FEATURE: NETWORKS AND SECURITY

Gerald Beuchelt, CISO Acronis

The biggest challenge is architectural debt. Many enterprise environments are built on disconnected systems that resist convergence. Trying to unify them often introduces more risk than benefit unless there is a clear migration path. Even

when convergence is achieved on paper, tool silos often persist, and visibility gaps remain.

Lack of centralised control slows down response and leaves teams reactive. Without clear telemetry across endpoints, networks, and cloud services, administrators are forced to work piecemeal. This is especially hard on SMBs, where limited staff and budget mean the tools must do more with less.

There are three key skill clusters emerging. First is technical fluency across cloud-native architectures, identity and access management, and Zero Trust implementation, combined with a builder mindset to design, integrate, and evolve converged network and security platforms. These are essential for navigating modern hybrid infrastructures.

Second is operational capability in areas like AI-driven analytics, threat detection, and incident response. Teams need a working understanding of AI models and tools, and the ability to manage integrated telemetry and translate insights into measurable outcomes.

Third is strategic alignment. Security professionals must communicate risk clearly, collaborate across business units, and influence decisions beyond IT. As convergence deepens, so does the expectation that security supports the broader goals of resilience and agility.

Alexandre Depret-Bixio, Senior Vice President, Anomali

In the MENA region, the pace of digital transformation is revealing the limitations of legacy SIEM tools, which are often fragmented and slow. In response, unified, cloud-native platforms are revolutionising security operations by combining real-time telemetry, AIassisted detection and integrated threat intelligence.

This convergence enables faster, more proactive defence across IT and security teams, repositioning the network as an active line of defence and supporting broader national objectives related to digital resilience and cybersecurity.

By leveraging real-time data enrichment and automated threat scoring, AI helps prioritise high-risk alerts and suggests appropriate response actions. As agentic AI continues to advance, it is expected to further transform traditionally siloed tasks into integrated, intelligence-driven workflows across security operations centres in the region.

In the GCC, where significant investments are being made in advanced digital infrastructure, cybersecurity professionals are increasingly required to be hybrid

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