Kamal Zian, Chief Information Security Officer at Huawei Gulf North talks to Teletimes International in an exclusive interview about Huawei’s approach towards cybersecurity and data privacy.
Khalid: How do you foresee the evolution of network security over the next 5-10 years?
Kamal: Firstly, thank you for having me, and we appreciate Teletimes’ interest in Huawei. This is an essential question, given the rapid acceleration of digital transformation. Artificial intelligence is playing a pivotal role, not only in services but also in cybersecurity. To address this, continued investment in cybersecurity is paramount. Over the past five years, Huawei has invested over $5 billion in developing cybersecurity capabilities, solutions, and people. Emerging technologies such as the metaverse, AI, and others will expand our ICT infrastructure, increasing the attack surface. To tackle this, we must start with the basics, ensuring compliance with national regulations. With a presence in over 170 countries, this task is significant, but we are committed to it. Moreover, we must leverage AI technologies to defend against AI-driven cyber-attacks. At Huawei, we are incorporating AI across our solutions, including cybersecurity, to enhance our defenses. Future investment will focus on fortifying our IT infrastructure and providing cutting-edge cybersecurity capabilities to our customers.
Khalid: What specific security challenges does the metaverse bring?
Kamal: The metaverse is rapidly becoming a reality, driven by augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. These technologies merge the real and digital worlds, leading to a more immersive digital experience. While this opens up exciting service opportunities, it also exposes us to increased digital threats. Huawei is facilitating the metaverse through technologies like 5G, 5.5G, and future 6G, ensuring a safe and secure transition. We follow the latest cybersecurity standards in all our solutions and employ AI technologies to identify and address threats. Resilience is another key aspect of our approach. We focus on business continuity and alternatives to ensure operations can withstand cyberattacks. This comprehensive strategy is our way forward.
Khalid: What are your thoughts on cybersecurity policies in Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait?
Kamal: Huawei operates in over 170 countries, each with its own cybersecurity regulations and agencies. Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait have established entities overseeing national cybersecurity strategies. These countries continually update their cybersecurity laws and regulations. Our responsibility as Huawei is to comply with these regulations. We have dedicated teams in cybersecurity and legal experts that study and understand these regulations. We engage with government organizations to propose improvements or clarifications when needed. Our goal is to ensure a clear understanding of cybersecurity laws and regulations and to contribute positively to their development.
Khalid: Please share Huawei’s partnerships with local and international companies to enhance network security.
Kamal: Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and we collaborate with partners, customers, and the public sector to strengthen network security. We actively engage with national cybersecurity agencies and centers to align with regulations and best practices. Huawei seeks certifications for products and processes and works closely with industry partners on system integration. Our aim is to deliver complex solutions while adhering to international standards.
Khalid: What challenges do telecom operators in the Gulf region face regarding cybersecurity and data security?
Kamal: Data security is a significant challenge as we shift toward AI-generated data. Operators are responsible for a vast amount of traffic, and protecting this data’s integrity and confidentiality is crucial. To address these challenges, operators must invest in their employees’ cybersecurity skills and awareness. They should partner with trusted vendors and follow international standards and best practices. Additionally, operators should foster collaboration with the government and private sectors to ensure a collective approach to cybersecurity and data privacy.
Khalid: Could you provide insights into Huawei’s cybersecurity roadmap and policy for the next five years?
Kamal: Huawei’s commitment to cybersecurity is evident as it is directly overseen by our CEO, Mr. Ren Zhengfei. We invest strategically in developing secure products, processes, and people. Our annual investment in cybersecurity exceeds $1 billion, reflecting our dedication. We continue to explore cutting-edge AI capabilities and collaborate with international standardization organizations, customers, and partners to stay ahead of cybersecurity challenges. Our focus remains on securing our digital future.
