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THE NEED FOR LAYERED DEFENSE

Published

10 years ago

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Updated : December 28, 2014 05:30  pm,
By R. Narayan

img53DDoS attacks are but one of the several threat fronts in the IT landscape and the vendors offering thee solutions have been pushed into the limelight with increased need for such critical solutions

As the IT network has several layers, the threat frontiers are multiple as well. It is no surprise then that IT Networks are under constant siege from ever-increasing, multi-vector attacks. These include the rising volume and complexity of advanced persistent threats (APT); DDoS attacks and other threats; along with the demands of emerging technology trends like Internet-of-Things and biometrics. So companies need to have a layered security architecture in place right from the edge to the core of their networks because one weak spot is good enough for the compromise to happen. Further, with cloud service adoption on the rise, there is a need to secure applications that Businesses may be hosting on the public cloud.

Among the several threat scenarios, DDoS (Distributed denial of Service) attacks are one of the several threat fronts in the IT landscape. Most DDoS attacks focus on targeting the transport and network layers (layer 3 and layer 4 of the OSI model) and are usually comprised of volumetric attacks by botnets that are groups of infected PCs that aim to exhaust the resources of the target machines. Malicious traffic can flood the network and drain its resources temporarily. These attacks disrupt Businesses but once removed, do not leave any permanent damage. The Layer-7 Application-layer DDoS attacks are more complicated. They are difficult attacks to mitigate against because they mimic human behavior as they interact with the user interface.

In a recent report entitled Q3 2014 State of the Internet-Security Report from Akamai Technologies, which features analyses and insights into cyber threats around the world, including DDoS attacks, the volume of DDoS attacks has shot up. There are an increasing number of attacks greater than 100 Gbps (gigabits-per-second) and these large attacks are using multiple DDoS vectors to deliver large bandwidth-consuming packets at an extremely high rate of speed. Further attackers have news methods and have refined the traditional methods.  The result is that the average DDoS attack bandwidth is on the rise every quarter.

Security vendors focusing on DDoS Mitigation solutions are now seeing better understanding of the threat scenario by Businesses in the region. These vendors are now seeking to enhance visibility and accelerate deployments of such solutions, through partners and through telcos.

Arbor Networks is a leading vendor in the DDoS space. The vendor believes the region is quite vulnerable to malicious attacks and therefore there is a need for better preparedness against such attacks which may include DDoS attacks. According to the vendor, while DDoS is not a new type of attack experienced by countries, governments and organizations, but is increasingly prevalent and evolving rapidly. In the past, certain verticals would be more susceptible to DDoS threats, with government, finance, gaming and e-commerce being at the top of the list. Today, however, any business or entity can be a target for any real or perceived threats.

“The region is becoming the focal point for hackers. There are many motivations including political and economic. This is helping awareness of Business continuity and how you can avoid the crisis in the first place,” says Mahmoud Samy, Regional Director, Arbor Networks, ME & CIS.

A10 networks is a leading vendor in the Application networking space. The vendor demonstrated its latest innovations in Distributed Denial of service (DDoS) Threat Protection Systems and high-performance, next-generation Application Delivery Controllers (ADCs) at the recently concluded edition of GITEX.

Glen Ogden, Regional Sales Director for the Middle East region at A10 Networks says, “Over the last few years, DDoS attacks have grown dramatically in frequency, size and complexity. Existing security strategies in place are not sufficient enough to address new breeds of DDoS attacks. It is clear that additional solutions are needed to complement existing security infrastructure in a layered defense model.”

According to Symantec Research, DNS based DDoS attacks is on the rise. In this kind of an attack, the attacker spoofs enquiries to domain name system (DNS) servers, hiding the source of the exploit and routing the response to the target. A small DNS query can be turned into a very significant volume of traffic that floods the target.

According to Infoblox, DDoS attacks are targeting DNS as a key vulnerability. Infoblox, the automated network control company, was an exhibitor at GITEX and showcased its latest DNS, DHCP, and IP Address Management (DDI), secure DNS and network automation technologies.

The company is working with its ISP customers and their enterprise customers to help them protect their DNS infrastructure and discuss the best ways to address these new DNS-centric DDoS attacks.

