Latest news with #SandhyaD'Mello
Tahawul Tech
09-05-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Hitachi Vantara leads the charge in AI-powered, sustainable IT infrastructure
Rehan Shahid, Regional Channel & Alliances Manager – Middle East & Pakistan at Hitachi Vantara, spoke to Sandhya D'Mello, Technology Editor, CPI Media Group, about the transformational role of AI across its three defining phases—Perception, Generative, and the emerging Agentic AI—while addressing the complexities of hybrid cloud adoption and the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure. The following excerpts explore how Hitachi Vantara is helping enterprises navigate this rapidly shifting landscape—simplifying complexity, maximizing ROI, and driving purposeful innovation. Interview excerpts Hitachi Vantara is known for driving innovation through AI. How do you see AI transforming enterprise IT operations, and what role does your company play in this evolution? AI is truly transformative for enterprise IT operations, and at Hitachi Vantara, we've been at the forefront of this evolution for years. We view AI in two phases—Perception AI, which supports decision-making through data-driven insights, and Generative AI, which represents a more recent revolution fuelled by accelerated computing and GPU advancements. Generative AI, in particular, has democratised access to AI capabilities—enabling anyone to create new content, generate reports, and even build presentations simply by using prompts. However, success with AI isn't just about the technology—it's about knowing how to engage with it. Being able to prompt effectively and interpret results critically is what turns AI into a collaborative tool rather than a disruptive force. This is where human-AI interaction becomes central. At Hitachi Vantara, we don't just provide AI infrastructure; we distinguish ourselves by offering end-to-end AI solutions. We help enterprises define their AI use cases, build the infrastructure, and—most importantly—align each initiative with measurable ROI. This turnkey approach empowers organizations to adopt AI meaningfully, ensuring that technology serves business objectives and not the other way around. Sustainability is a growing priority in enterprise IT. How is Hitachi Vantara integrating sustainable practices into its solutions, and what impact do you see in the Middle East and Pakistan region? Sustainability has become a critical focus for everyone—from individuals to organisations and nations. With the rise of AI-powered data centres and their massive energy consumption, the urgency around sustainable infrastructure has never been greater. For context, powering a single gigawatt AI data centre can cost up to $40 billion, with global projections pointing to the need for 200 gigawatts—amounting to a staggering $8 trillion. This kind of energy demand can rival that of entire cities, making sustainability both an environmental and financial imperative. At Hitachi Vantara, we are taking a leadership role in driving sustainable enterprise IT. Our infrastructure is ranked among the world's most energy-efficient. In fact, four of the top five systems globally rated by ENERGY STAR for sustainability are from Hitachi Vantara. We are also ranked number one in the Carbon Product Footprint (CPF) initiative, which assesses the total environmental impact of a system—from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to shipping and energy consumption during operation. Our innovation in this space is underpinned by patented technologies that significantly reduce energy consumption. This is especially relevant for high-growth regions like the Middle East and Pakistan, where large-scale digital transformation and AI adoption are accelerating. As these regions invest in giga-scale projects, the need for sustainable IT infrastructure becomes even more crucial. Through our end-to-end CPF-qualified ecosystem and ongoing investment from Hitachi Ltd., we are committed to helping the region—and the world—achieve its long-term sustainability goals. Hybrid cloud adoption is accelerating across industries. What are the biggest challenges organisations face in implementing a hybrid cloud strategy, and how does Hitachi Vantara help simplify this transition? Hybrid cloud has emerged as the dominant model for enterprise IT, offering the flexibility to keep critical data under one's own control while leveraging the scalability of the public cloud. However, implementing a successful hybrid cloud strategy comes with its own set of challenges. One key challenge is determining which workloads should reside on-premises and which are better suited for the public cloud. This involves understanding application requirements, associated costs, and compliance or latency considerations. For 'Day One' customers just starting their cloud journey, the complexity lies in assessing this balance. Meanwhile, 'Day Two' customers—those already operating in the public cloud—often face cost overruns and begin re-evaluating what workloads