Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 29 | Page 16

NEWS Middle East companies suffer larger losses than global counterparts because of security breaches SAP provides real-time analytics at the Extreme Sailing Series in Oman S AP is collaborating with sailors and organisers at the Extreme Sailing Series in Oman to provide new data and analytics to help the teams improve performance. SAP Sailing Analytics provides insights and transparency to the world of sailing by utilising cloud and in-memory SAP HANA technology, processing GPS and wind measurement data in real-time and then visualising contents through the use of live leader boards and 3D visualisations. In 2012, SAP became the Official Technical Partner of the Extreme Sailing Series. “Oman’s Extreme Sailing Series is at the cutting edge of global sporting innovation,” said Waheed Al Hamaid, Country Manager, SAP Oman. “Our involvement in the sport has transformed the sailing experience by providing tools. Sailors can analyse performance and optimise strategy, fans are closer to the action, and the media gain information and insights to deliver a better- informed commentary.” Mohan Raj, Regional Sales Manager for Oman, UAE and Bahrain, LogRhythm A ccording to a study released by PwC, which surveyed 300 companies from 20 Middle Eastern countries about the state of cybersecurity threats in the region, 56% of the companies lost more than AED1.85 million compared to 33% globally, and 13% lost at least three working days, compared to 9%. “The rapid growth of business in the region has placed stress on technology infrastructure and put them front and centre of global cyberthreats and attacks,” said Mohan Raj, Regional Sales Manager for Oman, UAE and Bahrain, who was recently hired by LogRhythm. Prior to joining LogRhythm, Mohan Raj ran the cybersecurity solutions business at one of the largest system integrators in 16 INTELLIGENTCIO the region, handling enterprise customers in government, banking, aviation, energy and utilities. “Companies in this region have been investing heavily in security technology, especially over the past five years. However, as cyberattacks grow in frequency and sophistication, more vigilant security processes and governance have become essential to thwarting attacks,” said Raj. SAP is the title sponsor of the SAP Extreme Sailing Team, improving race and training performances. Rasmus Kostner, Co-Skipper, SAP Extreme Sailing Team, said: “The ability to review and analyse our performance between acts has proved invaluable this season; from race to race we are able to identify areas where we can make improvements and optimise our strategy and planning.” “Digital security is not an IT department issue, it is a business issue that needs board level oversight and responsibility. The risk of suffering financial and reputational damage is very real. Small and large businesses need to make sure they are protected from cyberthreats.” www.intelligentcio.com