Sherif Azzam, Business Unit Manager, Comstor Saudi Arabia and Mohammed Tayem, Technology Unit Manager, Dar Beta Information Technology, sat down to discuss cybersecurity threats facing Saudi Arabia and the necessary steps organisations should take to protect their regional investments alongside Cisco Security.
Cybersecurity is a top priority across the region. How do you see the current security landscape evolving in Saudi Arabia?
Sherif Azzam: Saudi Arabia is undergoing one of the most ambitious digital transformations globally, driven by Vision 2030. With that scale of digitisation comes a rapidly expanding attack surface. We’re seeing organisations move beyond traditional security models and adopt more integrated, intelligence-driven approaches. Zero Trust, cloud security, and AI-powered threat detection are no longer optional they’re foundational.
Mohammed Tayem: From the customer side, we’re seeing a strong awareness shift. Organisations in KSA are more proactive than ever, not just reacting to threats but planning strategically. Compliance, resilience, and business continuity are key drivers. Customers want security solutions that align with their growth ambitions, not slow them down.
How does Cisco Security address these evolving challenges?
Sherif Azzam: Cisco Security stands out because of its ‘platform-based approach’. Instead of fragmented tools, Cisco delivers end-to-end visibility from users and devices to applications and the cloud. This simplifies security operations and enables faster, more accurate threat response. As Comstor, our role is to ensure partners can fully leverage this portfolio and bring real value to customers.
Mohammed Tayem: What resonates with our customers is how Cisco Security integrates seamlessly into existing environments. Solutions like Secure Access, Secure Firewall, and XDR provide clarity in complex infrastructures. It’s not just about protection it’s about control, visibility, and confidence.
Partnerships play a critical role in cybersecurity success. How do Comstor and BETA IT collaborate around Cisco Security?
Sherif Azzam: Strong partnerships are at the heart of our strategy. With BETA IT, we focus on enablement, technical excellence, and go-to-market alignment. Our goal is to empower partners with the right skills, tools, and insights so they can deliver impactful Cisco Security outcomes in KSA and beyond.
Mohammed Tayem: The collaboration with Comstor allows us to stay ahead of the curve. From early access to Cisco innovations to continuous technical and sales enablement, it strengthens our ability to design and deploy advanced security architectures. That ultimately translates into better results for our customers.
What are customers in KSA prioritising when it comes to cybersecurity investments?
Sherif Azzam: Customers are prioritising ‘simplicity, scalability, and integration’. They want solutions that can grow with their business while remaining easy to manage. There’s also a strong focus on regulatory compliance and data sovereignty, which Cisco Security addresses effectively.
Mohammed Tayem: We’re also seeing increased demand for managed security services and security automation. Organisations want to reduce operational complexity and skills gaps while improving response times. Cisco’s security ecosystem supports this shift perfectly.
How do you see AI shaping the future of cybersecurity in the region?
Sherif Azzam: AI is a game-changer. Cisco is embedding AI across its security portfolio to enhance detection, prediction, and response. For partners and customers, this means faster insights and reduced risk especially critical in high-growth markets like Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed Tayem: AI helps security teams focus on what truly matters. Instead of chasing alerts, they can act on prioritised, contextual intelligence. Customers in KSA are increasingly open to AI-driven security, as long as it’s trusted and transparent which is where Cisco excels.
What’s next for Cisco Security, Comstor, and BETA IT in Saudi Arabia?
Sherif Azzam: Our focus is on accelerating secure digital transformation. We’ll continue investing in partner enablement, local expertise, and joint initiatives that support Vision 2030 goals.
Mohammed Tayem: For us, it’s about deeper customer engagement and innovation. With Cisco Security and Comstor, we’re well positioned to help organisations in KSA build resilient, future-ready security frameworks.
Image Credit: Comstor & Dar BETA IT