might need to be brought back on-premises, a process known as repatriation. At Hitachi Vantara, we simplify this transition by offering a flexible, unified infrastructure and data management platform that supports seamless workload mobility between on-prem and cloud environments. We help customers optimise hybrid strategies not only for performance and compliance, but also for cost efficiency and operational control. Our approach ensures mission-critical applications can run securely on-prem, with the agility to shift to the cloud during peak periods—enabling enterprises to strike the right balance and future-proof their IT operations. Looking ahead, what key AI-driven and cloud innovations do you foresee shaping the future of IT infrastructure, and how is Hitachi Vantara positioning itself to support this transformation? The future of IT infrastructure is being redefined by the rapid evolution of AI, moving through three transformative phases. We began with Perception AI, which supported data-driven decision-making and reporting. Today, we're deep into Generative AI, which empowers users to create content through natural language prompts. But the next wave—Agentic AI—is where the most profound shift will happen. Agentic AI refers to systems that can take autonomous actions without human intervention. For instance, imagine your system noticing you're running late to a meeting and automatically notifying the next attendees. These AI agents will act on behalf of users in context-sensitive ways, making operations more seamless and responsive. However, with this power comes responsibility. Organisations will need to define clear boundaries for what agents can and cannot do—just like HR departments manage human roles. In fact, IT teams will increasingly resemble HR functions, responsible for creating, nurturing, deploying, and managing these digital agents. Hitachi Vantara is already preparing for this future. We're actively developing AI agents for use across sectors including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and energy. Our work focuses not only on creating these agents but also on embedding them within secure, scalable, and sustainable hybrid cloud infrastructures. By combining our deep enterprise expertise with AI and cloud innovation, we're helping businesses transition into a future where IT is intelligent, autonomous, and adaptive. Image Credit: Hitachi Vantara
Tahawul Tech
08-04-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Continental advances AI Integration to boost efficiency, protect client trust
DIFC-licensed firm strengthens its market position amid rising demand for wealth and succession planning. Continental Group, a leading insurance intermediary and financial services provider, is strategically integrating AI across operations—from automating repetitive tasks like invoice processing to enabling real-time access to complex product documentation—significantly boosting efficiency and accuracy. While AI tools have transformed internal workflows and advisor capabilities, the firm takes a cautious approach to client-facing AI due to the sensitive nature of wealth and insurance services. Anselm Mendes, Executive Director, Sales and Technology, Continental Group spoke to Sandhya D'Mello, Technology Editor, CPI Media Group on how the company sees promise in generative AI, analytics, and conversational interfaces, particularly to meet the diverse needs of multi-generational clients. Challenges such as data privacy, untested technologies, and talent shortages are met with a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Interview excerpts: We've heard Continental is integrating AI into various aspects of the business. What specific technologies are you using and how are they making a difference? We're applying AI across several areas of our operations – from sales and marketing to training and day-to-day processes. The most visible impact has been through automation tools that handle repetitive tasks like invoice processing and data entry. We're also using machine learning for client profiling and product matching, while implementing systems that can quickly pull insights from our extensive product documentation. The measurable benefit is that our teams can work faster with fewer errors, which means better service for clients. I've personally found AI helpful for strategic planning and problem-solving – it's like having an additional perspective in the room. Can you share a specific example where these technologies directly improved a client experience? At this point, most of our AI implementation is happening behind the scenes. Take our medical insurance operations – we've automated invoice processing using RPA, dramatically cutting turnaround times on what used to be a painfully manual process. Another example is how our advisors can now instantly access answers from technical documents, underwriting guides, and product specifications. Questions that once required hours of research are now answered in moments, letting our