Ilyas Mohammed, the COO at AmiViz, says AI will introduce advanced threats as attackers exploit AI for sophisticated phishing and automated cyberattacks

How did the industry and your company fare in 2024, and what were the key highlights?
In 2024, the cybersecurity industry saw significant growth, driven by the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the use of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. Organisations faced high risks and became prime targets for advanced tactics like double extortion ransomware. As a result, attention turned toward strengthening fundamental cybersecurity measures, including improved training, better patch management, enhanced network segmentation, etc.

For AmiViz, 2024 was a milestone year with strong regional performance. To meet market expectations, we made substantial investments across the region in resources, partnerships, and technologies, especially in Saudi Arabia. Through these initiatives, AmiViz established itself as a major force behind the development of strong cybersecurity ecosystems across critical sectors.

What opportunities do you foresee for 2025, and how do you plan to leverage them?
There are significant opportunities and growth for the cybersecurity landscape in 2025. It will be shaped by emerging technologies and increasing digitalisation across industries. Key drivers include the widespread adoption of AI, IoT, and edge computing, alongside growing demand for zero-trust security frameworks and advanced cloud protection.

Additionally, our focus on partner enablement and training will help our ecosystem adapt to rapidly changing threat landscapes. Collaborating with vendors specialising in niche technologies and sustainability-focused solutions will enable us to deliver innovative, scalable offerings. AmiViz aims to capitalise on market trends, support its customers and partners in mitigating complex risks, and lead the industry in driving secure digital transformation in 2025 and beyond.

What major challenges did you encounter in 2024, and how did you address them?
AmiViz faced several challenges as we pursued growth and market leadership in the cybersecurity and IT distribution sectors. One key challenge was navigating the ever-evolving cybersecurity threat landscape. The rise of sophisticated threats demanded continuous adaptation and the inclusion of cutting-edge solutions. To address this, we expanded our portfolio by partnering with innovative vendors and heavily invested in resources on the ground and partner training to ensure skill alignment with the latest technologies.

Retaining skilled resources emerged as a significant challenge in 2024, particularly after investing heavily in their training and professional growth. As cybersecurity expertise remains in high demand, many trained professionals have become targets for competitors and other industries. To address this, we focused on creating a more rewarding and engaging work environment.

We further enhanced our already competitive compensation packages, career advancement opportunities, and recognition programs to value their contributions. Additionally, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and purpose ensured employees felt connected to our vision. We strengthened loyalty by emphasising professional growth and employee satisfaction, reducing attrition while maintaining a highly skilled workforce.

Which emerging technologies do you believe will be in high demand in 2025, and why?
In 2025, several emerging technologies are poised to see high demand as organisations increasingly prioritise innovation, security, and efficiency in their operations. We believe the following technologies to be in high demand: Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven security and Machine Learning (ML), Zero Trust Architecture, Cloud Security and Multi-Cloud Strategies, Extended Detection and Response (XDR), IoT and Edge Computing Security.

In 2025, AI/ML will dominate predictive analytics and automated decision-making, especially in cybersecurity. Zero Trust Architecture will be crucial to counter advanced cyber threats. AI will introduce advanced threats as attackers exploit AI for sophisticated phishing and automated cyberattacks. AI-powered malware will adapt and evade detection, posing significant challenges to traditional defences. Organisations must adopt AI-driven security solutions to counteract these evolving threats and ensure robust cyber resilience.

What will be your primary focus areas and strategic priorities for 2025?
In 2025, our primary focus will be on expanding market reach, deepening our presence in Saudi Arabia, and driving innovation in cybersecurity and IT distribution. Strategic priorities include strengthening our vendor partnerships to bring cutting-edge solutions, enhancing partner enablement through training and certifications, and investing in AI-driven technologies and Zero Trust architectures.

We aim to optimise operations with advanced analytics and automation while prioritising customer-centric solutions to address evolving threats. Retaining and nurturing talent will also be key to sustaining growth. These efforts will solidify our position as a trusted partner in delivering secure and transformative IT solutions.

Are there plans to explore new markets or introduce new products/applications to your portfolio in 2025?
Yes, in 2025, we plan to explore new markets across the Middle East and Africa, focusing on regions with growing demand for advanced cybersecurity and IT solutions. We aim to introduce innovative products, particularly in AI-driven security, cloud-native solutions, and Zero Trust frameworks, to address emerging threats.

Expanding our portfolio will include specialised applications for IoT, edge computing security, and advanced threat detection. By aligning with cutting-edge technologies and collaborating with leading vendors, we intend to meet the dynamic needs of businesses while strengthening our position as a leading distributor in the evolving IT landscape.