Cherif Sleiman, General Manager, Middle East at Infoblox says, “If your DNS infrastructure isn’t designed or configured properly, you could be either a victim or an accomplice to a DNS DDoS attack. In the past 15 years, we have seen attack vectors move from the Desktop to Network and to the Application layer.   In the past 18 months, DNS has become the latest target where it has become the second highest attack vector on the Internet slightly behind HTTP attacks.  In fact DNS is projected to surpass HTTP to become the number one attack vector within the next 12 months.”

He adds, “With Arbor networks, we have a joint architecture wherein, we can integrate solutions to tackle most of the threats in the DDOS space. We know that Arbor does a great job when it comes to volumetric attacks. Infoblox are the experts when it comes to DNS security. So integrating our solutions together providers a more holistic solution.

The economic damage of DDoS attacks can be quite significant. Arbor Networks’ WISR report found that on average, organizations faced 1-10 attacks per month meaning their ARO (Annual Rate of Occurrence) could be anything between 12 to 120 incidents. An internet services provider could according to the WISR report form Arbor Network face at least 12 DDoS attacks a year. According to industry research, the average cost of a DDoS attack outage is in the neighborhood of $1 million. The ALE (Annual Loss Expectancy) for such an organization therefore is an imposing $12 million.

Arbor offers a range of products and services to counter the DDoS threat scenario. Arbor Cloud-DDos protection service lets you offer best-in-class DDoS defense from the customer premise to the cloud. The on-premise solution provides always-on protection against application layer attacks. The could-based solution protects against large volumetric attacks. Arbor’s cloud signaling intelligently links both environments together. Meanwhile, attack mitigation is provided by Arbor’s experienced attack specialists.

It also has ATLAS, a globally scoped threat analysis network portal that displays host/port scanning activity, zero-day exploits/worm propagation, security events, vulnerability disclosures and dynamic botnet/phishing infrastructures. It provides actionable intelligence to Arbor customers about their network security. Arbor’s ATLAS threat monitoring infrastructure collects data from over 300 service providers as well as other internet operators, totaling an astounding 90 Tbps of global traffic intelligence.

“We have a worldwide network called Atlas. This consists of our response team and installed base of customers worldwide. We have more than 905 of tier 1 and tier 2 companies over the years as our customers. We trace threats worldwide and provides alerts,” says Mahmoud.

He adds, “We work with operators who are our partners to educate their customers so that they are aware before the problems arise. We work with the majority of telcos here- Etisalat, Oredoo, STC etc who are our customers. We would also be working with Etisalat as a managed service to their customers.”

To mitigate DDoS attacks, A10 Network offer the Thunder TPS (threat Protection System) that protects against multiple classes of attack vectors, including volumetric, protocol, resource and advanced application-layer attacks, which are detected and mitigated to prevent a service from becoming unavailable.

“Attacks are not only occurring more frequently, but with greater volumes and increased sophistication. Thunder TPS provides sophisticated, high-performance features to mitigate the largest and most complex DDoS attacks while optimizing rack space and power consumption, ensuring that data center resources are used efficiently and effectively,” says Glen.

A10’s Thunder TPS product line of Threat Protection Systems provides high-performance, network-wide protection against distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, and enables service availability against a variety of volumetric, protocol, resource and other sophisticated application attacks.

With DDoS mitigation capacity ranging from 10 to 155 Gbps, (and up to 1.2 Tbps in a cluster), Thunder TPS ensures that the largest DDoS attacks can be handled effectively.

Glen adds, “What is unique is our ability to deliver smallest form factor platform- such as a 1 rack unit capable of delivering up to 155 Gbps. Because of its scalability, we can deliver a no license model. Everybody else in our line of Business have a licensing model – every functionality to be switched on requires a separate license and a support uplift.”

The Trinzic Network Services and Management family of products from Infoblox enables companies to manage, control, and optimize DNS, DHCP, and other services. End of last year, Infoblox also launched Advanced DNS Protection solution, the first Domain Name System (DNS) appliance with integrated defenses against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, cache poisoning, malformed queries, tunneling and other DNS security threats. By building defense directly into a fortified DNS server, the Infoblox solution can deliver protection that is stronger, more intelligent and more comprehensive than what is possible today with separate external security solutions.

