Tech Interviews

Strengthening Cyber Defenses in the UAE

Published

12 months ago

September 23, 2024

In an interview with Integrator Media, Naji Salama, CEO at IT Max Global discusses the UAE’s strategic investment in data security, which is set to reach $1.8 billion in 2024, a significant 15% increase from the previous year. The discussion highlights the critical drivers of this growth, including heightened cyber threat awareness, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the ongoing digital transformation across industries. She also sheds light on the substantial financial impact of cybercrime in the region, revealing losses estimated at $1.4 billion annually. Naji delves into prevalent fraudulent schemes targeting financial document handlers and emphasize the importance of integrating AI and machine learning to mitigate cyber risks.

With data security being a global issue and concern, what do you think is the value of UAE spending on data security in 2024 and how does this compare from last year (2023)?

There is a much stronger focus on data security spending here in the UAE. Projections show the UAE will reach around US$1.8 Billion dedicated to data security in 2024. That is a significant jump, with a growth rate of about 15% compared to last year.

There are a few key drivers behind this increase. First, there’s a heightened awareness of cyber threats. Businesses are more aware than ever of the potential damage cyberattacks can cause. Regulatory requirements are also playing a role,with stricter data protection laws coming into effect. And finally, don’t forget the ongoing digital transformation across many sectors. As companies move more of their operations online, the need for robust data security becomes even more critical.

The increase in data security spending reflects a strong commitment from UAE Government and businesses to safeguarding their digital assets. It is a positive trend, and it shows that companies are taking the cyber threat seriously.

What is the value of cybercrime losses suffered by companies in the UAE every year?

Unfortunately, it is difficult to pinpoint an exact figure. There are so many factors at play, and many cyber incidents go unreported. However, based on industry reports, estimates suggest cybercrime losses could be in the billions of dirhams annually. One recent estimate we’ve seen is US$1.4 billion. This highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.

What are the most prominent fraudulent schemes targeting UAE employees dealing with financial documents?

In the UAE, we find that employees dealing with financial documents are increasingly targeted by sophisticated phishing and Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes. Phishing is a deceptive practice where attackers impersonate legitimate entities. Business Email Compromise (BEC) is when cybercriminals fake (spoof) an email’s sender address to pose as executives or trusted partners, instructing employees to transfer funds or share confidential data. One recent case we have had to deal with was for a large enterprise where cybercriminals posing as the CEO had managed to get someone in finance to wire north of 500,000 AEDs to their account. We’ve also noticed that ransomware attacks have become more prevalent, where malicious actors encrypt crucial financial documents and demand a ransom for their release. On top of the robust security countermeasures provided to our customers, we also provide interactive security training for personnels. We believe that educating employees about these schemes is essential in mitigating these risks.

What are the best directions of data insurance services in UAE 2024?

Data insurance is certainly evolving rapidly, and we are seeing some exciting developments here in the UAE. One of the key areas I see is a move towards more comprehensive coverage. In the past, data insurance might have just focused on data breach notification. But today’s businesses need protection from a wider range of threats. We’re talking ransomware attacks, business disruptions due to cyber incidents, and even privacy violations. The best data insurance products will offer that broader shield.

Integration with cybersecurity solutions is a critical trend in data insurance. Direct links between data insurance and security infrastructures can offer discounts for strong security or bundled services, boosting cybersecurity resilience. With the rise of cloud computing, data insurance must adapt to address unique cloud security challenges. As the market matures, expect more standardized policies, increasing transparency and consistency. These trends make data insurance more valuable and relevant.

How are AI and machine learning technologies integrated into the tech companies’ environment to reduce cybercrime?

AI and machine learning are becoming game-changers in cybersecurity. For example, these technologies allow the security experts at IT Max to analyze vast amounts of data – such as security, hardware or network logs – in real-time, helping to identify suspicious activity and potential breaches much faster. They can also be used to develop adaptive security systems that can learn and adjust to new threats as they emerge. Additionally, AI can automate many routine security tasks, freeing up IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives and incident response.

In short, I would say AI has allowed companies and security providers like IT Max mount much more proactive and adaptive defenses against cybercrime.

What are the most significant weaknesses of enterprises and companies causing increased cyberattacks?

