Redefining cybersecurity distribution with AI-driven innovation enhances threat detection, automates security response
NXTHOP Technologies is strategically positioning itself as a key player in the evolving cybersecurity landscape by leveraging AI-driven innovation, customized deployment models, and alignment with regional governance frameworks, as highlighted during GISEC Global 2025. With insights from leaders like Burhan Abu Baja, Chief Solution Sales Strategist, and Abdurrahman Najjar, VP of Sales of NXTHOP Technologies, shared insights with Tahawultech.com on how NXTHOP is addressing these paradigm shifts. NxtHop plays a key role in guiding enterprises through paradigm shifts in cybersecurity by facilitating the adoption of cybersecurity solutions and enabling seamless transitions from traditional infrastructures, which enhances digital resilience across the region. These shifts, driven by advancements like AI, have transformed threat detection, prevention, and response strategies, requiring organizations to adopt more adaptive, intelligent security frameworks.
Interview Excerpts:
How has cybersecurity distribution evolved in recent years, and what role is NXTHOP Technologies playing in this transformation?
Burhan Abu Baja: In recent years, cybersecurity distribution has rapidly evolved, with the region experiencing a condensed timeline of maturity driven by urgent needs across devices, apps, and cloud access, highlighting the challenge of system compatibility and reliance on APIs. Burhan Abu Baja emphasizes that NXTHOP Technologies plays a pivotal role in this transformation by bridging these gaps through innovative, AI-powered solutions capable of defending against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, embodying the principle that only AI can combat AI.
With so many cybersecurity solutions in the market, how can a business identify the right one, especially across different sectors like startups, SMEs, and conglomerates?
Abdurrahman Najjar: There's no one-size-fits-all in cybersecurity. governments within the region have invested significantly in building strong cybersecurity governance frameworks tailored to industries—whether financial, governmental, or critical infrastructure. Our advice: follow these national frameworks. They offer a solid starting point and ensure alignment with compliance and best practices.
What sets NXTHOP's distribution model apart from others in the region?
Burhan Abu Baja: We focus on filling market gaps by offering a comprehensive portfolio of complementary products rather than competing ones. Our solutions are AI-driven and tailored to business needs. We work closely with partners and customers to align technologies with business objectives, ensuring value, innovation, and healthy margins, without engaging in price wars. We are strictly channel-driven, never selling direct, which ensures focus and support at every stage.
How do you support businesses in transitioning from traditional to modern cybersecurity solutions?
Abdurrahman Najjar: We provide deployment models suited for every need—cloud, on-premise, or hybrid. Cloud deployment is immediate and adaptable to customer scenarios. On-premise takes slightly longer due to the necessary infrastructure requirements. Hybrid models are ideal for sectors with regulatory constraints.
'Our solutions are designed to integrate easily, and our channel partners ensure swift execution, reducing transition time significantly.'
Have you observed a shift in customer preference toward cloud-based cybersecurity solutions in the region?
Burhan Abu Baja: Yes, cloud adoption is clearly growing. There are regulatory mandates in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE that are accelerating this shift. Even conservative sectors like banking are embracing cloud because of updated compliance standards. NXTHOP ensures all our solutions—whether cloud or on-prem—adhere to national and international cybersecurity regulations.
What's your final message to enterprises navigating today's cybersecurity complexity?
Abdurrahman Najjar: Be proactive. Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and cyber hackers are leveraging technology faster than most organizations. By aligning with national regulatory frameworks and working with trusted technology business partner like NXTHOP and their vendors and channels; businesses can stay protected and resilient.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Robot teachers enhance learning by 8% over human teachers in primary school, study finds
A new study by a Dubai-based university has found that incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics into early years education can enhance learning outcomes by an average of eight per cent. Conducted by researchers at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Dubai, the study revealed the positive effects of AI and robotics integration at the elementary school level. The project involved the use of a personalised, AI-powered robot that engaged directly with students, leading to an average academic performance improvement of eight per cent compared to traditional human-led teaching. Led by Dr Jinane Mounsef, chair of the university's Electrical Engineering and Computing Sciences Department, the research highlighted the potential of personalisation in robotic tutoring in a real-world educational setting. The robot, known as Duet, employed powerful machine learning algorithms and the ROS (Robot Operating System) framework to predict a student's proficiency level with 100 per cent accuracy through indicators such as test scores, task completion time, and emotional engagement. It was then able to adjust the challenges and learning materials dynamically to suit each student's needs. Dr Mounsef, said, 'Through post-diagnostic exams we found that the experimental group of students using the AI-robot system showed a significant improvement rate over the control group. This demonstrates that such systems can provide a powerful tool to improve efficiency and augment education outcomes.' She added, 'We aim to take our work in cognitive development forward to explore the use of robotics in emotional intelligence. This will involve deploying a human-looking robot that can interact with students on a daily basis to ask questions, gather data and ultimately make recommendations that can help to address their concerns.' Experts urge balanced implementation Education experts in the UAE have welcomed the findings, while also calling for thoughtful and balanced implementation in early learning environments. 'Yes — cautiously, and contextually,' said Shifa Yusuffali, CEO and Founder of IdeaCrate and MENALAC Board Member. 'The evidence is growing. Studies like the one conducted by the University of Cambridge in 2022 have shown that programmable robots can support skills like collaboration and sequencing among children as young as four, particularly in guided group settings. "Similarly, research from MIT Media Lab and Tufts University (Bers, 2018) has shown that screen-free robotics, like KIBO, can introduce young learners to computational thinking without displacing the sensory, social, and creative elements of early education.' However, Yusuffali emphasised that such technology should support, not replace, the essence of childhood learning. 