“Security of DNS infrastructure should be a top priority for organizations in the Middle East, but unfortunately statistics show that DNS servers and zone data are often neglected, which leave enterprises vulnerable to attacks. These attacks go well beyond DNS DDoS. There are multitudes of different attack vectors, which most DNS servers cannot detect or protect against. The Advanced DNS Protection solution from Infoblox offers intelligent defense against the widest variety of attack types—not just volumetric attacks—to ensure secure, resilient, and trustworthy DNS services,” says Sleiman.

These are some of the companies that are trailblazers in their domains, niches in the past but now very much in the foreground as the awareness of the need for multi-layered network security drives customer demand. And since DDoS and DNS attacks should be dealt with as part of an overall security strategy, the partners of these companies in the channel have a key role to play as well in educating and consulting their customer in deployments of the right solutions.

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Features

Redefining Real Estate: The Rise of Wellness-Centric Spaces

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1 week ago

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March 14, 2025

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By Mark Phoenix – CEO of Sankari

The way we think about real estate is evolving, and at the heart of this change is a renewed focus on wellness. As we become more aware of the profound impact our living environments have on our health and well-being, it’s clear that real estate must go beyond aesthetics and luxury—it must support a lifestyle of vitality and longevity. To me, true luxury is no longer defined solely by opulence but by spaces that promote health, balance, and connection.

The demand for wellness-oriented spaces is growing rapidly, and real estate developers must rise to meet it. Today’s buyers are looking for more than just high-end finishes and exclusive locations—they want environments that enhance their well-being. Integrating wellness features such as fitness centers, yoga studios, meditation areas, and holistic health services is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. These spaces don’t just add value to a property; they create communities that create physical health, mental clarity, and social engagement.

Wellness-centric design is about more than just adding amenities—it’s about creating environments that encourage movement, relaxation, and human connection. By prioritizing well-being in real estate, developers can offer residents a lifestyle that aligns with modern values and aspirations. These spaces cultivate a sense of belonging, allowing people to come together in ways that enrich their lives beyond the walls of their homes.

Beyond individual benefits, wellness-focused communities have a lasting impact on society. As more people seek out homes that support their health, the real estate industry has an opportunity to lead this cultural shift. Developments that incorporate sustainable materials, biophilic design, and eco-friendly building practices not only benefit residents but also contribute to a healthier planet.

In the ultra-luxury segment, this focus on wellness is especially meaningful. The most sought-after properties are no longer just about extravagance—they are about creating a sanctuary where people can rejuvenate both physically and mentally. True luxury lies in thoughtful, health-driven design that enhances everyday life in meaningful ways.

Designing for wellness also means partnering with visionary architects and designers who understand the importance of both form and function. In regions with challenging climates, for example, innovative solutions can help reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort and efficiency. Securing sustainability certifications like LEED further reinforces a commitment to responsible development and aligns with the global movement toward eco-conscious living.

For me, integrating wellness into real estate is more than just a trend—it’s a deeply personal mission and a strategic imperative. The places we live should do more than just shelter us; they should actively contribute to our health and happiness. By embedding wellness into the very foundation of luxury real estate, we’re not just shaping beautiful spaces—we’re shaping better lives.

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Features

We are bringing tradition to every table in just five minutes

Published

1 month ago

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February 20, 2025

By

Kerala breakfast

Exclusive Interview with Ashvin Subramanyam, CEO International Business, Orkla India

In this exclusive interview, Ashvin Subramanyam, CEO of International Business at Orkla India, shares insights on the brand’s participation at Gulfood 2025 and its mission to blend tradition with innovation in the Middle East. With the launch of Eastern’s 5-Minute Breakfast range and a refreshed Arabic spice portfolio, Orkla IMEA is redefining convenience without compromising on authenticity.

What can we expect from Orkla IMEA’s presence at Gulfood 2025, and how significant is this event for your brand’s growth in the region?

At Gulfood 2025, Orkla IMEA, subsidiary of Orkla India, is set to make a strong impact by unveiling the Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range, designed to bring the authentic flavors of Kerala to the fast-growing ready-to-cook market in the Middle East. In addition, visitors can expect a refreshed Arabic spice portfolio, reflecting Orkla India’s continued commitment to catering to the diverse culinary preferences of the region.

