23 November 2024, Sat |
12:05 PM
Positive Technologies, a cybersecurity company, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Amity University Dubai, one of the largest private universities in the United Arab Emirates. This collaboration aims to enhance the skills of cybersecurity specialists across the Middle East.
The partnership will facilitate internships, cybersecurity events, and joint research projects for university students and faculty. Both organizations are committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to benefit their respective communities.
Recent studies by Positive Technologies reveal that 60% of all attacks on organizations in the Middle East over the past year targeted five key sectors: the public sector, industry, telecommunications, IT companies, and education. Amid geopolitical tensions and the rise of hacktivist groups in Gulf countries, DDoS attacks surged by 70% compared to the same period in 2023, with a significant focus on the UAE. Notably, 40% of dark web forum posts related to cyberattacks on Persian Gulf countries originated from the UAE since the beginning of 2023.
In response to these threats, the UAE has made significant strides in national cybersecurity, earning recognition as a top innovator in the Global Cybersecurity Index, according to the 2023-2024 report by the International Telecommunication Union.
Dr. Sathish Kannan, Dean of the School of Engineering, Architecture, and Interior Design at Amity University Dubai, emphasized the importance of developing qualified information security specialists. “Educational programs at higher education institutions play a key role in professional training in the UAE. Thanks to our partnership with Positive Technologies, our students will now have access to the company’s extensive experience and expertise,” he stated.
Ilya Leonov, Regional Director (MENA) at Positive Technologies, highlighted the urgency of addressing the global increase in cyberattacks and the critical shortage of qualified personnel. “We prioritize the development of educational projects and aim to foster a global community of information security experts. This memorandum with Amity University Dubai is a vital step toward achieving this goal and equipping students with practical knowledge and skills in cybersecurity,” Leonov remarked.
In 2024, Positive Technologies, with the support of the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, launched Positive Hack Camp, a free international training program focused on practical cybersecurity for professionals worldwide. Kicked off in August 2024, this annual initiative gathered around 70 students from 20 countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Bahrain.
Beyond educational projects, Positive Technologies hosts major events like the Positive Hack Days international cybersecurity festival and the Standoff Cyberbattle, fostering connections among cybersecurity experts globally. In May 2024, the PHDays Fest 2 attracted approximately 200 international attendees from 17 countries, while over 4,500 cybersecurity experts have participated in Standoff over its nine-year history, forming 200 teams from 30 countries.
Established in 2011, Amity University Dubai is a leading international institution in the UAE and part of the global Amity Education Group, which boasts over 200,000 students and 6,000 faculty members worldwide.