team focus on what really matters, which is understanding each client's unique situation. We're being intentionally cautious with client-facing AI. Given the sensitive nature of wealth management and insurance, we need to thoroughly train our systems and verify information before it reaches clients. We're working toward more personalized solutions and eventually providing clients direct access to these tools, but we won't rush something this important. Your approach seems quite measured compared to some competitors who are racing to implement client-facing AI. Is that deliberate? Absolutely. We're taking a steady, thoughtful approach to integrating technology that balances innovation with client experience. We're maintaining control over the quality of information and service by testing and refining these systems internally first. This has been particularly important for our cross-border wealth structuring and insurance solutions, where precision is non-negotiable. Trust takes decades to build but can be damaged in an instant. Our approach ensures technology enhances rather than undermines that trust. While there is tremendous potential with this tech, it ultimately serves as an enabler that complements and empowers our team's interpersonal engagements. What emerging technologies are you most excited about for Continental's future? The potential of generative AI, advanced analytics, and conversational interfaces is tremendous. We're seeing fundamental shifts in how people interact with technology, and we need to evolve alongside these changes. What's fascinating is how technology helps us serve multiple generations within the same client families. Different generations have vastly different preferences for communication and accessing advice. Some prefer face-to-face meetings while others want digital solutions they can access anytime. Technology gives us flexibility, but it doesn't replace the human element. Our clients still deeply value the personal relationships, diverse perspectives, and specialized expertise our team brings. Technology simply frees up more time for those meaningful conversations. What challenges are you facing as you integrate these new technologies? Emerging technologies come with their own set of challenges. Building expertise takes time, and experimentation requires patience, especially when you need the level of accuracy, reliability, and security our business demands. We're dealing with the reality that newer technologies haven't been fully battle-tested, which raises the stakes when handling sensitive personal and financial information. Data privacy and protection are constant considerations, both from regulatory and ethical perspectives. Finding skilled talent is another challenge. There's fierce competition for people with both technical expertise and financial services understanding. Our approach has been to foster a culture of continuous learning. We give our team members space to experiment, encourage knowledge sharing, and promote awareness of how these technologies are being used across different industries. It's about building capabilities from within rather than just importing solutions. Celebrating 30-year legacy, expanding total active insurance coverage to $6.9 billion The company recorded a 26% increase in premiums, reaching $124 million from $98 million. Continental's total coverage for life clients grew by 5% in 2024, adding $800 million to the existing coverage. The firm now has nearly $6.9 billion in active life coverage under management, which has resulted in greater financial security for thousands of families and businesses, ensuring they have the support needed to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence. 'Continental Group's legacy is a story of thousands of families safeguarded, aspirations turned into reality, and three decades of trust garnered in the Middle East,' said Ashok Sardana, Founder & Managing Director, Continental Group. 'Since 1994, our mission has been to provide not just financial solutions, but peace of mind and long-term stability for families and businesses. That principle will continue to guide us as we move into the next phase of Continental's growth.' The firm's role in securing financial stability was underscored by $7.4 million in claims processed in 2024, including $3.2 million in non-motor claims and $2.4 million in motor claims and $1.7 million life and critical insurance claims ensuring clients receive timely support when they need it most. These payouts have provided crucial financial relief during unexpected crises, helping clients focus on recovery instead of financial strain. 'This 30th anniversary celebrates the relationships we've built and lives we've touched. Our commitment goes beyond just offering solutions. We have been building a framework that ensures financial security across generations. As we move forward, transparency, and a client-first approach will remain at the core of everything we do,' said Akshay Sardana, SEO, Executive Director, CFS DIFC Limited.