There are a few key areas. One is unpatched vulnerabilities. If companies do not keep their software and systems updated with the latest security patches, they are leaving gaping holes for attackers to exploit. This is why “patch management” is one of our core managed security services, where we handle this on behalf of our clients as seamlessly as can be. Another big issue is weak password management. Employees often reuse weak passwords across multiple accounts, making them easy targets for brute-force attacks and/or leaks over the dark web or other channels used by malicious actors.

Some companies, more often the smaller ones or the ones without a dedicated cybersecurity team, simply don’t have adequate security measures in the first place. This could mean lacking firewalls, intrusion detection systems, or other essential security controls. That’s why it is crucial for such entities to partner with a managed security provider such as IT Max.

Larger enterprises face unique threats, with numerous entry points for attackers. Inadequate segmentation in complex IT infrastructures enables lateral movement within networks. The biggest challenge is a lack of awareness, as data breaches often stem from human error or exploitation. Untrained employees can fall prey to malicious links or inadvertently share sensitive information, highlighting the necessity of investing in cybersecurity education.

Tech Interviews

Riverbed Launches AI-Powered Intelligent Network Observability Solutions

Published

1 month ago

August 7, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

By Riverbed Communications Team

Riverbed, a global leader in AIOps for observability, has launched its latest AI-driven network observability tools. These new solutions help IT teams proactively detect and resolve issues faster. As a result, organizations gain improved visibility, quicker remediation, and lower operational costs across hybrid environments.

Why Riverbed Network Observability Stands Out

Modern enterprise networks are becoming more complex. To meet this challenge, Riverbed’s latest tools provide real-time, AI-powered insights. The release includes the xx90 appliance series for AppResponse, NetProfiler, and Flow Gateway. These systems offer up to 3x more performance than previous models.

In addition, Riverbed now offers these tools through Flex Subscription. This flexible model supports deployments across physical, virtual, and cloud infrastructure. It also improves cost predictability and maximizes IT value.

Riverbed IQ Essentials: Remediation at Speed

As part of this launch, Riverbed is introducing the Intelligent Network Observability Essentials bundle — a curated set of tools designed to surface root causes faster and enable proactive remediation.

Included in the bundle:

–Riverbed IQ: A SaaS-based AI engine that pinpoints network issues without additional infrastructure.
–Role-Based Workspaces: Unified dashboards that deliver context-rich packet, flow, and endpoint visibility.
–Grafana Plug-In: Integration for users who want to visualize Riverbed metrics directly within existing Grafana dashboards.
–Topology Viewer: A dynamic visual map that correlates network topologies with application and user performance.

This bundle supports faster triage and deeper insight across distributed and hybrid networks, making it easier for IT teams to operate efficiently at scale.

Flexibility Meets Simplicity with Riverbed Flex

Today’s enterprises require technology investments that adapt to evolving business needs. Riverbed Flex delivers that flexibility with:

-License portability across hardware, virtual, and cloud deployments
-Predictable operating costs through OPEX-based pricing
-Future-ready architecture that eliminates the need to re-purchase software during transitions

By decoupling software from infrastructure, Flex allows businesses to realign observability investments with growth, resilience, and innovation goals — without compromising on value.

High-Performance Architecture, Built to Scale

To match the performance requirements of modern networks, Riverbed has engineered its new xx90 series appliances to support uncompromised throughput for both packet and flow-based observability. Whether deployed for AppResponse or NetProfiler, these appliances deliver high-volume capture and analysis — with sustained packet capture at over 50 Gbps and modular storage scaling beyond 2.4 PB.

New updates also include:

-Real-time triage of encrypted IPSec ESP traffic
-Support for cipher hygiene and globally distributed environments
-3x faster reporting and 2x greater flow throughput
-Dynamic flow load balancing and full support for SD-WAN environments

Together, these capabilities give organizations full-fidelity data visibility — essential for delivering seamless digital experiences.

Delivering Value and Efficiency at Every Layer

Dave Donatelli, CEO of Riverbed, highlighted the strategic vision behind this major release:

“With our next-gen xx90 systems and software advancements, we’re giving customers dramatically higher performance and unmatched efficiency. Riverbed IQ is powering smarter observability with AI insights, while Flex simplifies deployment and protects long-term investments.”

This sentiment reflects Riverbed’s ongoing commitment to reducing tool sprawl, simplifying network management, and empowering IT teams with AI-enhanced capabilities that drive efficiency at scale.