Gulfood is a key platform for us as it enables us to showcase our latest innovations to a global audience, including retailers, distributors, and food industry leaders. The Middle East is a strategic market for our expansion. By blending tradition with convenience, our goal through this event is to become a household name across diverse communities in the region, reinforcing our commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation in packaged foods.

How does Gulfood help Orkla IMEA connect with new markets, consumers, and industry partners, particularly in the Middle East?

Gulfood serves as a vital gateway for Orkla India to connect with new markets, consumers, and industry partners through its subsidiary Orkla IMEA in the Middle East. As one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade exhibitions, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with key stakeholders, including retailers, distributors, and hospitality businesses, facilitating strategic partnerships and market expansion.

For Orkla India, this event is instrumental in understanding regional consumer trends, preferences, and evolving dietary habits, particularly in the fast-growing packaged food sector. The launch of the Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range and refreshed Arabic spice portfolio at Gulfood allows us to showcase our innovation in convenience-driven yet authentic culinary solutions.

By participating in Gulfood, we strengthen our brand presence, foster collaborations with regional partners, and position ourselves as a trusted name in ethnic and mainstream food categories. It’s a key milestone in our vision to become a household name in the Middle East.

Eastern is set to unveil its preservative-free quick South Indian 5-Minute Breakfast range. What was the inspiration behind this concept?

The Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range was inspired by the growing need for convenient, time-saving meal solutions that do not compromise on authentic taste and quality. South Indian breakfasts, particularly Kerala’s traditional dishes, are deeply rooted in culture, requiring significant time and effort to prepare. However, with modern lifestyles becoming increasingly fast-paced, many consumers struggle to recreate these meals from scratch.

Recognizing this shift, Eastern set out to bridge the gap between tradition and convenience by crafting a range that retains the authentic flavours and textures of Kerala’s most-loved breakfasts while eliminating the long preparation time. The preservative-free formula ensures that consumers enjoy fresh, wholesome meals made from high-quality ingredients in just three easy steps, ready in five minutes.

With this innovation, Eastern empowers busy professionals, young families, and expatriates to stay connected to their culinary heritage without compromising on their schedules, making traditional breakfast accessible anytime, anywhere in just 5 minutes.

Can you give us an insight into the development process behind this 5-Minute Breakfast range, especially in maintaining authentic South Indian flavors without preservatives?

The development process for our 5-Minute Breakfast range began with a deep understanding of our consumers’ evolving lifestyles and their desire for authentic Kerala-style breakfasts that eliminate a lengthy preparation process. We identified a unique need-gap: while traditional dishes like Puttu, Appam, and Idiyappam are much-loved, the time and effort they require can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world.

Our journey involved benchmarking these dishes to the traditional methods used by homemakers, capturing the essence of how an amma would prepare them at home. This set the standard for the flavor profiles we aimed to achieve. The challenge was to replicate the authentic taste and texture while ensuring our products were preservative-free.

Our R&D team worked tirelessly, conducting extensive trials to balance authenticity and convenience. Through our innovation center we crafted recipes that retain the goodness of traditional Kerala breakfasts while being ready in just five minutes. With this range, Eastern redefines breakfast convenience, allowing families to savor the true flavors of Kerala in a fraction of time.

With over one million Keralites in the UAE, how does Eastern plan to cater to both the traditional tastes of this community and the broader multicultural audience?

With almost two million Keralites in the UAE, Eastern understands the deep emotional and cultural connection this community has with its traditional cuisine. The Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range is designed to preserve the authentic flavours of Kerala while offering a convenient solution for modern lifestyles. By using high-quality ingredients and a preservative-free formula, the range ensures that the taste and texture remain true to tradition, making it an ideal choice for Malayalees longing for home-cooked meals.

While there are other instant and ready-to-eat options in the market, Eastern’s range stands out by offering dishes like Puttu and Palappam, which traditionally require culinary expertise and time-consuming preparation. These dishes are not widely available in the quick- convenience food category.

At the same time, Eastern is expanding its reach to a broader multicultural audience by showcasing South Indian cuisine as a flavourful, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare option for all. The simplicity of the 3 Easy Steps preparation makes these dishes accessible to non-South Indian consumers who are eager to explore new flavours. Through strategic retail partnerships, digital outreach and and aggressive in-store sampling, Eastern aims to introduce and establish South Indian breakfast as a preferred choice for consumers in this region.