Tahawul Tech
12-02-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Zebra spearheads digital transformation in Saudi Arabia, aligns with Vision 2030
Driving innovation and efficiency across healthcare, retail, and logistics through cutting-edge digital solutions Zebra Technologies, a frontrunner in providing digital solutions, is aligning its operations with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to foster a digitally empowered economy. The company's technologies, particularly in RFID and real-time data processing, are revolutionizing healthcare by ensuring patient safety through accurate medication delivery and efficient asset management. In retail, Zebra's systems manage inventory dynamically, significantly reducing costs and enhancing the customer shopping experience. Furthermore, in the logistics sector, Zebra's solutions facilitate precise tracking and management of goods, thereby optimizing supply chain operations. In an enlightening conversation with Hozefa Saylawala, Director of the Middle East at Zebra Technologies, Sandhya D'Mello, Technology Editor at CPI Media Group, explores how Zebra Technologies is integrating its innovative solutions with Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030. The dialogue delves into Zebra's strategic initiatives across various sectors, particularly healthcare, retail, and logistics, emphasizing the company's role in enhancing operational efficiencies and advancing digital transformation in the region. Interview Excerpts: Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aims to accelerate digital transformation across industries. How is Zebra Technologies aligning its solutions to support this national strategy? Zebra Technologies is strategically aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by investing in digital infrastructure to support the government's objectives of diversifying the economy, enhancing public services, and improving the quality of life for its citizens and residents. Through its broad range of products and solutions, Zebra is playing a crucial role in digitizing various sectors, including healthcare, retail, transportation, logistics, and manufacturing. A key initiative under Vision 2030 is the e-government strategy, which aims to digitize all public services, making them accessible online. Zebra contributes to this by enabling digital IDs for individuals, which helps in integrating and optimizing public services such as healthcare. For example, in healthcare, Zebra's technologies make patient information and medical processes visible and traceable, ensuring patient safety by administering the correct medication to the correct patient through digitized IDs. These IDs are used throughout hospitals to track patient interactions, update medical records instantly, and manage resources effectively. Additionally, Zebra supports the development of smart cities like Neom by providing technologies that redefine urban living through enhanced digital connectivity. Their products ensure that both people and assets are visible, connected, and optimized across various platforms, contributing to the Kingdom's goal of developing a robust digital economy and promoting digital literacy. Zebra Technologies is deeply integrated into the execution of Saudi Arabia's digital transformation agenda, aligning its innovative solutions with national strategies to help achieve the anticipated growth and modernization outlined in Vision 2030. With increasing adoption of AI, IoT, and automation in Saudi's logistics, retail, and healthcare sectors, how does Zebra Technologies help businesses leverage real-time data to enhance operational efficiency? Being part of Zebra Technologies during such a transformative era is incredibly fulfilling and exciting. It's not just about being part of history; it's about actively shaping the future of healthcare and other critical industries through digital transformation. Our work in healthcare, for example, enhances patient safety by ensuring that the right patients receive the right medications and treatments from the appropriate healthcare specialists. This is achieved by integrating digital IDs into the healthcare environment, which allows for precise tracking and management of both patient information and medical assets. Moreover, our solutions extend beyond patient care to improving operational efficiency within healthcare institutions. By equipping hospitals with robust asset management solutions, such as digital IDs in the form of barcodes, RFID tags, or electronic sensors, we ensure that critical medical equipment is available and functional where and when it's needed most. This not only helps in maintaining compliance with health standards but also in preparing operation theaters and other critical areas for urgent care. it's profoundly rewarding to know that our work directly contributes to improving healthcare delivery and efficiency, ultimately laying down a new digital foundation for future generations to build upon. This role in driving forward the digital transformation is what makes being a part of Zebra Technologies both a privilege and a responsibility. How does Zebra Technologies contribute to managing the full lifecycle of products within an organization, from procurement to disposal, and how does it integrate with other systems to enhance operational efficiency? Zebra Technologies plays a crucial role in managing the full lifecycle of products within