Intelligent CISO Issue 44 | Page 67

decrypting myths

The importance of data protection for business transformation

Data protection is a top priority for all organisations in the Middle
East as they strive to meet regulatory requirements , protect their brands and the data of their all-important end-users . We hear from Salman Imam – Sales
Director , Fireware LLC Oman , about the impact of digitalisation on data strategies , the key data security risks to organisations in the region and how Fireware helps to address these challenges . ata is integral to

D business success today . It means organisations can provide tailored services that meet the requirements of individuals , providing excellent customer experiences and , in return , enabling business growth .

And with digitalisation now high on the agenda for all enterprises , data growth is only set to increase . It ’ s crucial , then , that protection of that data is given the same priority , because the cost of getting it wrong is severe .
In fact , research released by IBM Security earlier this year found that data breaches cost surveyed companies US $ 4.24 million per incident on average – the highest cost in the 17-year history of the report .
Based on in-depth analysis of realworld data breaches experienced by more than 500 organisations , the study suggests that security incidents became more costly and harder to contain due to drastic operational shifts during the pandemic , with costs rising 10 % compared to the prior year .
However , while the findings may be troubling , defenders are rising to the challenge to provide solutions and guidance for CISOs and CIOs faced with these mounting pressures .
Intelligent CISO spoke to Salman Imam – Sales Director , Fireware Oman , to discover more about the importance of data protection for Middle East organisations .
How has accelerated digitalisation across the region impacted organisations ’ data strategies ?
A major part of Digital Transformation involves harnessing data . Therefore , organisations across the region have been making leaps and bounds to keep abreast with the digitalisation trend . It is known that data-driven insights add to www . intelligentciso . com
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