In conversation with Ziad Nasr, General Manager, Acronis Middle East as he discusses the opening of Acronis’ first data center in the UAE and how it is committed to localized cybersecurity support for partners and customers.
Acronis recently concluded its Partner Day event in Dubai, can you share some highlights of the event?
At Acronis Partner Day event in Dubai, we had some exciting announcements that highlight our commitment to the Middle East and North Africa market. One of the key highlights was the unveiling of our first data center in the UAE, the Acronis Cyber Cloud Data Center. This addition underscores our dedication to providing localized support and infrastructure to our partners and customers in the region.
In addition to the data center announcement, we introduced new solutions tailored specifically for this market. Managed Detection and Response (MDR), powered by Novacoast, is a prime example. This offering provides Managed Service Providers (MSPs) with an efficient endpoint security service, seamlessly integrated with data protection for enhanced business resilience. Furthermore, we introduced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), further bolstering our comprehensive cybersecurity offerings.
Please tell us more about your data centre launch in UAE, its capabilities and the results you are expecting?
The launch of the Acronis Cyber Cloud Data Center in the UAE underscores our commitment to providing top-tier cybersecurity solutions. ISO 27001 and IEC 22237 compliant, it offers advanced hardware, robust network infrastructure, and high-performance storage. This facility empowers partners with access to cutting-edge cyber protection solutions, fostering innovation while ensuring data sovereignty. It sets a new standard for cybersecurity infrastructure in the region.
Can you talk about the Cyberthreat landscape in the Middle East, what new challenges do you see in modern IT and best practices for enterprises?
In the Middle East, the cyber threat landscape is evolving rapidly, with targeted ransomware attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities, and advanced phishing methods on the rise. Key sectors like energy and utilities are primary targets, while state-sponsored attacks for espionage and disruption are increasing. Acronis’ End-of-Year Cyberthreats Report highlighted a 222% surge in email attacks in 2023, driven by financial motives and nation-state cyber activities.
Recent data from March 2024 shows a significant increase in malware detections (29.1%) and blocked URLs (25.5%), emphasizing the urgency for robust cybersecurity measures. To address these challenges, Acronis focuses on constant innovation, investing in research and development to develop advanced security features. Proactive threat intelligence and collaboration with cybersecurity experts enable us to adapt solutions effectively, ensuring comprehensive protection against emerging threats.
What role does innovation play in Acronis’ approach to addressing the evolving cybersecurity landscape in the Middle East?
Innovation is at the core of Acronis’ strategy for addressing the dynamic cybersecurity landscape in the Middle East. We prioritize continuous research and development investment to create advanced security features that effectively counter emerging threats. Our proactive approach to threat intelligence involves constant monitoring of evolving threats, enabling us to adapt solutions for robust protection. Collaboration with top cybersecurity experts fosters knowledge-sharing and facilitates the development of cutting-edge solutions, ensuring we stay ahead of cyber adversaries.
How are you empowering channel partners to support customers better and keep threats at bay?
We at Acronis are conducting regular enablement workshops to all our partners to make sure they are always up-to-date with the latest security trends and threat landscape, and they are mastering the Acronis capabilities and features to the best of their customers. Our expert team from Academy and expert solution architects are at the disposal of our partners whenever needed. In addition to that, we have our partner portal where all our partners have access to, and where they can find all technical resources and training about cyber security.