What’s one thing about Orkla IMEA that people might not know but should?

While Orkla IMEA was incorporated recently, we have been in the region for over 25 years now, through our brand Eastern.

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Features

2025 Hospitality Tech Trends

Published

1 month ago

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February 12, 2025

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By Prince Thampi, Founder and CEO, Hudini

As we approach 2025, the hospitality industry is poised for transformational growth, driven by evolving traveller preferences and advancements in technology. The future of hospitality promises enhanced convenience, personalisation and sustainability, with a significant focus on creating memorable experiences for guests. Let’s dive into five key trends that will shape the hospitality tech landscape in 2025 and beyond.

  1. The Continued Rise of Frictionless Technology

The increased demand for frictionless experiences is set to dominate the industry, with more and more travellers preferring hotels that offer touch-free check-in, check-out, and room access via mobile apps. This trend reflects a broader shift towards easy interactions powered by seamless digital integration. Mobile apps have been an essential tool for a few years now, enabling guests to manage their stays, order room service, and access hotel information effortlessly. With the introduction of Gen AI, those apps have become more powerful than ever and are now able to provide highly personalised recommendations and speak in different languages.

Hotels embracing this trend will gain a competitive edge, as tech-savvy travellers prioritise convenience and efficiency during their stay. According to a recent survey by Deloitte, around 72% of travellers are more likely to choose a hotel that offers mobile check-in and check-out services over those that don’t.

  • Hyper Personalised Guest Experiences

In 2025, personalisation will continue to be at the core of hospitality services but will finally be taken to the next level thanks to Gen AI. Guests expect hotels to anticipate their needs and offer tailored experiences, from customised room settings to personalised dining recommendations. Apps powered by AI are now able to predict guest needs based on a wealth of data, ingested from the hotel systems or fed externally.

Leveraging guest data and insights, hotels can create unique offerings that cater to individual preferences. This level of personalisation not only enhances guest satisfaction but also fosters loyalty and repeat bookings. According to Oracle’s findings, biometrics and AI are set to play pivotal roles, with 62% of guests valuing automated recognition for personalised interactions. Biometrics will experience a breakthrough into mainstream hospitality in 2025. Facial recognition technology has matured significantly and is ready to be weaved into the guest experience. It will enable better security and guest recognition while protecting their privacy at the same time.

  • AI-Enabled Customer Service

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising every aspect of the hospitality industry, but will be by itself a new way of providing customer service. Chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming standard tools for handling common queries, offering instant support, and streamlining operations at any time and in any language.

AI-driven solutions not only enhance efficiency but also provide guests with 24/7 assistance, ensuring a smoother and more satisfying experience. By integrating AI technologies, hotels can free up staff to focus on delivering exceptional in-person service.

  • Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

Sustainability is no longer optional, it’s a necessity often enforced by regulation. Travellers are increasingly favouring hotels that adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using locally sourced food, implementing energy-efficient operations, and reducing waste.

By prioritising sustainability, hotels not only meet guest expectations but also contribute positively to the environment. This commitment to green initiatives enhances brand reputation and attracts environmentally conscious travellers. A recent survey by Booking.com found that 83% of global respondents believe more sustainable travel is vital, with 49% believing there aren’t enough sustainable travel options and 53% saying they get annoyed when a hotel prevents them from being sustainable.

Smart use of technology is key in the sustainability journey of hotels. Technology can accurately measure the reduction in carbon footprint, it will help reduce energy and adopt renewable energy sources, and will enable the effective management of food waste. Many hospitality apps allow guests to apply green energy settings to a room, some will even exchange your energy savings to loyalty points.

  • The return of ‘real’

With Gen Z – the first generation grown up with everything digital – becoming the next large group to travel, the craving for ‘real’ experiences is bigger than it ever was. Hotels focusing on truly unique and hyper local experiences; a great meal, cultural outing, or wellness treatment will win the hearts of this generation.

Fortunately hotel apps, AI, automation of processes, sustainability tech and the removal of cumbersome processes like checking-in and studying paper manuals will free up hotel staff to allow them to do what they do best: providing unforgettable, personalised and sustainable experiences.

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