'Technology in early years should never lead — it should follow. It should follow the child's innate sense of wonder, their need to move, to ask, to connect. In the right setting, with thoughtful facilitation, AI and robotics can become interesting companions in that journey — but never the driver. 'Children need connection more than they need content. They need to play before they can program. And they need to be seen — not just as future learners or digital natives, but as whole human beings with their own pace, questions, and stories.' Interactive storytelling devices The country's largest preschool chain has also already begun integrating AI tools in classrooms to support learning goals in developmentally appropriate ways, said, Dr Vandana Gandhi, CEO and founder of British Orchard Nursery and Teacher Training Centre. 'We advocate innovation that supports developmental needs through technology. Our EYFS curriculum ensures that all children have access to the latest age-appropriate technology tools and methodology for a seamless transition to big schools. Educators use AI-driven tools and AI assistants for teaching, assessment, curriculum planning, and monitoring progress,' said Gandhi. She noted that nurseries are also introducing tech numeracy games, interactive storytelling devices, and smart learning stations across their branches. 'These tools have already shown a positive impact on attention span and cognitive engagement — while preserving the nursery's commitment to a play-based, sensory-rich environment,' added Gandhi.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE summer: How to volunteer to hand out cold juices and frozen treats to workers
UAE residents have the opportunity to bring a smile to the face of blue-collar workers this summer. As part of the Al Freej Fridge campaign that aims to distribute ice creams and drinks among workers, the general public is being offered the chance to volunteer their services. Volunteering in the UAE is highly encouraged, with some even being offered the Golden Visa for their selfless service. 'We put out a call for volunteers just two days ago and we already have more than 80 people signing up,' said Alia Al Shamlan, Director of Ferjan Dubai. 'To ensure that we give everyone a chance, we will consider one volunteer sign up for a single chance. Only if we are unable to find other volunteers will we give anyone a repeat chance.' Supported by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), Ferjan Dubai, in collaboration with the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia) and the UAE Food Bank, launched the second edition of the Al Freej Fridge campaign on June 23. The initiative, which aims to distribute 2 million bottles of cold water, juices, and frozen treats, will run for 58 days at various locations around the city. Volunteering options According to Alia, there are different ways in which the public can volunteer for the initiative. 'We have six ice cream trucks which will travel around the city,' she said. 'Residents can volunteer to travel on these and hand out items to the workers. In addition to that, residents can also come forward to drive around in their own private vehicle to distribute these juices and frozen treats. We will provide them with a cooler and the items to be handed out.' Apart from this, residents can also volunteer for the Freej Fridge programme and buy refreshments on their own to distribute. 'We want to make sure that the programme reaches all parts of Dubai where workers are there,' she said. 'Opening the programme out to the community will help do that.' She added that residents who register, using the sign-up sheet on the Ferjan Dubai social media account, will be given a sticker to put on their cars and a volunteer jacket to clearly identify them as being part of the initiative. Volunteers can choose between two shifts of 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm on several dates in July and August. The initiative, which received an overwhelmingly positive response in its first edition last year, returned with the support of several entities. This year, it is aiming to offer respite to workers from several different location across the emirate.
Arabian Business
7 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank mobilises $4.63bn in sustainable finance, leads region in green sukuk
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) announced it has mobilised AED17bn ($4.63bn) in sustainable finance by the end of 2024, marking major progress toward its AED60bn ($16.3bn) commitment by 2030. The milestone was detailed in the bank's newly released 2024 Sustainability Report, which outlines ADIB's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) progress in line with the UAE Net Zero 2050 and UAE 2031 national strategies. ADIB became the first Islamic bank in the region to publish sector-specific financed emissions targets, focusing on six high-emission sectors including real estate, utilities, and home finance. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank These interim 2030 targets align with IEA Net Zero scenarios and the UAE's national decarbonisation goals. The report also showcases ADIB's: Double materiality assessment aligned with European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) First Green Sukuk allocation and impact report for its $500m green issuance Allocation of 90 per cent of Green Sukuk proceeds toward renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable water infrastructure, resulting in 607,000 tonnes of avoided annual emissions Mohamed Abdelbary, Group Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, said: 'Putting sustainability at the heart of what we do is one of the three key pillars of our 2035 vision. We're proud of the progress we're making, and how we're using our financing to contribute to the transition of our customers and the economy. 'Our latest sustainability disclosures reflect our steadfast commitment to ethical, inclusive, and climate-aligned banking. From leading the region in green sukuk to setting the benchmark on sectoral decarbonisation, we are taking decisive steps toward a low-carbon future'. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank reported an 87 per cent reduction in Scope 1 emissions and a 3.51 per cent drop in Scope 2 emissions compared to 2022. These gains are attributed to continued investments in energy efficiency, electrification, and operational optimisation. The bank's double materiality approach ensures that it evaluates not only how sustainability affects business performance but also how ADIB's operations impact people, planet, and economy—in line with global best practice for corporate sustainability disclosures. Beyond environmental goals, ADIB strengthened its social impact commitments:
