6 April 2022 - Security Buyer Magazine

The case for automation in cybersecurity

Middle East News Desk / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Hadi Jaafarawi, Managing Director – Middle East at Qualys, discusses making the case for automation in security operations The cybersecurity industry, unfortunately, cannot claim to be in the business of good news. Threat actors ensure that we are continually warning of new vectors and techniques and advising new approaches to combat them. It is hardly controversial to suggest that COVID-19, apart from its horrendous impact on public health and population welfare, has impacted the ability of companies to keep their customers and employees safe from cyberattacks. Fresh complexities in the architecture of corporate technology infrastructures have left IT and security teams in catch-up mode — confused, overworked, and underequipped. In a short break from doom and gloom, a PwC global poll shared some good news. It showed around 69% of organisations are planning to increase their cybersecurity budgets in 2022, and more than a quarter (26%) plan increases of 11% or more. Such action will be vital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where, according to a VMware report, 80% of security professionals reported increases in the number of attacks their organisation faced, and attributed the surge directly to remote work. In November last year, Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government again spoke of a cyber pandemic, having previously used the term publicly in December 2020 after reporting that the country had seen a 250% increase in attacks because of remote working. The persistence of skills gaps The Middle East has now-famous skills gaps in key technology areas at a time when technology is the answer to almost all public and corporate issues, from governance to operations to monetisation. But cybersecurity stands out as perhaps the most critical gap at a time when organisations have moved to the cloud in vast numbers and turned IT environments on their heads. Server farms are now multi-cloud ecosystems. Vetted, regularly patched corporate PCs are now rogue personal devices of unknown pedigree. Automation can plug some of these gaps. Attackers move quickly and adeptly, so the modern threat hunter cannot afford to rely on traditional patching cycles. Automation is a means to speed up many standard tasks and reduce execution errors. On the IT side of the equation, we see a lot of acceptance of automation. Measurable cost savings and proven efficiencies have driven more and more of it. To embrace automation at scale, the entire cybersecurity discipline may have to unlearn what it has learned and break with tradition. DevOps teams are unafraid to break and fix, break and fix, break and fix — employing an iterative approach to the improvement of an end-product. Security teams, however, are trained to minimise impact and ensure that every tool they use does not interfere with the infrastructure at large. Automation can help regional firms plug their security skills gaps, but only if they adopt the same experimental mentality of break and fix. To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our Q1 issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@securitybuyer.com

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Cybereason hires Hussam Sidani

Middle East News Desk / Editor

Cybereason, the XDR company, announced that it has hired Hussam Sidani as Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Turkey region. Sidani will oversee the company’s operations in the region and be responsible for accelerating Cybereason’s customer and partner base in MEA, giving Defenders the ability to stop sophisticated cyberattacks. Sidani will hire the top sales and engineering talent in the region to best support the business. Sidani joins Cybereason with more than 20 years of security experience, having most recently led Gulf, Levant, & Africa sales for FireEye. He previously spent 10 years leading the Gulf region for Symantec where he grew revenues by expanding channel partnerships and strategic selling initiatives. In addition to expanding Cybereason’s Dubai office, Sidani will further expand the company’s products and services reach into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey with future channel partners. “The common theme with Hussam’s career is growing successful sales teams throughout the Middle East and Africa with a network of top sales leaders and a robust partner ecosystem. Hussam will play an instrumental role in further fueling Cybereason’s growth in Dubai and new countries throughout the region,” said Frank Koelmel, Cybereason, General Manager, EMEA. “Today, legacy security solutions aren’t helping organizations combat ransomware attacks and other cyber threats. In fact, they exacerbate the problem — too many alerts that hide the true threats, and too many false positives that waste security teams’ time. A new approach is needed to help Defenders fight back. Cybereason’s AI-driven XDR platform paints a unified story of an attack for security analysts, helping them fight back and end attacks while predicting and preventing future threats,” said Sidani. To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our Q1 issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@securitybuyer.com

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Videx strengthens IP IPURE range

UK News Desk / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Videx, a UK-based door entry and access control manufacturer, has expanded its popular IP IPURE offering, introducing a new IP audio panel and IP video panel. Both the 4504X audio IP panel and 4534X video panel are fully compatible with the IPURE IP range which includes a 7” full multi-touch hands free video monitor (6798), a 3.5” touch screen hands free video monitor (6398), a 3.5” touch screen videophone with handset (6296) and a 3000 Series audio telephone (3196). They can also be fully integrated with third party SIP systems. James Gray, National Sales Manager at Videx UK, said “The audio IP and video IP boast similar features including standalone proximity access control, a high specification wide angle camera and the ability to add up to 42 call buttons. The panels also include call progress LEDs and voice annunciation. “Introducing the new audio IP panel and a newer video IP panel strengthens our IPURE range, adding even more flexibility and convenience to a highly versatile, highly secure door entry and access control system.” Other features of the IP panels include two programmable relay outputs, two programmable inputs and, with the video IP, RTSP streaming of the camera to third party systems. A Wiegand output is available to use the reader with third party access control systems if required. A high specification wide angle camera (80° vertical, 170°horizontal) supporting resolutions up to 1280 x 720 and using the H264 codec is also standard on the new video panels. Both panels also include an RJ45 connector for the network connection, power options are POE or 12Vdc and they’re both available in the Videx 4000 Series range or vandal resistant variants, surface or flush, and in multiple finishes. To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our Q1 issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@securitybuyer.com

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Atlas Security secures new contract win

