GISEC
Fortinet Turns its Focus on SASE, Secure Networking, Operational Technology, and Cloud Security
Alain Penel, the Vice President for Middle East, Turkey, and CIS at Fortinet, says there is currently a global cybersecurity skills shortage of 3.4 million people
Tell us about the cybersecurity trends for 2024.
While cybercriminals will always rely on tried-and-true tactics to achieve a quick payday, today’s attackers now have a growing number of tools available to them to assist with attack execution. As cybercrime evolves, we anticipate seeing several fresh trends emerge in 2024 and beyond.
The “classics” aren’t going away—instead, they’re evolving and advancing as attackers gain access to new resources. For example, when it comes to advanced persistent cybercrime, we anticipate more activity among a growing number of advanced persistent threat (APT) groups. In addition to the evolution of APT operations, we predict that cybercrime groups, in general, will diversify their targets and playbooks, focusing on more sophisticated and disruptive attacks, and setting their sights on denial of service and extortion.
Cybercrime “turf wars” will continue, with multiple attack groups homing in on the same targets and deploying ransomware variants, often within 24 hours or less. And let’s not forget about the evolution of generative AI. This weaponisation of AI is adding fuel to an already raging fire, giving attackers an easy means of enhancing many stages of their attacks. As we’ve predicted in the past, we’re seeing cybercriminals increasingly use AI to support malicious activities in new ways, ranging from thwarting the detection of social engineering to mimicking human behaviour.
Which products and solutions will you be showcasing at GISEC 2024?
At the show, we’ll be showcasing an array of advanced cybersecurity solutions and innovations such as SASE, Secure Networking, Operational Technology, Cloud Security and AI technologies. We’ll be there to support organisations of all sizes and across all industries in the Middle East, whatever their cybersecurity needs. We hope to meet like-minded companies and individuals in the pursuit of realising the region’s full potential by leveraging technology, security, and transformation. At the Fortinet stand (A100, Hall 5) our specialists will be able to engage with attendees and discuss individualised security solutions based on their specific needs. We look forward to welcoming everyone.
How are you equipped to help companies overcome digital security and privacy challenges?
Digital technology will continue transforming our society, with new questions about online safety, privacy, and the security of our networks frequently emerging along the way. At Fortinet, we offer our customers the advantages of using a single-platform cybersecurity solution, including greater automation, more integration, additional efficiencies, and faster processing times, via the Fortinet Security Fabric.
This approach is vital for effectively protecting today’s networks and protecting the entire digital attack surface. While new point products will inevitably be invented to address new risks and opportunities, operating a disparate collection of best-of-breed technologies without any move toward convergence isn’t sustainable. As networks grow increasingly complex and the threat landscape intensifies, AI and automation also play a critical role in augmenting daily security operations.
Fortinet has been at the forefront of AI and machine learning innovation for years. Incorporating AI into our Security Fabric, Fortinet’s response centres on an integrated approach, leveraging AI-driven technologies for proactive threat detection and response. One of our first AI-powered use cases was the virtual FortiGuard threat analyst. It can address threats in real-time while delivering coordinated protection, updating defensive signatures across the Fabric every time a new threat is identified.
Is there a skills gap in the cybersecurity industry? What needs to be done to bridge that gap?
According to recent research, there is currently a global cybersecurity skills shortage of 3.4 million people, which means that more and more organisations are fighting an uphill battle in the fight against cyberattacks. The Fortinet Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report 2023 also found that 84% of enterprises experienced one or more breaches in the past 12 months. While numerous factors are likely to contribute to this increase in breaches, more than two-thirds of business leaders (68%) agree that unfilled IT and security positions pose a security risk to their organisations.
In collaboration with organisations that span industry, academia, government, and nonprofits, Fortinet is creating more opportunities for organisations to find more qualified diverse cybersecurity talent, and helping individuals from more diverse groups obtain the skill sets needed to grow or start a cyber career. These initiatives are essential to our industry, particularly as organisations of all shapes and sizes struggle to recruit and retain talent to fill critical roles.
Organisations should also look at ways to upskill current staff through initiatives such as the Fortinet Training Institute, which is committed to developing experts in the field of cybersecurity through training and certification programs for customers, partners, and employees, as well as through academic and education outreach partnership programs around the world. Supported by Fortinet’s strong network, the Training Institute has issued over 1.5 million certifications to date.
Cyber Security
World’s Largest Cybersecurity Startup Hub GISEC North Star Debuts in 2025
GISEC Global is thrilled to announce the launch of GISEC North Star, an expanded startup zone designed to connect cybersecurity innovators, investors, and industry leaders on an unprecedented global scale. In partnership with Expand North Star, the world-renowned startup and investor networking event, GISEC North Star aims to elevate the cybersecurity startup ecosystem by featuring 250 leading-edge cybersecurity startups and 150 investors. The 14th edition of GISEC Global anticipates over 25,000 visitors and participants from 160 countries.
The event will take place during GISEC GLOBAL 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 6-8 May 2025, introducing unparalleled opportunities for networking, collaboration, and investment. As cybersecurity threats escalate globally, GISEC North Star is designed to foster an ecosystem of innovation and resilience by connecting global minds in cybersecurity technology, venture capital, and enterprise solutions.
As an anchor of GISEC Global, GISEC North Star will serve as a premier platform where disruptive startups can showcase their innovations, connect with leading global investors, and engage with key industry leaders across various sectors. The event will feature cutting-edge showcases, live demos, and panel discussions with top minds in cybersecurity technology and business.
“We are thrilled to expand GISEC’s role in the global cybersecurity ecosystem through our partnership with Expand North Star. GISEC North Star is committed to bringing together the brightest minds in cybersecurity, empowering startups with unparalleled access to the resources, networks, and investments they need to thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape,” said Nawaz Ali, Commercial Director at GISEC Global.
GISEC North Star’s expansive setup is designed to attract the best cybersecurity talent from across the globe, uniting startups, investors, and visitors to collaboratively tackle the sector’s most pressing challenges. With participants from over 160 countries, the event will foster diverse and impactful exchanges that shape the future of global cybersecurity.
Designed to promote collaboration and growth, GISEC North Star is set to showcase breakthrough innovations that address critical challenges in cybersecurity, ranging from AI-driven threat detection to secure data management solutions. Investors will have an unprecedented opportunity to connect with and support promising startups driving advancements that safeguard the future.
GISEC
Video: Interview with Bertil Brendeke of BotGuard at #GISEC2024
We spoke to Bertil Brendeke, the Chief Revenue Officer of BotGuard, at GISEC 2024, in Dubai, UAE:
Check out Arabian Reseller’s GISEC 2024 Special Edition, here: https://arabianreseller.com/april2024
GISEC
Video: Interview with Abdul Rehman Tariq of SolarWinds at #GISEC2024
We spoke to Abdul Rehman Tariq, the Regional Director for the Middle East at SolarWinds at GISEC 2024, in Dubai, UAE:
Check out Arabian Reseller’s GISEC 2024 Special Edition, here: https://arabianreseller.com/april2024
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