Fast Lane talks business about network security

The seminar provided key decision makers, heads of IT departments and network managers from different industries with an informative overview of the different facets of network security, defining what it actually entails, the role of a certified security specialist, the need to secure your business network today, the solutions available to businesses and Cisco's network security architecture.

As part of the company's dedication to identifying and addressing emerging networking and related IT needs in the market, Fast Lane has been in close contact with SMBs and Enterprise businesses and found that there was a specific interest in getting further and more detailed information about Network Audit, with emphasis on Security audit. This resulted in the decision to hold a seminar, an informative forum, as a first step towards enhancing awareness of network security and its growing importance amongst businesses in the region and globally.

"Awareness and education is key when it comes to changing the perception of businesses and how they regard Network Security," said Josef Miskulnig, Managing Director, Fast Lane Middle East & Europe. "Until very recently, network security was an after thought for network or IT managers and considered of when it came to network connections. We are witnessing a gradual change in this approach, due to businesses learning the hard way, as they experience more and more network attacks from both outsiders and insiders, but this can be avoided through an increase in awareness. Businesses need to see networks as strategic assets rather than tools."

In the Middle East, there is a gradual increase in awareness about IT security and network security issues and how a lack of adequate security measures can leave confidential corporate data vulnerable to attack. Many businesses don't have adequate security policies and best practices in place and some don't know where to start. "This is where we as a learning partner see our true value; increase awareness on the need for comprehensive and integrated security solutions, so that businesses can better protect the company's most valuable asset, information," added Miskulnig. "Safeguarding the network means safeguarding a successful business. The importance of an organization's information assets is directly linked to the level of importance that should be given to network security."

Change is also coming about as a result of growth in applications such as IP networks and the Internet and the company's use of networks in every part of their business including critical e-mail correspondence, e-commerce, marketing, finance, logistics and customer service. The network is critical for any organization and they cannot afford any downtime due to failure, they need to protect it from the threat of hackers, worms, viruses, corporate thieves and employees not following best practices in the workplace. The network has become the lifeline of the business and if the lifeline is disconnected, the business will go down.

The feedback from the seminar attendees was also very positive with more than 97% indicating that they were very satisfied with the information shared during the seminar and would be interested in attending similar seminars addressing the issue of network security, in the future. Building on the success of the seminar held in Abu Dhabi, Fast Lane will be running similar awareness seminars in Dubai and across the region, addressing necessary and common security issues for businesses in addition to any related networking needs.