Positive Technologies, a leading cybersecurity company, has signed a distribution agreement with Mideast Communication Systems (MCS), an established provider of information technology and cybersecurity solutions based in Cairo, Egypt. This strategic partnership is set to focus on sharing cybersecurity expertise and promoting advanced cybersecurity products and services across the Middle East and Africa, particularly in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other regions across the African continent. The collaboration aims to address the escalating challenges posed by cyber threats and enhance cybersecurity resilience in these critical regions.
As global cyberattacks continue to increase, the Middle East and Africa have become significant hotspots for cyber threats. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the number of cyberattacks in the Middle East tripled compared to the same period in 2023, highlighting a growing trend of malicious activity. In Africa, over 70% of all cyberattacks over the past year targeted key sectors, including public services, finance, industry, and telecommunications. Furthermore, dark web research indicates that access credentials for large domestic companies’ networks are being sold for an average of $2,970, signaling an alarming trend in the sophistication and scale of cybercrime. The vast growth in digital transformation and the expansion of connected technologies have made both the public and private sectors increasingly vulnerable to cybercriminal activities.
Despite these alarming trends, Egypt has shown considerable progress in its cybersecurity efforts. According to the 2023–2024 report from the International Telecommunication Union, Egypt is one of 12 nations that received the highest rating in the Global Cybersecurity Index. However, according to Positive Technologies’ research, Egypt ranks second in Africa for the number of cyberattacks, accounting for 13% of all attacks, behind South Africa, which tops the list with 22%. This indicates the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and proactive defense strategies to safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive data across the region.
Tarek Shabaka, CEO of MCS, expressed confidence that this partnership with Positive Technologies will help address the growing cybersecurity challenges in Egypt and beyond. With over 18 years of experience in cybersecurity, MCS has been at the forefront of Egypt’s digital transformation and is focused on expanding its presence in Africa. Shabaka emphasized that the strategic plan of MCS is to implement cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that support Egypt’s digital transformation goals while positioning the country as a leader in regional cybersecurity initiatives. The partnership with Positive Technologies will contribute significantly to building a higher level of cyber resilience among companies and organizations in the region, which are increasingly relying on advanced cybersecurity solutions to mitigate risks and protect sensitive data.
Ilya Leonov, the Regional Director for MENA at Positive Technologies, highlighted the company’s deep roots in the Middle East and its eagerness to extend its network across Africa. Leonov emphasized that MCS’s extensive experience with public sector organizations and financial institutions aligns well with Positive Technologies’ strengths, especially given that more than half of all cyberattacks in Africa target these critical sectors. The collaboration will focus on addressing key areas of vulnerability, such as industrial safety, DevSecOps (development, security, and operations), red team services (simulating cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities), and ATM security assessments. These areas are particularly important for organizations in the Middle East and Africa, where the threats are evolving rapidly, and the stakes are growing higher.
Founded in 2006, MCS has grown to become a leading player in the cybersecurity space, not only in Egypt but across East and Central Africa. The company has an office in Nairobi and operates in 10 countries across the region. MCS has also gained recognition for its annual hosting of the FDC Summit, one of Egypt’s largest IT exhibitions, which is held under the patronage of the Egyptian government and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. This event provides a platform for industry leaders, experts, and companies to showcase the latest in information technology and cybersecurity innovations.
Through the partnership with Positive Technologies, MCS will be able to offer even more advanced and comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to businesses, government agencies, and critical infrastructure sectors across the Middle East and Africa. This collaboration will help tackle some of the most pressing cybersecurity challenges faced by organizations in these regions, including the protection of sensitive data, the prevention of cyberattacks, and the strengthening of resilience against increasingly sophisticated threats.
This agreement also comes at a critical time as digital transformation accelerates across the Middle East and Africa. Governments, businesses, and organizations in these regions are investing heavily in technology and cloud services to drive innovation, economic growth, and competitiveness. As a result, there is a growing need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard digital assets and infrastructure. The partnership between Positive Technologies and MCS is poised to meet these demands, providing the necessary expertise, tools, and solutions to protect against the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Positive Technologies and Mideast Communication Systems marks a significant step forward in enhancing cybersecurity resilience across the Middle East and Africa. By combining MCS’s regional experience and local expertise with Positive Technologies’ advanced cybersecurity solutions, the two companies will be better equipped to tackle the growing threats facing businesses and governments in these regions. This partnership will play a crucial role in securing the digital future of the Middle East and Africa, enabling organizations to thrive in an increasingly connected and technology-driven world while safeguarding against cyber risks.