During the 17th edition of the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, Mohammed K Alharithy, Sr. Director of Cybersecurity at Salam, discussed Salam’s cybersecurity strategies, the use of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity defense systems, and much more in an exclusive interview with Telecom Review.
When probing into Salam's implemented cybersecurity strategy aimed at securing its operations and defending against potential cyber threats, Alharithy emphasized the significance by stating, “As a service provider, our primary goal is to empower businesses by adhering to the rigorous concept of cybersecurity, such as zero trust, which entails—never trust, always verify.”
This approach differs from the conventional practice of making assumptions about the necessity of securing an environment. Alharithy negates the common assumption that access to an air gapped environment exploited without physical access to it: “We address insider threats by implementing the zero-trust model, which has proven to be instrumental in ensuring compliance with various local regulations. These regulations often encompasses Multi-Factor Authentication MFA authentication and restricted access, forming integral components of our comprehensive zero-trust strategy,” he stated.
Anticipating Cyber Risks
On the other hand, Alharithy highlighted how Salam anticipates cyber risks, he said: “By comprehending Salam's business intricacies and having cybersecurity leaders with a profound understanding of Salam's business and operations, they can assess risks stemming from various cyber factors. This includes conducting regular audits, penetration testing, and periodic risk assessments, ensuring a thorough evaluation of potential risks.”
Adding to that, Alharithy emphasized Salam's focus on fundamental aspects such as education, training and patch management. He explained: “This enables us to understand the risks and ensures that Salam's cybersecurity risks are covered by our security controls and evaluations.”
The Deployment of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity Defense Systems
Within this domain, Salam engages with emerging AI technology; embracing and evaluating new domains of artificial intelligence, including machine learning. Alharithy explained: “We are incorporating tools that automate a wide range of routine and repetitive tasks, thereby minimizing manual work and reducing the likelihood of human errors in our daily operations.”
In conclusion, Mohammed K Alharithy, Sr. Director of Cybersecurity at Salam, provided valuable insights during the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit. Emphasizing the significance of Salam's cybersecurity strategy, he underscored the adoption of a zero-trust model, challenging the conventional approach and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Alharithy highlighted Salam's proactive stance in anticipating cyber risks, emphasizing the importance of understanding the business and conducting periodic audits, penetration testing and risk assessments. Education, training and robust patch management were identified as fundamental elements in fortifying Salam's cyber risk coverage.
Moreover, Alharithy shed light on Salam's approach to leveraging artificial intelligence in cybersecurity defense systems. By incorporating emerging AI technologies, particularly machine learning, Salam aims to automate routine tasks, reduce manual errors, and enhance overall operational efficiency. This forward-looking strategy demonstrates Salam's commitment to staying at the forefront of cybersecurity advancements and ensuring the resilience of its cyber defense mechanisms.