an organization by providing key solutions that help track and manage assets from procurement to disposal. However, it's important to note that Zebra does not operate alone; it is part of a larger ecosystem of technologies and organizations that collaborate to create a comprehensive end-to-end solution. Zebra's products are primarily responsible for the initial steps in this process, such as assigning digital IDs to assets. These digital IDs are essential for tracking each asset throughout its lifecycle within the organization. Once these IDs are assigned, other technologies come into play, such as wireless networks, private 5G networks, or Bluetooth networks, which help in tracking these assets across various stages of their lifecycle. Additionally, Zebra's role extends to capturing and analyzing data associated with these assets. This data is crucial for operational efficiency as it helps organizations identify inefficiencies and reduce wastage. The output from Zebra's systems typically feeds into larger Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems or Healthcare Information Systems (HIS), which are managed by other technology providers within the ecosystem. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Zebra's contribution has become even more impactful. AI technologies can analyze the data captured by Zebra's products to provide actionable insights. For example, AI can identify underutilized inventory, suggest optimizations, and predict when critical assets might run low, prompting timely reordering. This not only ensures optimal use of resources but also helps in significantly reducing operational costs and waste. Zebra Technologies is integral to creating an efficient, data-driven environment that spans the entire asset lifecycle, working in tandem with other technologies to ensure that organizations can maximize their operational efficiency and asset utilization. How is AI transforming demand forecast planning in the food and beverage industry, particularly for companies with products that have a limited shelf life? AI is revolutionizing demand forecast planning in the food and beverage industry by significantly reducing errors and dependency on human predictions, which is crucial for products with limited shelf life. A prime example of this is a large CPG company in Saudi Arabia that produces a wide range of consumer products in the food and beverages sector. Given the necessity for these products to be fresh and the challenges associated with their limited shelf life, AI has been instrumental in optimizing production schedules and minimizing wastage. The company faces complex daily production decisions due to the variety and volume of products it manufactures, each requiring precise timing in production and distribution to ensure freshness upon reaching consumers. AI aids in addressing these challenges by integrating real-time data from various sources, including direct store deliveries and market demands, such as upcoming events or seasonal trends. For instance, enterprise-grade mobile computers equipped with Zebra technology are used by delivery personnel to scan items as they are delivered to retailers. This data, combined with additional market insights, feeds into the AI systems that analyze trends and predict demands more accurately. The AI then advises on production quantities and schedules based on current market data, anticipated events, and seasonal preferences, ensuring that production aligns closely with actual consumption patterns and reducing the risk of overproduction and product expiry. AI enables these companies to fine-tune their production processes and distribution strategies, leading to more efficient use of resources, reduced waste, and better satisfaction of consumer needs. This transformation through AI is setting a new standard in the industry for managing perishable goods effectively. How do you see Saudi Arabia's investment in smart cities and industrial automation influencing the adoption of advanced tracking and asset management solutions? Saudi Arabia's investment in smart cities and industrial automation significantly drives the adoption of advanced tracking and asset management solutions, enhancing operational efficiency across multiple sectors. With the integration of technologies like machine vision, RFID tags, and AI, industries from manufacturing to logistics are experiencing substantial improvements in managing their operations and ensuring product quality and compliance. For example, in manufacturing, machine vision cameras are used to monitor production lines for quality assurance. These cameras ensure that products like beverages and consumer goods meet the specified quality standards by verifying labels and expiration dates, detecting any discrepancies in real-time. This automation reduces the reliance on manual inspections, minimizing human error and enhancing the speed and accuracy of production processes. In logistics and supply chain management, similar technologies are applied to ensure that parcels are correctly labeled and loaded into the appropriate trucks, preventing misdeliveries and improving customer satisfaction. The use of RFID technology in aviation for checking life jackets under passenger seats exemplifies how even safety checks can be automated, reducing turnaround times for flights and increasing the efficiency of airline operations. In the fashion retail sector, managing extensive inventories has traditionally been costly and labor-intensive, involving staff conducting overnight physical scans of every garment in store closures. However, the introduction of RFID tags embedded in garment collars or tags, combined with ceiling-mounted RFID readers, has revolutionized inventory management. These systems continuously monitor inventory, updating in real time as items are moved or sold, eliminating the need for store closures and manual checks. This shift not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures that stores maintain optimal stock levels, respond quickly to inventory changes, and streamline the replenishment process. Saudi Arabia's focus on smart cities and industrial automation fosters an environment where advanced technologies are not only welcomed but are integral to driving operational efficiencies. This technological advancement ensures that businesses can keep pace with the demands of modern commerce and industry, significantly impacting how companies operate and deliver services. Cybersecurity and data privacy remain critical concerns in digital transformation. How does Zebra Technologies ensure the security of its data-driven solutions in the Saudi market? Zebra Technologies recognizes the critical importance of cybersecurity and data privacy in its data-driven solutions, particularly in the Saudi market. While Zebra is primarily focused on enabling digitization, the security and encryption of data are handled through collaborations with a robust ecosystem of partners. These partners are specialized in providing top-tier cybersecurity services that comply with local regulations and standards. Zebra ensures that all its data-driven solutions adhere to the laws of the land, particularly in terms of data encryption, which is crucial for maintaining privacy and security. This approach not only aligns with Saudi Arabia's regulatory frameworks but also ensures that customers' data privacy and security concerns are adequately addressed through comprehensive policy implementations by Zebra and its partner organizations. What are some of the biggest challenges businesses in Saudi face when adopting digital solutions, and how does Zebra Technologies help overcome these barriers? One of the primary challenges businesses in Saudi Arabia face when adopting digital solutions is the human aspect of technology adoption. Given the rapid pace of digital transformation in the region, businesses often need to transition from traditional pen-and-paper processes to more advanced digital technologies. This shift requires a significant leapfrogging in technology use, which can be daunting for a workforce accustomed to legacy methods. Zebra Technologies addresses these challenges by working closely with customers to facilitate the technology adoption journey. This involves helping employees understand the benefits of these new technologies, such as enhanced productivity and improved job performance. Zebra provides operational insights and dashboards that demonstrate how the technology improves worker productivity and the overall efficiency of their tasks. By offering these insights, Zebra Technologies helps to make the transition more approachable and appealing to frontline workers, encouraging faster adoption rates. This support is crucial in mitigating the resistance often encountered during significant technological shifts and ensuring a smoother, more successful integration of digital solutions within Saudi businesses. In the context of technology adoption within companies, how do you manage the resistance from employees accustomed to traditional methods, particularly when introducing new technologies that disrupt established operational practices? Managing resistance to new technologies within companies, especially when it involves a shift from traditional methods to modern digital solutions, is a common challenge. Here are three key strategies that can help facilitate this transition and break existing mindsets: Highlighting Tangible Benefits: It's crucial to demonstrate the clear benefits and positive outcomes of the new technology to the employees. When individuals understand how a particular technology can make their work easier, enhance their productivity, and improve decision-making, they are more likely to embrace the change. Emphasizing the personal and professional advantages can help reduce skepticism and resistance. Proof of Concept: Implementing proof of concept projects can be extremely effective. These allow employees to see firsthand how the new technology works and how it impacts their daily tasks. By experiencing the improvements and efficiencies the technology brings to their workflow, employees can better appreciate its value, reducing fears and misconceptions about job displacement or increased oversight. Education and Inclusive Communication: Regular training sessions and open communication channels that allow employees to express their concerns and receive feedback are essential. Educational initiatives should not only focus on how to use the new technology but also on why it's being implemented and how it aligns with the company's goals. This approach helps in building trust and making the transition smoother. By employing these strategies, leaders can effectively manage the cultural shift towards digital transformation, ensuring that all team members are on board and fully capable of utilizing the new technologies to their fullest potential.
