In today's digital age, the cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, with new and more sophisticated threats emerging every day. As cyberattacks become increasingly complex, organizations worldwide are facing mounting challenges in protecting their data and networks.
In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review, Iyad Jabr, Chief Business Officer, Umniah, delved into the rising costs of data breaches, the most effective strategies to secure defenses, and the unique challenges organizations face in navigating the fast-paced world of cybersecurity.
Industry reports show an uptick in data breach costs for organizations globally, with the average breach in 2023 accounting for USD 4.45 million—a 2.3% increase from 2022. What does this development reflect about the changing cyber threat landscape?
The rise in data breach costs, now averaging USD 4.45 million in 2023, reflects the increasingly complex and dangerous nature of the global cyber-threat landscape. This increase is due to several significant factors. First and foremost, cyberattacks have grown more sophisticated, with criminals employing advanced methods that make it challenging for organizations to defend against these threats and mitigate risk. The value of data continues to rise, turning it into an even more lucrative target for cybercriminals.
Additionally, evolving regulations such as the National Data Privacy Law and the GDPR have imposed stricter compliance requirements. These regulations come with heavier fines, thereby increasing the financial burden on organizations in case of a breach. The surge in ransomware attacks is also a driving force behind the rising costs, as these incidents often involve extortion and financial loss. A shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals further exacerbates the situation, as many businesses struggle to find and maintain the right talents to safeguard their systems.
Given these complexities, organizations must prioritize cybersecurity now more than ever. A robust security strategy, frequent updates in compliance with international frameworks, zero-trust access controls, and regular employee training are essential. Companies should also conduct security assessments and have a well-prepared incident response plan to mitigate the impact of potential breaches, which directly impact their businesses and brand's reputation.
What are the best cybersecurity strategies that public and private organizations can implement to secure their defenses? What are the most common challenges for such goals, and how can Umniah help?
For public and private organizations aiming to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses, implementing a comprehensive security strategy is paramount. This involves robust access control systems that include multi-factor authentication, strong password policies, and role-based access control. Equally important is providing ongoing cybersecurity awareness training for employees, as human error remains one of the weakest links in organizational security. Another essential approach is adopting a zero-trust security model, where no user, whether inside or outside the organization, is trusted by default, and continuous verification is enforced.
Regular security assessments are necessary to identify vulnerabilities, and businesses should be vigilant in keeping up with the latest cybersecurity threats. Having a well-defined incident response plan is also critical in ensuring quick and effective action when breaches occur.
However, achieving these goals is not without its challenges. Many organizations face budgetary constraints that limit their ability to invest in the latest security technologies. There is also a shortage of cybersecurity skills in the market, making it difficult to find qualified professionals to maintain and manage security strategies. Many businesses still rely on adopting the most needed technologies, which present vulnerabilities and gaps to fulfill the strategies that modern cybercriminals can easily exploit. Additionally, organizations often grapple with internal cultural issues that hinder the adoption of stronger security practices. Finally, compliance with the ever-evolving regulatory landscape adds another layer of complexity to managing and operating security controls.
Umniah offers a wide range of solutions to address these challenges, from managed security services to security consulting, assessment, and incident detection and response. Umniah also provides threat intelligence and specialized security training to help organizations stay ahead of the latest cybersecurity risks and trends.
Please tell us about Umniah's Security Operations Center's (SOC) core offerings and how it is helping organizations in Jordan build a robust defense against cyberattacks.
Umniah’s Security Operations Center (SOC) plays a crucial role in helping organizations across Jordan fortify their defenses against cyberattacks. One of the key services offered is 24/7 monitoring and alerting, ensuring that any unusual activity or potential threats are identified and addressed in real time. The SOC also provides security events and logs management and analyzes these logs based on the enterprise nature of business and international frameworks to detect anomalies that could signal a breach. In the event of an incident, Umniah's incident response and management services enable swift action to mitigate the risk. The roadmap’s focal point is being developed regularly with a clear path to introduce the first Managed Detection and Response (MDR) center in Jordan.
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Threat intelligence is another vital component, as it helps organizations stay ahead of emerging cyber threats by continuously analyzing and sharing insights on potential risks. Umniah's SOC also offers a "clean pipe" service, which includes protections like Anti-DDoS, advanced Web Application Firewall-as-a-Service (WAFaaS), and Next Generation Firewall-as-a-service (NGFWaaS). Vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, along with other information security assessment services, are provided to identify weaknesses in systems and prevent attackers from exploiting them. Additionally, Umniah offers information security consultancy and advisory services to help businesses develop a robust cybersecurity framework and strategy. Detailed reporting is provided to clients, offering a clear picture of their security posture and areas for improvement.
By offering such a comprehensive suite of services, Umniah's SOC helps businesses stay proactive in their defense strategies, minimizing risks and strengthening their overall cybersecurity infrastructure.
Shortage of the right talent is a practical challenge when it comes to cybersecurity. In what ways is Umniah addressing this critical issue?
The shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals is a pressing challenge, particularly in Jordan. To tackle this issue, Umniah has developed a resilient organizational structure that allows different teams to step in and cover for each other when necessary. This cross-training approach ensures that no single team is overwhelmed or under-resourced in times of need. Umniah also invests heavily in continuous training and knowledge transfer programs, ensuring that employees are always up-to-date with the latest industry practices and technologies.
Additionally, Umniah has initiated a Fresh Graduate Training Program in partnership with local universities and the Jordan Engineers' Association. This program provides practical training and mentorship to new graduates, helping to bridge the skills gap and prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. By addressing the talent shortage through education and internal resilience, Umniah is ensuring that its team remains capable of delivering top-tier cybersecurity services.
In a fast-evolving technological landscape, how does Umniah maintain a competitive advantage over its competitors in the cybersecurity market?
In the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity, maintaining a competitive edge requires constant adaptation and innovation. Umniah stays ahead of the curve by regularly reviewing and updating its cybersecurity strategy and roadmap. This ensures that the company remains responsive to new threats and technological advancements. Continuous education and skill development are key components of this strategy, as the team must be prepared to tackle emerging challenges.
Proactive threat intelligence and analysis also play a critical role in Umniah’s approach, enabling the company to anticipate risks and act swiftly. Umniah's incident response capabilities are designed to be robust, allowing for quick and effective action in the event of a breach. Additionally, Umniah has built strong partnerships with various cybersecurity vendors, industry peers, regulators, and the broader cybersecurity community. These relationships allow Umniah to leverage the latest technologies and insights, ensuring that it remains a leader in the cybersecurity market.
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By combining a forward-thinking strategy with strong partnerships and continuous improvement, Umniah is well-positioned to maintain its competitive advantage and deliver top-notch cybersecurity solutions.
As the cyber threat landscape grows more intricate and dangerous, organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity efforts. Umniah’s comprehensive approach, from its around-the-clock Security Operations Center to its emphasis on continuous talent development, highlights the company's commitment to fortifying Jordanian businesses against cyberattacks. By offering cutting-edge solutions, fostering collaboration, and staying ahead of industry trends, Umniah is playing a pivotal role in shaping a safer digital future. As the conversation around cybersecurity continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: organizations must prioritize resilience and adaptability to protect themselves in an increasingly connected world.
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