Trend Micro: Appetite for technology is increasing in the Middle East
Attack surface seen expanding significantly in the Middle East
Trend Micro, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, exhibited its latest innovations at GITEX Global – the largest tech and startup event in the world – held at Dubai World Trade Centre from October 16-20, 2023.
The Tokyo, Japan-based company used the Dubai tech show platform to highlight the Trend Micro mid-year report, titled ‘Stepping Ahead Of Risk’. According to the report, in H1 2023, Trend Micro’s solutions identified and prevented more than 475 million threats across the Middle East and Africa region.
At GITEX Global 2023, the company presented its latest innovation, Trend Vision One – an advanced solution powered by AI –engineered to provide exceptional cybersecurity defences.
In addition to Trend Vision One, the company launched several unique cybersecurity solutions, including Trend Micro Workforce One, targeting ransomware, phishing, and data breaches. Trend Micro Network One emphasises network security by enhancing the visibility of unmanaged devices and facilitating zero-trust access.
The company also demonstrated its specialised IoT and email security solutions and Trend Vision One Companion, a generative AI security assistant.
In this interview at GITEX Global 2023, Bilal Baig, Tech Lead (MMEA & CIS) at Trend Micro, explains what Trend Micro represents in 2023.
Excerpts from the interview:
What is Trend Micro exhibiting at GITEX Global 2023?
At this event, we are showcasing a variety of solutions. On the consumer side, we have IoT and 5G security solutions. For enterprises, we focus on Workspace One, network security, and our flagship solution, Vision One, which combines XDR and various security elements into one console.
Why is it essential for Trend Micro to exhibit at the GITEX Global platform?
We have been exhibiting at the event for over a decade, and it keeps growing. It’s a valuable platform for getting closer to our customers, partners, and government agencies.
People from the UAE and the wider region attend this event. It’s a central hub for us to interact, showcase our latest technology, and discuss solutions.
How crucial is the Middle East to Trend Micro’s growth plans?
The GCC region was our starting point, and our presence has expanded to cover the Middle East and North Africa.
We have our regional headquarters in Riyadh and offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, and other countries. We are active in over 90 countries, with a significant presence in the top 15. The Middle East region is expanding rapidly, and our investment in it is substantial.
What is it precisely about the Middle East market that appeals to Trend Micro?
The region is a growth market, and the appetite for technology is increasing. Traditionally, technology transformations would occur in the US, Europe, or Japan before reaching the Middle East market.
However, we [Trend Micro] are changing that by creating solutions tailored to the region’s unique needs. For example, we have developed solutions like Trend Micro Vision 1, addressing data residency and sovereignty requirements, particularly critical in the Middle East region.
How does Trend Micro stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks
Yes, cybercrime is on the rise. We have used AI for the past 10 years to detect and protect against threats. Our solutions continuously learn users’ communication patterns, making it possible to spot attempts to mimic those patterns.
This AI-driven approach helps us stay ahead of attackers. Additionally, we are introducing advanced search scripts, reducing response times and increasing the efficiency of security analysts.
How has the evolution of technology affected the cybersecurity landscape in the Middle East?
The attack surface has expanded significantly due to the adoption of new technologies, cloud services, and remote work. This dynamic has created new challenges for organisations. We have proactively provided solutions that cater to these changes and address the region’s specific requirements, such as data sovereignty.
Trend Micro is making strides in sustainability. Can you tell us more about your mission in this regard?
We are launching consolidated solutions in the UAE that reduce the need for customers to manage their servers. This enhances data security and reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions. It’s a significant step toward sustainability, and our customers eagerly await these services.
Why did Trend Micro not introduce these sustainable solutions earlier?
We initially depended on third-party providers like Azure and AWS to offer these services. Once they became available, we could build our solutions on top of them. The delay was primarily due to these dependencies, but now we are moving forward.
Featured image: Bilal Baig in the Trend Micro stand at GITEX Global 2023. Image: Arnold Pinto