A Foundation for the Future of Observability

As digital demands continue to rise, Riverbed’s intelligent network observability solutions are positioned to help organizations adapt, scale, and thrive. By integrating hardware innovation with AIOps automation, and offering a modern licensing model, Riverbed delivers a platform that meets enterprise needs today — and evolves with them tomorrow.

Whether it’s accelerating incident response, maintaining user experience, or optimizing hybrid cloud performance, Riverbed’s latest release proves that observability isn’t just about monitoring — it’s about enabling smarter business decisions.

Make sure to check out the recent edition Digital Magazine Technology – The Integrator

Tech Interviews

Local by Design: The Untold Advantage Behind the Middle East’s Most Trusted Platforms

Published

1 month ago

August 5, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Arab tech executive presenting ride-hailing data in a Dubai office

By Khaled Nuseibeh, CEO of Hala

In today’s digital world, global platforms often dominate headlines. Yet in the Middle East, a different success story is unfolding—one led by home-grown innovation. Local platforms in the Middle East aren’t trying to catch up. They’re rewriting the playbook.

The Rise of Local Digital Platforms in the Middle East

Platforms rooted in their own communities see what others miss. They understand the silent signals of everyday life—the way people move, pray, celebrate, and adapt to seasons.

Taxi demand, for instance, spikes after Friday prayers, not just during morning rush. Families shift their travel patterns during Ramadan. During the scorching summer, shaded areas and malls become primary destinations. You won’t find these insights on a global dashboard—they come from living them.

Built-In Context: Why Localisation Wins

Being close to the ground gives local platforms a major edge. In a city like Dubai, it makes a difference whether you’re navigating Deira’s tight alleys or Downtown’s wide streets.

At Hala, we designed our model around this insight. Our “location snapping” project improved over 60,000 pickup and drop-off points—faster routing, fewer errors, and better experiences for both riders and captains.

Operational Excellence Through Cultural Intelligence

We don’t wait for problems to escalate. Our team spotted supply gaps caused by standardised captain shift times. So, we adjusted schedules to better match demand during peak periods—without compromising captain wellbeing.

Because we operate locally, we can act quickly. We don’t need to wait for head office approvals across time zones. We just fix what needs fixing.

Aligning with UAE Policies and National Vision

The value of localisation goes far beyond convenience. Increasingly, it aligns with national priorities. The UAE’s commitment to smart cities, sustainability, and economic diversification offers a clear framework for innovation—and regional players are best positioned to deliver on that.

For instance, just last month, Dubai launched a new initiative to award more government contracts to domestic manufacturers. The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology also partnered with major retailers to boost visibility for locally produced goods.

These policies reflect a deeper truth: sustainable progress must be built from within. At Hala, founded as a public-private partnership between the RTA and Careem, this philosophy isn’t just a talking point—it’s how we operate.

Community-First Tech: A Blueprint for Scalable Growth

Trust is earned in the street—through consistency, reliability, and cultural relevance. That’s why both Hala and Careem Plus have kept support operations in-country, tailored our features to reflect the needs of UAE residents, and continually invested in tech that reflects local behaviours.

When localisation is built into your business model—not added as an afterthought—you can adapt faster, deliver more impact, and align seamlessly with both policy and community expectations.

Whether it’s refining geo-location accuracy, rethinking shift schedules, or rolling out financial services that matter to users here, local digital platforms in the Middle East are shaping a new era of tech leadership.

The Path Forward: Growth Built on Relevance

This region is young, mobile-first, and ambitious. People here aren’t just looking for functionality—they want platforms that reflect their identity, speak their language, and understand their context.

And increasingly, localisation isn’t a limitation on scale—it’s the blueprint for sustainable growth. The Middle East is not a monolith, and its cities are not interchangeable. Platforms that understand this will not only serve their markets better—they will lead them.

Read how Globant uses tech to drive sustainability in business

Tech Interviews

Why TWO99 is Rethinking Cloud Marketing with Compliance, Data, and Agility

Published

3 months ago

June 11, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

How does TWO 99 ensure its Cloud Security Solution remain compliant with evolving international data privacy laws like GDPR and HIPAA?

Two99’s cloud-native security solutions—including CNAPP, CWPP, and CSPM—are engineered to align with evolving international data privacy regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA through a proactive, multi-layered compliance framework. Our platforms integrate automated policy enforcement and real-time security posture monitoring to enable rapid detection and remediation of compliance deviations.

