STME warns UAE business to protect IT systems

Al Bayaa says it is important that organisations stress test their systems.

Dubai-based IT solutions provider STME has warned the region's business community about the potential vulnerability of IT systems following the recent global WannaCry attack in May 2017.

Ayman Al Bayaa, CEO, STME, said: "Today, cyberattacks pave the way for extortion, bribery, blackmail, theft and even a complete blackout of systems, yet according to data from KPMG, only 50% of respondents have any counter attack measures in place."

Al Bayaa emphasised that it is of vital importance that organisations stress test their systems and address all potential vulnerabilities.

He added that in an increasingly connected world on the cusp of another digital revolution and the roll out of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, cyber security has never been more important and the World Economic Forum lists this as a top 10 threat in 140 economies. "We are all part of the same connected global community as such should adequately protect the systems we depend upon," he said.

According to Al Bayaa, there are three trends driving cybercrime currently and these include new hacking technology, the emergence in hackers taking control of computers and hackers copying and encrypting information that may be useful to them.

Al Bayaa said this isn't just about the individual business, but the data held on clients, payments and other confidential matters. It is a duty of all businesses to protect that information and ensure it is only accessed by the people who should see it.

"To ensure our products are accessible to the entire business community, STME has developed solutions across cost models, meaning all companies in the MENA region can access our security products covering networks, host, identity, database, cloud security, security management and security operation centres," he said.

He pointed out that in the Middle East today, strong penalties exist for those convicted under cybercrime laws, which are broad enough to include "misuse of the internet" and "damaging public morals".

However, Al Bayaa added that in order to address a global threat that is unparalleled in its scale and ability to devastate business operations, bespoke and adequate systems are required. "These don't have to break the bank, but they can eliminate the impact of somebody attempting to break into your systems," he said.