GBM Boosts Cybersecurity for GEMS Schools

Gulf Business Machines (GBM), a prominent provider of end-to-end digital solutions, has partnered with Palo Alto Networks, a cybersecurity company, to implement a next-generation firewall across all schools within GEMS Education, one of the largest private school networks in the GCC. This initiative aims to significantly enhance the security of the digital learning environment, ensuring improved threat detection, real-time protection, and compliance with educational regulations.

As cyberthreats targeting the education sector in the GCC continue to rise, the deployment of this firewall will ensure secure internet access for students and safeguard against advanced persistent threats (APTs), which involve intruders establishing a foothold on a network to extract sensitive data. Operating on zero-trust principles, the firewall will effectively monitor and filter network traffic, blocking unauthorized access, preventing virus infiltration, and upholding data privacy.

The new technology offers several benefits, including enhanced user identity protection, control over application usage, and encrypted traffic security without compromising privacy. It will also provide advanced threat protection and automated threat intelligence sharing. Centralized management will boost operational efficiency for all GEMS schools, supporting the UAE’s vision for a sustainable, knowledge-driven future.

Suresh Bathrachalam, Senior Vice President and Head of Technology at GEMS Education, emphasized the growing importance of cybersecurity in educational settings. “With the ever-increasing frequency and complexity of cyberthreats, we are committed to safeguarding the data and privacy of our students and employees. The deployment of Palo Alto Networks’ next-generation firewall, executed by GBM, is a significant step in securing our entire ecosystem.”

Ossama El Samadoni, General Manager of GBM Dubai, highlighted the challenges posed by organized cyber adversaries. “In today’s hyperconnected world, organizations must proactively identify vulnerabilities and respond quickly to incidents. We are excited to leverage Palo Alto Networks’ cutting-edge technology to protect GEMS schools from rising cyberthreats.”

Hadi Zakhem, Cyber Security Leader for Emerging Markets at Palo Alto Networks, noted the company’s commitment to keeping organizations safe from cybercrime. “As a leader in enterprise network firewalls, we provide best-in-class products to all types of entities. Our firewall will enable GEMS Education to see and secure everything while continuously evolving its cybersecurity approach.”

Palo Alto Networks’ next-generation firewalls offer the perfect balance of security, speed, and versatility, providing advanced protection for both physical and virtual public and private cloud networks. Their integrated capabilities ensure the safeguarding of internal assets while allowing users to connect to data and applications from anywhere.