Tahawul Tech
05-02-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
SANS Cyber Academies: Building the cyber workforce of tomorrow
Empowering cybersecurity defenders with tailored training, global certifications, and inclusive opportunities In today's digital age, cyber threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, targeting critical infrastructure, sensitive data, and economic stability. The global cybersecurity skills gap continues to widen, leaving organizations vulnerable to attacks that can disrupt operations, compromise safety, and cause significant financial and reputational damage. Cybersecurity education is no longer optional—it's a necessity. By equipping professionals with the skills to defend against sophisticated threats, we can safeguard industries, protect communities, and foster innovation. SANS Cyber Academies are at the forefront of this mission, delivering tailored, hands-on training that addresses regional and industry-specific challenges while building a diverse and resilient cybersecurity workforce. SANS Cyber Academies are revolutionizing cybersecurity education by delivering fast-tracked, hands-on training programs designed to address the global skills gap. With a focus on regional and industry-specific needs, SANS equips professionals with practical skills and globally recognized certifications, empowering them to tackle evolving cyber threats. Ned Baltagi, Managing Director, Middle East, Turkey and Africa, at SANS Institute spoke to Sandhya D'Mello, Technology Editor, CPI Media Group about safeguarding critical infrastructure in the Gulf to fostering diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity workforce, SANS Cyber Academies are building a resilient, skilled, and diverse community of defenders ready to secure the future. Interview Excerpts: Q. Can you elaborate on the impact of SANS Cyber Academies in the Middle East, particularly in how they are addressing the cybersecurity skills gap across critical sectors? At SANS Institute, we are tackling the pressing cybersecurity skills gap through the SANS Cyber Academy, a fast-tracked training program designed to deliver impactful results. Participants gain practical, hands-on skills taught by world-class SANS Instructors, enabling them to make an immediate impact in the real world. What makes the SANS Cyber Academy unique is its tailored approach. In the Middle East, we work closely with local government organizations and industry leaders to design programs that target specific industries and address their cybersecurity challenges. This ensures our graduates are not only highly skilled but also well-equipped to tackle the region's most pressing security needs. Consider the Gulf region, where critical infrastructure underpins economic stability and public safety. Cybersecurity upskilling is essential, and defenders require specialized training to tackle threats effectively, all while maintaining a focus on safety. At SANS, our academies are designed to adapt to organizational and regional needs, ensuring the training remains relevant and impactful. For example, we recently delivered two Cyber Academies in Kuwait, equipping participants with the skills and strategies to combat evolving cyber threats in a high-stakes industry. Programs like these exemplify our commitment to providing targeted, results-driven training that empowers teams to excel in their specific environments. Every team member, from technical staff to leadership, must develop the expertise required to address cybersecurity challenges across all business sectors. Whether it's safeguarding critical infrastructure in ICS/OT environments or protecting sensitive data in the financial sector, tailored expertise is essential to meet the unique demands of each industry. SANS Cyber Academies don't just train individuals—they build resilient, diverse, and highly skilled communities ready to tackle the world's most pressing cybersecurity challenges Q. What are the most pressing cyber threats currently impacting the Gulf region's infrastructure, and how is SANS working to mitigate these threats through its training programs? The Gulf region's critical infrastructure faces increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, with adversaries exploiting both IT and ICS environments. Sectors like Oil and Gas and Energy are particularly targeted, as attackers aim to disrupt operations, compromise safety, and even cause environmental harm. Incidents like TRISIS/TRITON and ransomware attacks, including EKANS, can cause catastrophic physical damage, operational shutdowns, and severe financial losses, jeopardizing lives and environmental safety. Specialized cybersecurity training, therefore, is essential to combat threats and high-stakes risks in industrial environments. SANS Institute addresses these challenges through its ICS curricula and training programs, equipping professionals with the required skills to protect these critical systems. Courses like ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security Essentials lay a strong foundation for securing industrial environments, while ICS515: ICS Visibility, Detection, and Response teaches teams advanced threat detection and incident response, using hands-on labs with real hardware. For leaders, ICS418: ICS Security Essentials for Leaders focuses on aligning cybersecurity strategies with business objectives, helping them manage industrial cyber risks effectively. Meanwhile, courses like ICS456 and ICS612 dive deeper into