Case Study: Implementing Advanced Cybersecurity Solutions for UAE Companies

Overview

According to a study by Khalifa University, most Emirati companies are open to working with solutions for detecting online threats. Of these, 31% are already working with this class of solutions, and another 61% plan to implement them within the next two years. The study focused on the level of knowledge and use of products for detecting internet threats in the domestic market.

94% of UAE companies are ready to implement solutions for detecting online threats

The survey involved 170 Emirati companies from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other cities with over 500,000 people. 15% of the surveyed companies are representatives of the Enterprise segment (with annual revenue of more than $10 billion), 25% are representatives of large businesses (revenue from $1 to $10 billion), 20% are medium-sized businesses (revenue from $80 million to $5 billion), and 36% are from the public sector. The average number of employees in the respondent companies was 24,000.

Over the past year, Emirati companies have increasingly faced threats to information security, such as data breaches (34%), attacks on unprotected resources related to the introduction of new information assets (28%), the emergence of fake news (27%), and negative publications about the business in open sources (25%). The average damage from such an incident was around $800,000 (excluding reputational losses, typically spread over 4-5 years).

According to the study, more than half of the specialists (56%) in the market are not sufficiently familiar with services for detecting internet threats. 13% of the surveyed companies are well-acquainted with this class of solutions and have personal experience using them, while 46% are well-informed but have not tested the solutions in practice. Meanwhile, employees of medium-sized businesses are somewhat more familiar with such services than large businesses.

Companies that have already implemented solutions for detecting internet threats more often use them to detect data leaks (53%), search for public resources that improperly use the company’s brand (47%), monitor negative media (45%), and detect new or improperly decommissioned information assets of infrastructure (43%).

Our service for monitoring external digital threats revealed that 94TB of confidential data from 200 Emirati organizations has been leaked to the public since the beginning of the year. Cybercriminals constantly refine their tools for attacking businesses and government structures, so it is important today to pay attention to protecting the company’s perimeter and the external cyber landscape to detect and block internet threats promptly. To this end, we implement comprehensive monitoring for our customers, covering both open and dark external sources, offer prompt responses to phishing (blocking a malicious site can take from 1 hour), and conduct analytical investigations.

CyberProx offers a comprehensive solution for monitoring digital threats that arise outside the infrastructure controlled by the customer. Companies from the financial sector, government structures, transport, retail, and other industries use the service.

CyberProx solutions enable the detection of phishing on behalf of the company, possible data leaks, signs of attack preparation in the darknet, illegal use of the brand, suspicions of illegal application of acquiring, counterparty manipulations, and other factors of digital risks. Each event is thoroughly analyzed: the service not only alerts about the threat but also provides complete information about it – this expands the possibilities for effective counteraction and assists in investigating the incident.

CyberProx has partnered with several UAE companies to implement cutting-edge solutions to detect and mitigate online threats effectively. This case study explores the challenges faced by UAE businesses, the solutions provided by CyberProx, and the results achieved.

Challenges

1. Increasing Cyber Threats: UAE companies were facing a growing number of cyber-attacks, including advanced persistent threats (APTs), phishing, and ransomware.
2. Lack of Awareness: Many businesses lack awareness and understanding of the latest cyber threats and the importance of proactive security measures.
3. Limited Resources: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often struggle with limited resources and expertise to implement comprehensive cybersecurity solutions.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Companies must comply with stringent data protection regulations like the UAE’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL).

CyberProx’s Solutions

To address these challenges, CyberProx implemented a multi-faceted approach tailored to each company’s unique needs.

1. Threat Intelligence and Monitoring:
   • Advanced Threat Detection: CyberProx deployed state-of-the-art threat detection systems that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to identify and respond to threats in real time.
   • 24/7 Monitoring: A dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC) provided round-the-clock monitoring and incident response services, ensuring continuous protection.
2. Employee Training and Awareness:
   • Phishing Simulations: Regular phishing simulation exercises were conducted to educate employees about recognizing and responding to phishing attempts.
   • Security Awareness Programs: Comprehensive training programs were designed to increase staff cybersecurity awareness and reduce the risk of human error.
3. Endpoint Security:
   • Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV): Implementing NGAV solutions to provide enhanced protection against malware and ransomware.
   • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Deployment of EDR solutions to swiftly detect and respond to endpoint threats.
4. Compliance and Risk Management:
   • Compliance Assessment: CyberGuard conducted thorough assessments to ensure that companies met regulatory requirements and industry standards.
   • Risk Management Framework: A risk management framework was established to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks.

Results

Implementing CyberProx’s solutions yielded significant positive outcomes for the UAE companies involved.

1. Reduced Cyber Incidents: There was a notable decrease in successful cyber-attacks, with companies reporting fewer data breaches and ransomware infection incidents.
2. Improved Awareness: Employee awareness and vigilance regarding cyber threats increased substantially, leading to a more security-conscious workforce.
3. Enhanced Compliance: Companies fully complied with the UAE’s data protection regulations, reducing the risk of legal penalties and improving customer trust.
4. Cost Savings: By preventing cyber incidents and minimizing downtime, businesses experienced cost savings and improved operational efficiency.

Conclusion

CyberProx’s partnership with UAE companies underscores the importance of a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. By leveraging advanced threat detection technologies, continuous monitoring, employee training, and robust compliance measures, CyberProx successfully enhanced its clients’ cybersecurity posture. This case study highlights the effectiveness of tailored cybersecurity solutions in safeguarding businesses against the ever-evolving landscape of online threats.

Future Outlook

As cyber threats continue to evolve, CyberProx remains committed to innovating and adapting its solutions to meet the dynamic needs of UAE companies. Ongoing investment in research and development, coupled with a focus on emerging technologies such as AI and ML, will ensure that CyberProx stays at the forefront of cybersecurity, providing unparalleled protection for businesses in the UAE and beyond.

The rising data breaches, cyber-attacks, and digital threats underscore the urgent need for comprehensive security strategies. Companies are now focusing on internal defenses and monitoring the broader digital environment to identify and mitigate potential risks proactively.

Are you concerned about the ever-evolving cyber threats facing your business? Look no further than CyberProx for cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. Our expert team specializes in monitoring digital threats beyond your controlled infrastructure, offering a shield against the unseen dangers of the cyber world. Contact CyberProx today to fortify your digital defenses and stay ahead of cyber threats.