Gerard Allison, Senior Vice-President of Sales for EMEA at Sophos.
Gerard Allison, Senior Vice-President of Sales for EMEA at Sophos, discusses cybersecurity trends, AI-driven security solutions, and the evolving threat landscape in the UAE with Sandhya D’Mello, Editor, Technology Division, CPI Media Group.
Dubai — Sophos, a global leader in cybersecurity, has established itself as a trusted provider of innovative security solutions for over three decades. Headquartered in the UK, the company serves millions of users worldwide, protecting organizations from sophisticated cyber threats.
In the UAE, Sophos leads cybersecurity efforts, tackling challenges of rapid digital transformation with AI-driven solutions, Managed Detection and Response (MDR), and Security as a Service. Its recent acquisition of Secureworks strengthens its unified approach to safeguarding businesses from evolving threats. Through regional partnerships, Sophos delivers tailored solutions to sectors like government, banking, and hospitality, while advancing machine-learning tools to ensure resilience against emerging risks.
Gerard Allison joined Sophos in December 2022 and is responsible for accelerating growth in the EMEA region and collaborating closely with the company’s extensive partner network to deliver advanced cybersecurity solutions.
Interview Excerpts?
How would you describe the UAE’s position in technology and digital expansion?
The UAE has always been at the forefront of technological advancement, driving digital transformation across all sectors. This rapid expansion creates immense opportunities but also increases cybersecurity risks. As digital infrastructure grows, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes more critical than ever.
What role does Sophos play in addressing cybersecurity challenges in the UAE?
At Sophos, we are committed to protecting organizations from ever-evolving cyber threats. Our recent acquisition of Secureworks has strengthened our capabilities, allowing us to offer a more integrated approach to cybersecurity. This ensures enterprises, mid-market companies, and SMBs have a unified platform to manage their security posture effectively.
What are the key cybersecurity concerns facing organizations in the region?
Ransomware remains one of the most prevalent threats, alongside the challenge of managing multiple security platforms. Many organizations invest in high-end cybersecurity solutions but struggle with monitoring and responding to real-time threats. This is where our solutions come into play—we provide businesses with the tools to detect, mitigate, and prevent cyberattacks efficiently.
How does Sophos help businesses enhance their cybersecurity posture?
Cybersecurity is too complex and changes too fast to be effectively managed by most organizations alone. Our Security as a Service offering realizes an instant security operations center (SOC) for companies. The Sophos expert team stops advanced human-led attacks and takes immediate action to neutralize threats, enabling companies to focus on what matters most – driving the business forward. Sophos MDR (Managed Detection and Response) is one of the fastest-growing segments of our business, serving 28,000 customers globally. This solution enables organizations and partners to continuously monitor threats, leverage global threat intelligence, and strengthen their cyber resilience.
How important are regional partners in Sophos’ cybersecurity strategy?
Regional partners are essential to our growth and success. They help us engage with customers across industries, including government, banking, and hospitality. Their role in implementing cybersecurity solutions and organizing industry events ensures we stay connected with the evolving needs of businesses in the UAE.
AI is transforming cybersecurity. How is Sophos integrating AI into its security solutions?
AI has been embedded in our cybersecurity platform since 2017, making us a pioneer in leveraging machine learning for threat detection and response. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, AI helps automate security processes, detect anomalies faster, and enhance overall protection against emerging attacks.
Beyond acquiring cybersecurity solutions, what should businesses focus on to strengthen their security posture?
Businesses need a comprehensive approach — investing in best-in-class security solutions is vital, but so is managing and monitoring security environments proactively. Understanding vulnerabilities, detecting threats in real-time, and implementing a strong cyber response strategy are critical to staying ahead of attackers.
What is your vision for the future of cybersecurity in the UAE?
The cybersecurity landscape will continue to evolve, and businesses must remain proactive. At Sophos, we are dedicated to advancing AI-driven security solutions and working closely with our partners to provide best-in-class protection for organizations in the UAE and beyond.