Acronis has innovative solutions for the Middle East’s cybersecurity needs
Targets extending global reach
In an exclusive interview at GITEX Global 2024, Islam Shaker, Distribution Manager at Acronis, highlighted the company’s innovative cybersecurity solutions, addressed regional cybersecurity challenges, and emphasised the company’s commitment to evolving alongside technological advancements.
Excerpts from the interview:
What makes Acronis’s data protection solution unique in today’s market?
At Acronis, we take pride in our unique 360-degree data protection solution. This comprehensive approach is what truly sets us apart from other solution providers. We understand that data is the lifeblood of any organisation, and our tools are meticulously designed to ensure that data remains secure, accessible, and recoverable at all times.
Cybersecurity is a critical issue globally. What specific challenges do customers in the Middle East face regarding cybersecurity?
Great question! One primary challenge in the Middle East is a lack of awareness and knowledge about cybersecurity practices. Many businesses have robust ERP systems for data management but have historically neglected cybersecurity.
This oversight has created significant vulnerabilities. Protecting data has become paramount, and many customers realise there are gaps in their security measures. Acronis is here to bridge those gaps and offer solutions to protect their data effectively.
With cyber threats evolving rapidly, how does Acronis adapt its strategies to counter these emerging threats?
At Acronis, we don’t wait for threats to emerge; we proactively tackle them. We have integrated advanced AI solutions into our security framework to combat the ever-changing threat landscape, including emerging AI threats.
Our engineering teams continuously evolve our technologies to stay one step ahead of potential threats. This proactive stance reassures our customers and makes them feel secure, knowing that their data is safe from known and emerging vulnerabilities.
Can you elaborate on the uniqueness of Acronis’s platforms?
Certainly! Our leading platform is specifically designed for managed service providers (MSPs). It allows them to manage all necessary services from a single management console, a unique feature that intrigues many. This comprehensive approach eliminates the need to juggle multiple vendors, making it easier for MSPs to offer comprehensive data protection services.
Everything is integrated into one platform, whether antivirus, data loss prevention, or endpoint security. This simplifies management for MSPs and enhances the overall service delivery to their customers.
What typical challenges do your customers encounter when integrating these solutions?
Customers often face the challenge of managing multiple vendors to cover their security needs. For example, they might require solutions for data loss prevention, antivirus protection, and intrusion detection systems. This fragmented approach can lead to inefficiencies and gaps in coverage.
With Acronis, we streamline the process by providing all these protections within the same platform. This makes it easier for service providers to deliver consistent and comprehensive security to their clients.
Acronis operates a data centre in the UAE. What advantages does this bring to customers in the Middle East?
Our strategic decision to establish a data centre in the UAE was made to cater to the specific needs of our enterprise and government customers. Many regional organisations are bound by regulatory requirements to keep their data within national borders. Our local presence ensures compliance with these regulations while providing fast, reliable access to cloud services.
Our local presence ensures compliance with these regulations while providing fast, reliable access to cloud services. This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting our customers’ needs and addressing local market demands, making them feel secure and well-served.
Why is participating in events like GITEX important for Acronis?
GITEX is a crucial platform for us. We have been participating in it for the last seven to eight years, and it serves as a hub for IT professionals across the Middle East. The event lets us connect directly with customers and partners, showcase our innovations, and understand market needs.
GITEX is an invaluable opportunity to build relationships and engage with existing and potential clients, making them feel valued and part of our growth.
Digital transformation is a hot topic these days. What are the benefits for businesses in the Middle East in this regard, and how does cybersecurity play into that?
Digital transformation is essential for any organisation thriving in today’s environment. As businesses transition from manual to digital operations, they inevitably generate and store more data.
With increased data comes increased risk. This means robust cybersecurity measures are vital to protect sensitive information. Our solutions enable businesses to embrace digital transformation while ensuring their data is safe from unauthorised access and cyber threats.
What roadmap does Acronis follow in its research and development?
Our R&D efforts focus on integrating AI into our security solutions. Our AI engine helps anticipate potential threats by analysing suspicious network behaviours.
This predictive capability allows us to identify and neutralise threats before they can cause harm, even when previously unknown. We aim to enhance our offerings to stay continuously ahead of evolving threats.
What are Acronis’s goals for the coming years?
Our primary goal is to continue innovating our data protection solutions and expanding our global reach, particularly in high-demand markets like the Middle East.
We aim to enhance our capabilities to address the specific needs of our customers while maintaining the highest standards of security. By fostering partnerships and driving awareness around cybersecurity, we hope to empower organisations to safeguard their data effectively.
Featured image: Acronis offers a unique 360-degree data protection solution to safeguard all types of customer data. Credit: Markus Spiske
