Emile Abou Saleh, VP for Northern Europe, Middle East, Turkey & Africa at Proofpoint, highlights the UAE data center launch, strengthening regional commitment, ensuring data residency compliance, and enhancing cybersecurity for evolving threats.
Proofpoint has announced the availability of its new data center in the UAE. Can you explain the purpose of this launch and what it signifies for the region?
Proofpoint has a long-standing presence in the Middle East and has significantly expanded its footprint over the past 5-7 years. The purpose of this event is to showcase Proofpoint’s commitment to the region, especially in light of the evolving cyber threat landscape and recent global attacks. The new data center in the UAE will allow Proofpoint’s current customers to comply with local regulations by keeping their data within the country. It will also open up opportunities for new customers who were previously unable to use Proofpoint’s cloud-based solutions due to data residency requirements. This launch reaffirms Proofpoint’s dedication to the Middle East and its commitment to supporting customers in navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
What makes Proofpoint’s approach to cybersecurity unique, particularly in addressing insider threats?
Proofpoint adopts a human-centric approach to cybersecurity, recognizing that people play a major role in both protecting and putting organizations at risk. One of the key highlights of Proofpoint’s offerings is its security awareness training platform, which provides interactive modules and simulations to educate users and help them identify and avoid potential threats. The platform uses AI and behavioral analysis to detect anomalies and prevent data leaks in real-time, addressing both intentional and unintentional data breaches by insiders. This approach is crucial in addressing the growing challenge of insider threats, providing customers with visibility into user behavior and enabling them to investigate and prevent data breaches effectively.
How will the new data center in the UAE benefit Proofpoint’s existing and potential customers?
The launch of the data center in the UAE is expected to benefit both Proofpoint’s existing and potential customers. For current customers, the data center will allow them to comply with local regulations by keeping their data within the country. This is particularly important for organizations in sectors like finance, healthcare, and the public sector, where data residency is a critical concern. For new customers who were previously unable to use Proofpoint’s cloud-based solutions due to data residency requirements, the data center will open up new opportunities, enabling them to leverage Proofpoint’s comprehensive security solutions.
What impact does Proofpoint anticipate in terms of growth and customer acquisition in the Middle East region?
Proofpoint anticipates continued strong growth in the Middle East region, projecting a 20-30% year-over-year increase in both customer acquisition and revenue. The company sees opportunities across various sectors, including finance, oil and gas, public sector, and healthcare, as organizations seek to bolster their cybersecurity defenses against evolving threats. Proofpoint’s impressive growth in the region, with a 10-fold increase in the last five years and a high customer retention rate of around 92-93%, is a testament to the value it provides. The launch of the data center is expected to further drive growth by attracting new customers and helping existing ones comply with local regulations.
How does Proofpoint plan to maintain its momentum and commitment to the Middle East region?
Looking ahead, Proofpoint plans to maintain its momentum in the region through ongoing investments in resources and expansion. The company’s commitment to the Middle East is evident through the opening of offices in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and the deployment of additional data centers to support its growing customer base. Over the next 2-3 years, Proofpoint expects to sustain its growth trajectory, focusing on customer trust and satisfaction. The launch of the data center in the UAE is a strategic move to better serve existing customers and attract new ones, addressing data residency requirements and demonstrating Proofpoint’s dedication to the region. This commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and compliance with local regulations will be crucial in maintaining its market leadership position.