UK News Desk / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Atlas Security has secured a new contract with BNP Paribas Real Estate, to provide 24/7 security to one of London’s newest mixed-use office and retail destinations, 68 King William Street. The 11-storey site, known as the ‘Gateway into the City as you cross the London Bridge’, has recently undergone an extensive renovation. Formally House of Fraser, it offers contemporary office space overlooking London Bridge with a further 30,000 ft2 of lifestyle amenities. It includes a destination restaurant by Corbin & King of The Wolseley, a gym and a roof top terrace bar that boasts some of the best panoramic views in the city. As a new development, Atlas Security have recruited a brand-new team who will oversee the security solution from practical completion, to navigating the challenges of multiple fit out stages and finishing with the creation of a safe and secure environment that delivers a world class experience for the new occupiers and visitors. Elizabeth Thomas, Building Manager at BNP Paribas Real Estate, said “68 William Street is a landmark in London and with its re-launch, a premium destination. And as such, we need to offer, through our security provision, a premium experience that offers the utmost in customer experience and assuring security presence. This has been a success with Atlas Security, who have made the whole process as smooth and easy as we could have hoped for.” Gary Stanton, Managing Director at Atlas Security, said this is a highly significant contract for the Atlas Security business: “This contract shows that our purpose driven approach of creating happiness for our colleagues and clients really works. It also demonstrates we are a serious player in the provision of high-end security solutions and can be trusted to protect the City’s landmark buildings.” To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our Q1 issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@securitybuyer.com

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Atlas Security secures new contract win

News Desk / Ghyslaine Cordrey

Atlas Security has secured a new contract with BNP Paribas Real Estate, to provide 24/7 security to one of London’s newest mixed-use office and retail destinations, 68 King William Street. The 11-storey site, known as the ‘Gateway into the City as you cross the London Bridge’, has recently undergone an extensive renovation. Formally House of Fraser, it offers contemporary office space overlooking London Bridge with a further 30,000 ft2 of lifestyle amenities. It includes a destination restaurant by Corbin & King of The Wolseley, a gym and a roof top terrace bar that boasts some of the best panoramic views in the city. As a new development, Atlas Security have recruited a brand-new team who will oversee the security solution from practical completion, to navigating the challenges of multiple fit out stages and finishing with the creation of a safe and secure environment that delivers a world class experience for the new occupiers and visitors. Elizabeth Thomas, Building Manager at BNP Paribas Real Estate, said “68 William Street is a landmark in London and with its re-launch, a premium destination. And as such, we need to offer, through our security provision, a premium experience that offers the utmost in customer experience and assuring security presence. This has been a success with Atlas Security, who have made the whole process as smooth and easy as we could have hoped for.” Gary Stanton, Managing Director at Atlas Security, said this is a highly significant contract for the Atlas Security business: “This contract shows that our purpose driven approach of creating happiness for our colleagues and clients really works. It also demonstrates we are a serious player in the provision of high-end security solutions and can be trusted to protect the City’s landmark buildings.” To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our March issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@securitybuyer.com

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New CORE & PRO Cameras released for Paxton10

News Desk / Ghyslaine Cordrey

The new CORE series and PRO series cameras maintain all key features of the previous Paxton10 cameras. These include edge processing for ultimate scalability, built-in edge storage, and a plug-and-play installation. The two new ranges offer different benefits to both Paxton installers and system users with new hardware options providing more choice, flexibility, and scalability to suit a variety of projects and budgets. What is Paxton10? Paxton10 offers next generation access control and video management on one easy-to-use online platform. By combining both technologies, sites secured by the future-proof system benefit from the advantages of an integrated solution, without the complexity. End-users have the ability to use license free Bluetooth smart credentials and Multi-site management functionality. The system is compatible with Paxton’s door entry and wireless door handle range, and can support up to 1000 doors and 1000 cameras. This makes Paxton10, Paxton’s most powerful security system to date. More Choice The new CORE and PRO cameras offer different specifications and pricing, with both providing installers and users more options, and greater versatility to mix and match on a project. Adam Stroud, Paxton’s CEO, explained “Our new CORE series and PRO series cameras were inspired by the varying requirements of our customers. Sometimes a cost-effective option is needed, and sometimes a higher-spec is more important. “We are now able to offer customers a real choice.” The new cameras are suitable for installations of any size, making the combined access control and video management functionality of Paxton10 ideal to secure commercial, public and residential buildings. This is particularly beneficial where top-level security, smart device access, and remote monitoring are a priority. Product Specifications The high-performance PRO series are top-end video recorders that take building surveillance to the next level. The range includes a 2.8mm mini-bullet, vari-focal bullet and turret. All three 8MP cameras capture footage in crystal clear 4K HD. Storage will never be an issue thanks to the 256GB in-built memory, and the vari-focal bullet is also equipped with a vandal resistant IK10 rating – ideal for sites where a robust external camera is required. The great-value CORE series are a cost-effective solution for sites where hardware cost is a factor, but with no compromise on quality. The range includes a 2.8mm mini-bullet, mini-dome, and turret. All are 4MP cameras with 0.003 Lux industry leading low light performance and 64GB of in-built edge storage. The mini-dome has a IK10 rated metal exterior for those who need a more robust solution. Installation When installing the cameras, the plug-and-play hardware is very easy to connect to a user’s Paxton10 network. The system’s intuitive software has immediate automatic recognition and a drag and drop system. You simply plug in a camera, name it and tell it where to record, and it does the job. This makes the process efficient and will save installers troubleshooting time on site. Adam concluded “The cameras are designed to work seamlessly with Paxton10 and require almost no configuration. They can be up and running in minutes and come with our standard no hassle 5-year guarantee, free training, and expert customer support.” To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our March issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@securitybuyer.com

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