standards compliance and advanced technical defenses, providing practical, real-world expertise. Q. How do SANS Cyber Academies adapt their curriculum to meet the specific needs of different global and regional markets, and can you provide examples of how these programs are customized to foster diversity in cybersecurity professions? We offer a range of Cyber Academies tailored to diverse pathways, empowering individuals globally with specialized, accessible training that builds foundational cybersecurity skills and prepares them for impactful careers. For instance, in partnership with Tamkeen, the Bahrain Cyber Reskilling Program provided intensive eight-week training for Bahraini nationals aged 18 and above, culminating in three GIAC certifications. This initiative directly addressed the local skills gap and equipped participants with globally recognized credentials to advance their cybersecurity careers. Breaking gender barriers, our Women's Pathway, fosters inclusion and leadership for women and underrepresented genders in cybersecurity. Programs like the Women's Cyber Academy and Secure Diversity Leadership Academy, in collaboration with organizations such as WiCyS, offer scholarships and certifications to help women and underrepresented genders lead in cybersecurity. Our Veterans Pathway supports US military veterans and spouses transitioning into cybersecurity with comprehensive and immersive training that covers the latest technologies and techniques used in the field building on existing military expertise to further cybersecurity careers. With our Diversity Pathway, programs like Cyversity SANS Diversity Academy, funded by Google and Palo Alto Networks, and Jumpstart into Cyber, backed by NSF, empower underrepresented groups with no-cost training, gamified learning, and certification opportunities. Our goal is to create a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity landscape through these academies, equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and certifications needed to build successful careers. At the same time, we address critical industry challenges by fostering a dynamic and resilient workforce prepared to tackle the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape. Q. In what ways do the SANS Cyber Academies' programs contribute to upskilling and reskilling, particularly in the context of the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape? What opportunities does this create for professionals seeking to enter or advance in the cybersecurity field? We are constantly recruiting individuals with curiosity and a drive to learn for our SANS Cyber Academies, as these programs encourage continuous development. These academies provide an accessible opportunity for individuals who may have not recognized their aptitude for cybersecurity – or lacked the means to explore the field – to discover their potential and develop their skills. Organizations can amplify this by partnering with us or allocating resources for ongoing education during onboarding. Investing in training not only strengthens defenses against emerging threats but also enhances employee retention by fueling their passion for learning and staying current, creating a workforce that is both skilled and motivated to contribute effectively. Moreover, the SANS Cyber Academies offer a faster, more impactful alternative to standalone training, equipping individuals with certifications like GIAC in weeks rather than months, while maintaining exceptional success rates. Beyond training, they build a community of like-minded, skilled professionals and benefit the broader industry. Q. How does the education provided by SANS Cyber Academies benefit the wider community and nation, and what impact does this have on the growth and resilience of the cybersecurity sector? Addressing the growing cybersecurity threats requires a workforce that is both skilled and diverse. SANS Cyber Academies actively work to bridge this gap by equipping individuals from varied backgrounds with advanced cybersecurity knowledge and practical skills. Our academies represent more than just a learning opportunity, they provide a pathway for participants to contribute innovative ideas and solutions to the cybersecurity sector. By welcoming talent that has historically been underrepresented in the industry, the academies help drive creativity, enhance leadership opportunities, and strengthen the overall resilience and growth of the cybersecurity field at a national and global The education provided by SANS Cyber Academies strengthens national security, bridges the cybersecurity skills gap, and empowers individuals with industry-recognized certifications. For instance, the program in Kuwait saw students consistently achieving high marks in their GIAC certifications, demonstrating the effectiveness of the training and their readiness to excel in the field. Participants also benefited from the support of a robust cybersecurity community, fostering collaboration and shared learning. Beyond individual achievements, SANS contributed to the wider community through security events and resource sharing, promoting broader awareness and resilience, and the program delivered highly trained employees who are better equipped to safeguard critical assets, mitigate risks, and support organizational cybersecurity strategies. These outcomes collectively enhance community resilience, drive innovation, and support economic growth while building a more secure and inclusive cybersecurity sector.
