Janne Hirvimies, Chief Technology Officer at QuantumGate, discusses the growing role of cybersecurity in the region and emerging challenges in the age of quantum computing.
The cybersecurity landscape in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, has seen a remarkable transformation in recent years. QuantumGate’s Chief Technology Officer, Janne Hirvimies, shares his perspective with Tahawultech.com on how cybersecurity is evolving, the impact of quantum computing, and the solutions his company is offering to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Interview Excerpts:
How do you see the evolution of cybersecurity trends in the past few years, especially in the UAE and the Middle East?
I have been in the ecosystem since 2016, and I’ve witnessed significant growth, especially in the past few years. The UAE, in particular, has been at the forefront of driving this transformation. The country has not only been investing heavily in its tech ecosystem but also introducing groundbreaking regulations. One example is the Blockchain and Quantum Computing (BQC) regulation, which has positioned the UAE as a leader in cybersecurity strategy on the global stage.
How are QuantumGate‘s products and solutions aligned with the UAE’s cybersecurity strategy?
QuantumGate is a part of the ATRC ecosystem, which ensures that our products and solutions are fully aligned with the UAE’s cybersecurity strategy. We have been proactive in anticipating regulatory needs, even three years ahead of time. Leaders like Dr. Najwa Aaraj have driven initiatives that have shaped the development of data security products, ensuring they are in line with both upcoming regulations and the needs of the industry.
What emerging cybersecurity threats or trends do you foresee impacting enterprises in the Middle East in the coming years?
Over the past 25-30 years, the security landscape has been largely shaped by traditional cryptographic methods. However, with the rise of quantum computing, the paradigm is shifting. The approach to cryptography will need to be reinvented, as it has been largely stable and secure for decades. Many enterprises still don’t have clear ownership over cryptographic assets.
“Organisations will need to start managing cryptographic assets properly, identify their gaps, and build a roadmap for the future.”
Can you highlight any innovative technologies that QuantumGate showcased at GISEC?
At GISEC, we showcased two main product families. One is a full solution for managing cryptographic assets tailored to the needs of the UAE and the region. This is a novel solution because traditionally, cryptography has been scattered across various parts of an enterprise without centralised management. We are offering a structured approach to understanding and managing this. The second solution addresses the emerging requirements of post-quantum data security and communication security, ensuring that organisations are ready for the next generation of cybersecurity challenges.
