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How do you think the cybersecurity landscape in the Middle East has evolved since the start of the pandemic? What new trends have you witnessed?
No one can deny the speed and efficiency with which the Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates, has transformed its remote workforce strategies and its remarkable ability to cope with changes in the way people work. organizations interact with their customers. This rapid change has introduced challenges – be it cybersecurity or connectivity – these challenges have accelerated market demand for technologies that the cybersecurity industry has had on the slopes of introduction and release. growth for a while. Technologies and practices such as remote worker security solutions, multi-factor authentication, zero trust approach with Zero Trust Access (ZTA) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), cloud adoption and SASE are concrete examples.
Tell us about Fortinet’s growing portfolio of security services.
Businesses need more than siled solutions in today’s complex and rapidly changing threat environment. The Fortinet security structure responds to their security challenges; the integrated platform is designed to cover the wide area network while providing consistent security and performance on all edges. Our portfolio broadly includes solutions covering network security, secure SD-WAN, wireless switching and access, network access control, authentication, public and private cloud security, network security, endpoints and advanced AI-based threat protection solutions, all supported by a common operating system. , FortiOS.
What Are the Benefits of Secure SD-WAN for Financial Services Organizations?
Financial services organizations have long faced the challenge of providing secure and reliable connectivity to their branches, which are often spread across cities, states and even countries. But as more employees have embraced a new hybrid work model in the wake of the pandemic, this problem has only worsened due to an increase in the number of remote users requiring access. to the company network. Financial services organizations need secure connectivity solutions that can provide fast, compliant, and secure access to cloud-based applications and the core network. With the right secure SD-WAN solution in place, they can enjoy the combined benefits of NGFW, WAN optimization, traffic automation and shaping, among others, such as centralized management and reporting. .
Bridging the cyber-skills gap remains essential today. How is Fortinet shaping the future of cybersecurity and developing new talent?
Fortinet strives to close the skills gap with programs such as the NSE Training Institute and its Training Advancement Agenda (TAA) initiative to provide cybersecurity training and certifications, career development resources, and career opportunities. hiring to make a career in cyber accessible to everyone. In addition, we collaborate with global leaders to foster a skilled, inclusive and diverse cyber workforce and, through our education outreach program, partnerships extend to various sectors including universities, governments and non-profit organizations. We are also helping to develop a cyber-aware workforce with the Information Security Awareness and Training Service, introduced in 2020 free of charge for organizations of all sizes, suitable for the entire workforce. labor, technical employees to non-technical and subcontractors.
Towards the business angle, what is driving Fortinet’s growth in the Middle East?
Among all the cybersecurity solutions we offer, we see a strong interest in secure SD-WAN as well as migration to the public cloud, and with it, its security best practices. In addition, OT (Operational Technology) is growing in the region.
What are the advantages of working with distributors and distribution partners? Despite the increased competition in the market, how do you make sure they work with you?
Fortinet supports partners’ goals for their business, enabling them to differentiate offerings and helping them leverage the breadth of the security fabric. Through the Fortinet Engage Partner Program, they can respond to new and changing customer demands created by the new hybrid working model. A few months ago, we added new consumption models for various products, including FortiSIEM and FortiEDR, improving the benefits for cloud partners and introducing new specializations such as zero trust access, operational technology and operations of security. In addition, training, certifications and personalized programs are available for each of these specializations. We look forward to continuing to contribute to the success of our partner.
With a few months of 2022, what awaits customers to protect their business for the future?
The threat landscape is unpredictable, with many moving elements and social and economic changes constantly affecting it. Ransomware is one of the most worrying threats to come out of the semester FortiGuard Labs Global Threat Landscape Report, just like malware and botnets. In addition to taking a holistic approach to security, automated threat detection and AI remain essential to enable organizations to respond to attacks in real time and mitigate attacks at speed and scale on the web. all edges. In addition, training in user awareness of cybersecurity is more vital than ever, as anyone can be the target of cyber attacks.
What are your key markets in the region and how do you plan to expand your presence?
Some of our key markets in the Middle East region are government, financial services, telecommunications, oil and gas, utilities and transportation, among others. Thanks to our resources throughout the region, we remain close to our customers and partners. In addition, the solutions we offer allow businesses to stay ahead of cybercriminals and support their digital innovation initiatives.
As one of the leading security providers, what sets you apart from the rest?
We continue to differentiate ourselves by accelerating the convergence of networks and security. Over the past 21 years, Fortinet has focused on developing a comprehensive security platform designed to protect all edges of the network, adapt to the demands of digital innovation, and unify networking functions. and security in one solution. As an integral part of the Fortinet security fabric, our FortiGate Next-Generation (NGFW) firewalls enable a security-focused network approach to protect any network edge and any large-scale user at any time. guaranteeing high performance.
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