- The data center will enable full functionality of Duo’s zero-trust platform to help businesses improve user experience due to enhanced connection proximity.
- Cisco enables organisations to see every device that is connected to the network and applications and easily monitor device health and compliance.
- Identity is rated as the number one cybersecurity risk, according to Cisco’s Cybersecurity Readiness Index.
Cisco is setting up a data centre in the UAE in the middle of 2024 to implement its Duo multi-factor authentication and secure access solution with an aim to strengthen cybersecurity posture and improve connection performance using machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence.
Cisco acquired Duo Security for $2.35 billion in cash and assumed equity awards for 100 per cent of Duo’s outstanding shares, warrants and equity incentives on a fully-diluted basis in 2018.
Once access is granted, Duo enables organisations to see every device that is connected to the network and applications and easily monitor device health and compliance.
UAE is home to some of the top data centre providers in the world.
Critical investment
The launch of the cloud data centre in Dubai is part of Cisco’s and Duo’s strategy to build security infrastructure globally that helps prepare and secure customers for the future.
“We understand the complexity of today’s threat landscape and we are proud to offer solutions that help our customers address these challenges. The Cisco Duo cloud data centre is a critical investment to support our customers in building a cloud-based, secure and agile IT infrastructure that can adapt and respond to the ever-changing cyber risks of the digital age,” Reem Asaad, Vice President for Cisco Middle East and Africa, said.
Cisco Duo’s global network of cloud data centres across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and the Americas provide local customers, particularly those in highly regulated industries, such as public sector and financial services, with more choice over service delivery locations.
Crucial component
Today, identity has emerged as the new perimeter of cybersecurity; it is the number one cybersecurity risk according to Cisco’s Cybersecurity Readiness Index.
Findings from Cisco’s 2024 Duo Trusted Access Report based on 16 billion authentications on 58 million different devices worldwide show that companies recognise and use multi-factor authentication and password-less technologies as key elements for risk reduction and IT security.
The number of MFA authentications using Duo rose by 41 per cent in the past year.
Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity of the UAE Government, said that the UAE is a leader in adopting new and exciting technologies that will be shaping the country’s future.
“Cybersecurity is a crucial component of a successful digital transformation journey. Our goal is to build a safe and resilient cyber infrastructure in the UAE that enables citizens to fulfil their aspirations and empower businesses to thrive. Today’s announcement of the Cisco Duo cloud data centre in the UAE is important for supporting organisations in responding to the ever-changing cyber risks of the digital age and will contribute to a strong cyber defence ecosystem that protects critical infrastructure and prevents cyberthreats,” he said.
Duo uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centres in the United States, Canada, Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and India.
“Cisco puts identity at the center of our security strategy, leveraging Duo’s capabilities to keep customer data highly secure, and enabling them to focus on providing the best user experience for their customers,” Raj Chopra, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer for Cisco Security, said.