge and admitted to the program. The Positive Hack Camp will run for two weeks, till August 25. In addition to training sessions, participants will enjoy guided city tours and other activities to become familiar with Russia’s culture and history.

“For over 20 years, Positive Technologies has been safeguarding critical information infrastructure and the largest private enterprises in Russia. During this time, we have accumulated invaluable expertise that we want to share. It requires a collective effort to counter the rising cyber threats and the increasingly more sophisticated cyberattacks. We are fostering a global community of cybersecurity experts to achieve this,” said Dmitry Serebryannikov, Chief Hacking Officer at Positive Technologies. “Only by understanding how to attack can you develop defence technologies. That’s why our new international project focuses on cybersecurity assessment skills.”

In addition to upskilling programs, the company organizes events every year for cybersecurity experts from multiple countries to network and exchange experiences and ideas. The most prominent of these events is the international cyber festival Positive Hack Days, which was held on May 23–26 this year and attracted around 200 international attendees from 17 countries spanning Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Another regular event is the open cyber exercise Standoff. It is held twice a year, allowing cybersecurity professionals to explore phygital twins of real IT infrastructures and hone their skills in detecting vulnerabilities or countering cyberattacks. More than 4,000 cybersecurity experts have joined Standoff over its nine years of existence, forming 150 teams from 19 countries.

Additionally, Kaspersky Premium users benefit from 24/7 remote IT support, with experts available to resolve any issues, whether new or existing, whenever needed. e& UAE customers will benefit from tools such as Kaspersky Password Manager and Kaspersky Safe Kids – all of which can be managed under one application. Kaspersky Password Manager enables users to securely store and sync passwords, credit card details and important documents across computers and mobile devices.

Under the monthly subscription plans, Kaspersky Safe Kids will also be available for e& UAE customers. This is an application designed for digital parenting, helping kids to safely navigate the digital world. Some of its key features include GPS tracking, YouTube Safe Search and screen time management. “We’re thrilled to partner with e& UAE to make our products conveniently available on up to five devices. Over the last year, Kaspersky’s products have appeared in 100 independent comparative tests, winning 93 first-place awards. This is a testament to the company’s innovative approach to security, made simple through an easy-to-use and install online account,” said Seifallah Jedidi, Head of Consumer Channel for META at Kaspersky.

The announcement, made on the same day ATERMES confirmed its participation at ISNR Abu Dhabi, the region’s largest national security, cybersecurity, and civil protection event; illustrates the company’s vision for expanding its Middle Eastern operational presence and partnership ecosystem. Elaborating on the upcoming MENA office and the positive implications this entails for customers, Walid Lahoud, Head of Operations MENA, ATERMES, said, “Our regional HQ in Dubai will represent the beginning of a vibrant new era of robust relationships with those we serve. From partners we’ve accommodated for many years to organisations we’ve just begun working with and alongside, this facility will embody our forward-facing commitment to fostering even greater degrees of trust and transparency. Ultimately, it will empower us in our mission to provide more personalised support and expertise to customers – individually and collectively. With enhanced intimacy by bringing our operations closer to home, we’ve no doubt that we’ll succeed in ensuring that all receive the tailored solutions and unconditional duty of care that they need, expect, and deserve.”

With 35 years’ experience supporting local government agencies and military departments – including the UAE’s Ministries of Interiors and Defence – ISNR Abu Dhabi is set to be another monumental moment for ATERMES and its affiliation with the Middle East and North Africa. While announcing its regional expansion and ISNR Abu Dhabi involvement, the company also revealed that its latest innovation – SURICATE – will be officially unveiled at the annual showpiece, taking place from May 21-23 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

A groundbreaking moment for the surveillance technology realm, SURICATE is a cutting-edge integrated surveillance system that combines optronics, advanced embedded AI technology and edge computing– allowing for unparalleled edge computing. Designed to deliver unparalleled performance, SURICATE offers real-time monitoring capabilities with precision and efficiency, revolutionising surveillance solutions for a wide range of applications.

