Cisco’s Commitment to Secure AI Adoption in the Middle East
A Leader in Cybersecurity for AI Integration
Fady Younes, the Managing Director for Cybersecurity at Cisco for the Middle East, Africa, Türkiye, Romania, and CIS, has articulated Cisco’s dedication to ensuring that artificial intelligence (AI) is not only secure but also scalable and practical. He emphasizes the importance of empowering organizations to harness AI responsibly, all while protecting essential data, infrastructure, and fostering digital innovation in the region.
Longstanding Engagement with GITEX
Younes has been attending GITEX for nearly 24 years while working at Cisco, with nearly 30 years of experience overall. He shares that the transformation of GITEX has been remarkable. Originally a regional exhibition, it has now become a pivotal global technology platform. What started in Dubai has expanded its influence internationally, evidenced by Cisco’s participation in GITEX Africa in Morocco and most recently in Nigeria.
In the UAE, Cisco’s commitment to GITEX spans over two decades, utilizing the event as a vital avenue to showcase emerging technologies, enhance partnerships, and engage directly with clients. For Younes, GITEX is more than just a technology showcase; it reflects the relentless drive for innovation and collaboration within the region.
Transforming AI in the Middle East
When discussing the rapid advancement of AI across the Middle East, Younes points out that the region stands out as one of the most rapid adopters of AI worldwide. He notes that European counterparts are often astonished by the region’s progressive implementation of AI-driven projects. This development has been significantly supported by government initiatives across the Gulf, which have fostered innovation, established digital economies, and propelled technology-driven growth.
With the pace of change being swift and collaborative, Cisco plays a supportive role by partnering with both public and private organizations. Their efforts focus on translating AI aspirations into concrete outcomes, ultimately benefiting citizens and the economy.
Addressing Cybersecurity Amidst AI Growth
The rapid growth of AI brings with it pressing cybersecurity concerns. Younes acknowledges the dual-edged sword of AI; while it enhances customer experiences and productivity, it also opens avenues for advanced cyber threats. Attackers are increasingly leveraging AI technologies, executing sophisticated attacks at an alarming speed.
In light of this, Cisco has taken proactive measures by embedding AI directly into its cybersecurity infrastructure. The concept of machine-scale defense allows Cisco’s security systems to keep pace with AI-driven attacks. Solutions like the Hybrid Mesh Firewall, Universal Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and AI Defence capabilities are being showcased at GITEX.
AI Defence stands out because it focuses on safeguarding AI models throughout their lifecycle. This includes ensuring that these assets remain secure during both development and production phases, allowing for innovation to occur without the looming fear of security breaches.
Navigating AI Adoption Responsibly
Many organizations are keen to embrace AI but may feel uncertain about where to start, particularly from a cybersecurity standpoint. Younes advises organizations to protect AI rather than restricting its use. In sectors such as finance and government, there may be hesitance in adopting public large language models, yet Cisco aims to help businesses find a balance.
The company works closely with organizations to monitor AI usage within their networks, ensuring there are safeguards against data leaks and intellectual property theft. They also focus on securing internal AI models before deployment to foster responsible innovation.
Evaluating AI Solutions Effectively
As the AI market becomes saturated with varied claims from vendors, Younes stresses the importance of aligning AI solutions with measurable business outcomes. It’s not merely about jumping on the latest trends; rather, it’s about addressing real business challenges.
Across multiple sectors, AI is leading to tangible benefits. In manufacturing, it aids in predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and costs. In the healthcare field, it supports earlier diagnosis and better patient results. In banking, AI plays a crucial role in real-time fraud detection. These results underscore the necessity of a clear AI strategy that outlines business objectives while aligning with the organization’s needs.
Empowering Partners through Innovation
Cisco places significant value on its partnerships, as over 90% of its business is transacted through these channels. Continuous partner training ensures that they remain at the forefront of emerging technologies while adapting to rapid innovations in AI and cybersecurity.
Cisco’s flexible service approach accommodates different customer preferences for delivery and support. By empowering partners, Cisco elevates its collective capability to deliver value and innovation across industries.
AI’s Transformative Role in Today’s Landscape
Younes concludes with a straightforward message: AI is not just a concept; it’s a transformative force that must be approached with security, responsibility, and an outcomes-oriented mindset. Cisco remains devoted to helping organizations unlock the full potential of AI—making it both practical and trustworthy for the business landscape ahead. The aim is to foster AI ecosystems that are not only innovative but also secure, supporting a responsible approach to digital transformation.
