Report: 86% of companies in the UAE rely on more than one cybersecurity provider.
A new study by Kaspersky, titled "Strengthening Immunity: Systems Resilience as a Cybersecurity Shield," shows that 86% of companies in the UAE rely on security systems from multiple vendors. While this diversity may offer some benefits, such as mitigating risks, it creates significant complexity in cybersecurity infrastructure, draining resources and impairing operational efficiency.
The Kaspersky study covered organizations from the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Europe, Russia, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, and focused on how companies manage their cybersecurity, the challenges of diverse security solutions, and future consolidation plans.
Kaspersky's study showed that 86% of organizations in the UAE still prefer to rely on security solutions from multiple vendors, even in light of the challenges this approach can present.
What's interesting, however, is the growing belief in the benefits of unified solutions. A staggering 42% of these organizations believe that a single vendor can meet all their security needs, indicating a strong desire to simplify cybersecurity management.
However, few companies are actually adopting this approach. Only 14% of organizations rely on a single vendor, reflecting their caution against relying entirely on a single entity or their fear of the potential security risks associated with this.
The UAE's cybersecurity sector is witnessing an accelerating shift toward consolidating security solutions, with 93% of organizations planning to adopt a single-vendor strategy. This trend isn't limited to intentions alone; 21% of organizations have already begun consolidating their cybersecurity tools within a single platform.
More importantly, 72% of companies plan to take this step within the next two years, confirming that this shift is not just a passing fad, but a strategic plan.
This shift reflects organizations' desire to simplify cybersecurity operations, reduce costs, and improve response to security threats by relying on unified, integrated solutions. As organizations increasingly recognize the benefits of a simplified security architecture, this trend is expected to radically change the cybersecurity landscape in the near future.
Commenting on this, Ilya Markelov, Head of the Unified Platform Product Group at Kaspersky, said their study showed that organizations' reliance on multiple vendors occurs naturally over time, rather than being the result of deliberate strategic planning.
Markelov noted that diversifying security solutions may have some benefits, such as mitigating risks and expanding the scope of protection. However, he warned that increased complexity drains resources and weakens operational efficiency. This complexity can create "serious vulnerabilities," making it difficult to maintain a comprehensive view of security threats and hinder effective and rapid response to emerging risks.
Markelov also emphasized that the growing trend toward consolidation demonstrates the maturity and evolution of cybersecurity strategies. The focus now shifts to using integrated platforms that facilitate management, reduce manual effort, and enhance a comprehensive view of the security posture.
Kaspersky experts recommend using centralized, automated solutions such as Kaspersky Next XDR Expert to provide comprehensive protection. This solution combines data from multiple sources into a single platform and relies on machine learning technologies to effectively detect threats and provide a rapid automated response to security risks.
Ready-made integration tools, automation features, and case management also reduce infrastructure complexity, making it easier for companies to efficiently manage their cybersecurity.