Commenting on ISRN Abu Dhabi and the launch of SURICATE, Pascal Rouvière, CEO of ATERMES, referred to the occasion as a groundbreaking moment for the surveillance technology realm. He said, “Introducing audiences, experts, and shareholders to SURICATE and sharing insights and information surrounding its capabilities will come to be remembered as a groundbreaking moment for all with a vested interest in availing the latest world-class surveillance technology. By seamlessly integrating optronics, AI, and edge computing, this solution will redefine real-time monitoring standards from the outset – complementing existing radar surveillance approach by providing unparalleled accuracy, efficiency, and security. This is why our involvement at this year’s edition will be our most defining yet.”

Amongst its many outstanding features and functions, SURICATE is an entirely new and unique solution for aircraft carrier, boat, drone, helicopter, pedestrian, and vehicle detection. Operational 24/7 with optimal visibility in all weather conditions, SURICATE excels in long-range detection with rapid identification and real-time alerts surrounding possible breaches, potential threats, unauthorised border crossings, and more. According to ATERMES, this significantly enhances the security of areas under surveillance and reduces response times to potential threats, making SURICATE an invaluable asset for protecting the areas where it is deployed.

Lionel Thomas, Chairman of ATERMES, credited the organisation’s personnel as vital to its development and completion, adding, “Our greatest asset at ATERMES is our people. With a team of highly skilled and dedicated professionals, we leverage our collective expertise and passion to drive innovation and excellence in everything we do. This has been the formula behind SURICATE’s transition from mere creative concept to a next-generation solution destined to deliver exponential value. The development of SURICATE necessitated offering AI workshops to empower our customers in addressing their security concerns and needs. This aligns perfectly with our organisational ethos of technological excellence and innovative spirit.”

SURICATE can be deployed as an optronic turret, which is simple and quick to install into existing security systems. It can also be offered as a complete solution, incorporating software tools for control and command, as well as an associated GIS/Communication platform. Its exceptional performance, ease of use, and resilience in extreme environmental conditions make it a reliable choice for a wide range of applications.

In KSA, Anomali is expanding its investment by establishing a wholly-owned subsidiary, reaffirming its commitment to fortify critical infrastructure and businesses against escalating cybersecurity risks. Dr. Rubaie, along with local executives and key partners, is hosting celebration events in Riyadh on April 29 and Dammam on April 30, engaging with stakeholders from various sectors, including oil and gas, banking, government, utilities and telecommunications.

Highlighting the significance of strategic partnerships in KSA, Anomali is collaborating with renowned companies such as StarLink and Cyberani. StarLink is a leading cybersecurity solutions provider in the region, offering innovative technologies and comprehensive services to businesses across various industries. Cyberani, backed by Saudi Aramco, is a pioneering digital solutions provider, specializing in cybersecurity and digital transformation services tailored to the unique needs of the Saudi market.

Speaking about the expansion in KSA, Dr. Rubaie emphasised the kingdom’s rapid technology adoption and the pressing need for advanced security measures. “Our continued investment in Saudi Arabia reflects our proactive approach to addressing evolving cybersecurity challenges and supporting the Kingdom’s digital agenda,” he said.

Both in the UAE and KSA, Anomali emphasises the importance of thinking differently in 2024, urging security leaders to pivot towards automation and advanced security analytics. With its innovative approach and cloud-native capabilities, Anomali aims to empower organizations to protect their businesses effectively while driving productivity and efficiency.

In the UAE, Anomali unveils its latest innovation designed to assist customers in deploying a differentiated multi-lingual Copilot, enhancing security analytics solutions with unprecedented speed, scale and performance while optimizing costs. Dr. Ahmed Rubaie, CEO of Anomali, is spearheading a “Be Different” roadshow, culminating in a celebration event in Dubai on May 1, in collaboration with strategic partner StarLink.

Dr. Rubaie said, “With the region’s geopolitical significance and rapid digitization, there’s an urgent need for advanced security measures. Anomali is excited to introduce a ‘different’ way of managing security operations, aligning with the UAE’s emphasis on innovation and productivity.”