For the first time ever, cyberattacks have emerged as one of the top three risks impacting the world. Along with natural disasters and climate change, the Global Risks Report for 2018, tells us cyberattacks are literally one of the biggest threats we face. It’s hardly surprising when one considers the scale and might of attacks like WannaCry, which affected thousands of enterprises across the world. This fifth generation of attacks, or Gen V as Check Point has dubbed it, is not only large-scale, but also multi-vector and even in some cases, state-sponsored.
Gen V attacks literally have the power to shut down entire countries. And the scariest part is that the average business in Africa is still operating with security solutions equipped to combat more simple Gen II or III attacks.
“While Gen I attacks targeted standalone PCs and were dealt with by antivirus, Gen II saw the start of network attacks, requiring the introduction of firewalls. Gen III then began exploiting vulnerabilities in applications, which was combatted through Intrusion Prevention (IPS),” explains Doros Hadjizenonos, Check Point Country Manager for SADC. Gen IV attacks focused on polymorphic content and involved hackers sending files embedded with malware. “To prevent this sandboxing and anti-bot technologies were used,” Hadjizenonos says.
Not equipped for Gen V
But now to combat Gen V attacks, much more is needed. It’s about prevention (rather than just detection), real-time action and covering the weakest points across cloud and mobile. Siloed security solutions are no longer enough and in order to beat Gen 5, businesses need end-to-end security infrastructure which spans everything from data centres to mobile devices.
“We’ve analysed our clients and while all of them have antivirus and a firewall, very few have the advanced technology needed to survive a Gen V attack,” says Hadjizenonos. “The sad thing is though that the technology to protect against these attacks does exist.” Check Point’s Gen V Protection against Mega Attacks is a case in point. The technology consolidates all of the isolated security solutions which businesses already have in place and covers those touch points which are lacking.
Africa under threat
This level of comprehensive, end-to-end security is a particularly important focus for government and businesses entities operating in Africa. African countries rank consistently high on Check Point’s monthly Global Threat Index. Botswana, for example, has topped the Index for two months in a row. Perhaps not surprisingly then, there is a significant appetite across Africa for cybersecurity solutions.
Taking on new territory
As such, the company has earmarked the continent as an important region for growth and investment. “2018 is the first year in which Africa will be viewed on its own as a territory, rather than forming part of the MEA or EMEA region,” says Hadjizenonos. Check Point will also place greater focus on countries within the SADC region, where it is busy expanding its team.
Not only is this a highly positive development from an employment and investment perspective, but it also means that clients of the company will have far greater access to the Check Point team and direct services required for more complex security projects. In order to assist with these growth and development objectives, the company has made key appointments.
Transfer of IT skills
While Hadjizenonos was formerly the Country Manager for the entire SADC region, focus for the region has now been split in two, with Hadjizenonos acting as Country Manager for everything outside of South Africa, and a well-known name in tech, Grant Hamilton, taking on the role of Country Manager for South Africa.
This will enable Hadjizenonos to place greater focus on driving growth and new business within the markets beyond South Africa.
An equally significant part of his mandate will be the transfer of technology skills across the countries in which Check Point operates. “We particularly need to make sure the channel is supported with the skills it needs, which is why we have plans to run a large number of training courses,” he says.
New business, new tech
At the same time, the company has identified South Africa as a very important territory in which it stands to achieve a great deal more growth. Hamilton’s appointment will prove key to driving that increased momentum.
Having spent 21 years at Dimension Data, he comes with a wealth of technical and sales experience, as well as a formidable network of contacts. Hamilton began his career at Dimension Data as an Engineer, later moving into sales and eventually taking on the position of Sales Director on the networking side of the business. His final stint with the company was spent in logistics, helping companies solve their business challenges. He has also accumulated invaluable experience heading up his own IT recruitment company.
In his new role at Check Point, Hamilton will look to drive the company’s strategy around new clients and new technology. “I’m also a big believer in creating the right energy within a business,” he says. Hamilton is highly cognisant of the pace at which the cybersecurity industry operates, and the need for local businesses to partner with security specialists which can help them remain one step ahead of the game.
Indeed, as Check Point rolls out Gen V security prevention, it is already focused on the next wave of attacks.
Bring on Gen VI.
Edited by Fundisiwe Maseko
Follow Fundisiwe Maseko on Twitter
Follow IT News Africa on Twitter
