Kamel Tamimi, Senior Solutions Consultant at Zscaler MEA, shares insights on AI security, generative AI, and the importance of Zero Trust architecture.
As businesses in the Middle East and Africa embrace the digital revolution, cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of successful transformation. At the heart of this effort is Zscaler, a global cloud security leader. Kamel Tamimi, Senior Solutions Consultant at Zscaler, shares how the company is shaping the future of cybersecurity while addressing emerging challenges and opportunities around AI and Zero Trust architecture.
Speaking on his role at Zscaler, Tamimi notes, “I work closely with our clients across the Middle East and Africa, helping them navigate their digital transformation securely. This region is vibrant and progressive, and we’re committed to providing state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions tailored to local needs.”
Zscaler’s focus at GITEX 2024 is clear: simplifying and securing digital transformation. Tamimi explains, “Our message to customers is that digital transformation doesn’t have to be complicated, and security can
be part of that simplification.” This year, Zscaler’s key theme centers on AI-driven solutions, aiming to protect organizations from the evolving risks of artificial intelligence (AI) while leveraging AI to enhance their cybersecurity offerings.
AI: A Double-Edged Sword
Tamimi is candid about the dual nature of AI. “With the rise of AI, there are major concerns around its misuse and the privacy risks it presents. At Zscaler, we process around 500 trillion transactions daily, and we use AI to analyze this data, identify threats, and respond swiftly. By understanding the patterns in this data, we can develop mechanisms to stop these threats before they affect our customers.”
Zscaler’s AI-powered products are designed to give organizations greater visibility into AI-related risks while ensuring data privacy. Tamimi adds, “We also help customers use AI in their day-to-day business with enough control to ensure their data remains private and secure. AI should not be a risk; it should be an opportunity.”
Addressing Generative AI’s Ethical and Security Concerns
As generative AI tools proliferate, the need for strong frameworks to govern their use is critical. Tamimi explains the importance of regulation: “Enterprises must differentiate between public AI tools and enterprise-specific ones. While tools like ChatGPT pool data from multiple sources, enterprise AI ensures that data is confined within the organization’s own tenant, limiting exposure.”
However, even within an organization, data security challenges arise. Tamimi highlights this with a practical example: “Imagine an HR department using AI to calculate salary increases. If data isn’t properly secured, another employee could potentially access that sensitive information. That’s why data protection policies and generative AI regulations are essential.”
The Rise of Zero Trust Architecture
Looking ahead, Tamimi sees Zero Trust architecture as a pivotal trend for the region. “Zero Trust is not just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental shift in how we think about security in the age of cloud and AI. Traditional, network-based security models like VPNs and MPLS are no longer sufficient. Instead, we need to focus on context and risk-adaptive policies.”
Tamimi likens the transition to electric cars: “You don’t worry about changing oil in an electric car because the architecture is different. Similarly, Zero Trust requires different tools than those used to secure traditional networks.”
A Progressive and Vibrant Region
Tamimi wraps up the conversation by emphasizing the importance of the Middle East and Africa in Zscaler’s global strategy. “This region is at the forefront of digital adoption, with hyperscalers and cloud providers building data centers here. We’re invested in helping businesses across the Middle East and Africa adopt cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.”
His final advice to organizations? “Amidst the hype of buzzwords like AI and Zero Trust, partner with trusted vendors who understand the nuances of these technologies. Cybersecurity should enable business growth, not hinder it.”
As Zscaler continues to push the envelope in cybersecurity, it remains dedicated to helping the region achieve secure digital transformation in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
