‘Vulnerable’ UAE gives push to mobile protection awareness

Ritika Sharma / Emirates Business

UAE boasts of one of the highest mobile penetration rates in Middle East. However a sign of advancement, this has made the country highly vulnerable to cyber-attacks, experts believe.
In the wake of aforesaid, UAE-based Axiom telecom, the region’s leading mobile reseller, has joined hands with ESET, the global pioneer of proactive security software to drive awareness on the vital need for mobile protection in the Emirates.
“The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the region with 74.6 and 73.6 percent, respectively, of each nation’s population anticipated to use internet-ready mobile phones and devices by 2018. As the number of devices continues to grow, the challenges people face to keep their information secure also increase. Our collaboration with Axiom will work towards finding best solutions to ensure the security of confidential data,” said Neo Neophytou, Managing Director, ESET Middle East.
As part of the strategic ESET-Axiom partnership, Axiom will distribute ESET Mobile Security hanging cards for Android smartphones and tablets in the UAE and also in Saudi Arabia, while ESET Mobile Security will be part of Axiom’s value-added services, giving its customers increased ability to enjoy safer technology on a daily basis.
“Our partnership with Axiom aims to protect and educate users against the growing number of mobile malware and other threats that many individuals are unaware of,” Neophytou added.
According to ESET’s ‘Trends for 2016: (In)Security Everywhere’ report, there has been a significant increase in the number of malware variants for mobile platforms with hundreds of malicious apps distributed through official stores.
In 2015, over 500,000 Android users were targeted by fake phishing apps on Google Play which, if installed, would have harvested users’ Facebook log in details and personal information.
ESET Mobile Security is designed to maximise mobile security and allow users to use their mobile devices in less secure environments. Mobile users are enabled with ESET’s advanced protection as they navigate the Internet, open suspicious email and chat messages, or download apps from third parties.
It has been developing award-winning security software that now helps over 100 million users to enjoy safer technology. Its broad security product portfolio covers all popular platforms and provides businesses and consumers around the world with the perfect balance of performance and proactive protection. The company has a global network covering 180 countries, and regional offices in Bratislava, San Diego, Singapore and Buenos Aires.
Axiom is the Middle East’s leading multi-brand, multi-channel distributor and retailer of mobile telecommunications devices, accessories and telecom services. Its distribution network provides multiple points of access to the end consumer through three principal routes – the retail channel through a variety of brands and store formats, a micro-distribution channel via independent stores and a macro-distribution channel serving wholesalers for domestic and international sales.