As an ISO 27001:2022 certified organization, we maintain a robust Information Security Management System (ISMS) that embeds data protection, risk assessments, and regular audits into our core operations. In parallel, our ISO 9001:2015 certification underscores our commitment to rigorous quality management processes, allowing agile adaptation to global regulatory shifts.

Our compliance team continuously monitors international privacy standards, translating insights into operational controls and product enhancements. We enforce stringent data storage protocols, including encryption of data at rest and in transit using advanced cryptographic methods, along with secure key management and policy-driven data retention and deletion.

Regular internal evaluations and third-party audits further validate our security posture, ensuring that Two99’s offerings not only meet but consistently exceed global data protection standards.

Given your background with WPP and GroupM, how has your approach to digital transformation changed since founding TWO 99?

My experience with WPP and GroupM provided invaluable insights into how large-scale organizations operate—especially in terms of process, structure, and scalability. However, founding TWO99 marked a deliberate shift toward a more agile, innovation-driven approach to digital transformation. At TWO99, we focus on vertical-agnostic scalability, bringing together technology, creativity, and performance under a unified, adaptable framework.

Unlike traditional holding companies that often operate within rigid silos, our model emphasizes speed, flexibility, and integration. We’ve built an ecosystem that allows us to pivot quickly, test rapidly, and deploy solutions that are customized to the dynamic needs of each client. This is especially critical in emerging markets like India, where consumer behaviors and platform trends evolve at breakneck speed.

Our approach moves away from isolated service offerings and instead delivers end-to-end growth strategies—from brand storytelling to performance marketing—under one roof. This integrated engine not only accelerates ROI but also empowers clients to scale more efficiently across diverse industries and geographies.

Ultimately, digital transformation at TWO99 is not about adopting new tools; it’s about building a mindset of experimentation, collaboration, and continual evolution—something that’s only possible when tech, creative, and media are not just coexisting, but co-creating.

You speak a lot about growth marketing—what’s one underused strategy or tool you believe more startups should adopt?

One of the most underutilized yet high-impact strategies in growth marketing today is predictive audience modeling—specifically using first-party data to anticipate user behavior before a customer even shows active intent. In the rush to acquire users, many startups focus heavily on performance spend and surface-level targeting, often missing the opportunity to build smarter, more efficient pipelines through data-driven foresight.

By leveraging tools like AI-powered lookalike modeling or Google’s AutoML, companies can identify emerging patterns and preemptively segment high-intent audiences. These platforms analyze behavioral signals—ranging from product interactions and website heatmaps to backend signals like GitHub commits or CRM workflows—to spot trends that traditional analytics would miss.

At TWO99, we’ve seen transformative results with this approach. For instance, by layering multiple intent signals (e.g., developer activity, trial-to-paid movement, sales pipeline stages) and combining them with Dynamic Creative Optimization (DCO), we helped a SaaS client reduce their Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) by over 30%. This wasn’t just about targeting more people—it was about targeting the right people, at the right time, with the right message.

Startups that embrace predictive modeling early in their growth journey can shift from reactive marketing to proactive growth engineering, ultimately driving better ROI, faster time to conversion, and more sustainable customer relationships.

At TWO 99, how do you balance creative innovation with data-driven performance when leading campaigns for tech and cloud-based clients?

At TWO99, we treat data as the creative brief—a philosophy that helps us seamlessly bridge creative storytelling with performance marketing, especially for tech and cloud-based clients. Rather than starting with assumptions or generic messaging, we begin with behavioral analytics and first-party data to uncover real pain points, usage patterns, and moments of friction within the user journey.

This insight-driven approach allows us to craft narratives that aren’t just imaginative, but deeply relevant and conversion-focused. For example, if product analytics show a drop-off at the integration stage, our creative strategy might revolve around simplifying technical complexity or highlighting seamless onboarding. In this way, the campaign’s message is directly informed by what users are experiencing, not just what the brand wants to say.

We also continuously A/B test creative iterations—from copy to visual formats—to fine-tune performance in real time. For tech and cloud clients, where the buyer journey is often complex and multi-touch, this balance of data and creativity ensures that each piece of content not only captures attention but drives measurable outcomes like engagement, sign-ups, or qualified leads.

In short, we don’t see data and creativity as separate tracks. At TWO99, one fuels the other—creating high-performance campaigns that are not only intelligent but emotionally resonant.