Fortinet’s Innovative Edge: Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity in the Middle East
GISEC 2024 NEWS
Cyberthreats have become more frequent and sophisticated, making effective risk management essential to survival and success. In response, cybersecurity firms like Fortinet are developing advanced solutions tailored to meet these challenges head-on.
Tony Zabaneh, Director of Systems Engineering at Fortinet highlights the unique approach the company takes towards cybersecurity in the region. Unlike others, Fortinet emphasizes a platform-based strategy simplifying integration across multiple products. This unified system, powered by a single operating system, allows businesses to manage their security framework seamlessly, reducing the complexity typically associated with deploying and operating multiple security technologies.
“The biggest challenge for any organization is integration,” Zabaneh explains. “For Fortinet, this is just an Operating System and it’s easy for us to integrate multiple products. This makes it easier for businesses to tap into multiple security technologies and deal with it as one solution.”
Fortinet’s commitment to innovation is evident in its substantial investment in research and development. The company boasts around 1,300 patents, demonstrating its role as a leader in creating new technologies and methods that enhance cybersecurity. This proactive approach ensures that Fortinet not only addresses current security threats but also anticipates future challenges, making their solutions both resilient and adaptable.
“We have a very active R&D team, the aim of which is to deliver better security for our customers,” says Zabaneh. Locally, Fortinet maintains a large team in the UAE and across the Middle East, which works closely with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and relevance of their security solutions to regional requirements.
Fortinet’s strategy includes extensive local support to ensure the effective implementation and maintenance of its systems. “We cover all business verticals across the country,” Zabaneh notes. “This includes everything from sales and engineering to post-sales support, to ensure that services are delivered smoothly and efficiently.”
The company’s success in the region is reflected in its extensive market penetration and numerous success stories from various industries, underscoring its ability to meet diverse customer needs effectively.
Looking to the future, Zabaneh emphasizes the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity. “Fortinet is at the forefront, integrating AI into its products to enhance threat intelligence and response capabilities,” he said. “The use of AI allows Fortinet to process vast amounts of threat data efficiently—something human teams alone could not manage.”
Fortinet continues to innovate with its focus on Security Access Service Edge (SASE) an integrated security operations platforms, reducing complexity and enhancing security through comprehensive solutions that fit ‘like a glove.’
As businesses in the Middle East and beyond navigate an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape, Fortinet’s integrated, forward-looking approach offers a blueprint for proactive risk management. By emphasizing innovation, local expertise, and strategic integration, Fortinet not only addresses today’s security challenges but also prepares organizations for the threats of tomorrow.
