Category: National

In an era where national borders no longer define the boundaries of threat, where melting glaciers pose as much danger as cyber syndicates, and where climate change has become a security imperative, the 35th Annual Global Conclave of the International Institute of Safety and Security Management (IISSM) convened with a singular mission – to reimagine India’s approach to resilience in an age of converging crises. Held against the backdrop of mounting global uncertainties, the 2025 conclave brought together security professionals, environmentalists, policymakers, and industry leaders to address what speakers uniformly described as a ‘new risk paradigm,’ one that defies traditional compartmentalization and demands integrated, proactive solutions. The Convergence of Security and Survival The inaugural session established a powerful thesis that the threats facing India today are fundamentally interconnected. O.P. Singh, IPS (Retd.), Former DGP, UP, whose opening address set the conclave’s agenda, articulated how modern risks have evolved beyond conventional frameworks. Cybercrime networks now operate alongside drone-based threats, human trafficking syndicates leverage cryptocurrency for anonymity, and digital vulnerabilities increasingly intersect with physical security challenges. This blurring of boundaries, Singh argued, requires nothing less than a complete reimagining of how India approaches preparedness. The nation must transition from reactive crisis management to building systemic resilience, integrating technology, sustainability principles, and community partnerships into the very fabric of its security architecture. Climate Change as a National Security Imperative Perhaps the conclave’s most urgent message came from Padma Bhushan awardee Chandi Prasad Bhatt, whose decades of environmental activism lend weight to his warnings about the Himalayan crisis. The veteran conservationist painted a stark picture of accelerating glacier melt in the mountains that serve as India’s water tower, feeding rivers upon which hundreds of millions depend. Bhatt’s warning transcended environmental rhetoric to frame climate change as an immediate security concern. His projection that India’s great rivers might one day flow only as seasonal streams struck at the heart of national survival, water security, agricultural stability, and the displacement crises that would inevitably follow. The subcontinent’s ecological foundation, he argued, is eroding faster than policy responses can adapt. Prof. Santosh Kumar, CEO, IISSM, extended this analysis to India’s vulnerable coastline, emphasizing that rising sea levels pose catastrophic risks to the 7,600 kilometers of coastal territory. The security implications of climate-driven displacement, infrastructure loss, and resource competition demand that environmental and security communities abandon their traditional silos. The professor’s formulation resonated throughout the conclave, securing the plains requires first securing the mountains. The Multidimensional Security Challenge Digambar Kamat, former Chief Minister of Goa, grounded these broader themes in practical governance realities. Drawing on recent terrorist incidents and cyber breaches, he outlined how modern security encompasses far more than physical protection. Today’s threats span digital infrastructure, disaster preparedness, public health resilience, and community safety, each domain interconnected and mutually reinforcing. The conclave’s sessions on misinformation and cyber threats highlighted new dimensions of vulnerability. India now grapples with a social-media-driven ‘infodemic’ that the World Economic Forum identifies as among the greatest global threats. During the May 2025 India-Pakistan crisis, fact-checkers documented how a month’s worth of misinformation bombarded social media within hours, demonstrating how viral falsehoods can damage reputations, disrupt markets, and erode public trust. Public-Private Partnership : The Critical Force Multiplier A transformative theme emerged throughout the conclave – the recognition that India’s private security sector, comprising approximately 25,000 agencies employing 8.6 million personnel, represents an untapped strategic asset that must be integrated into national security and disaster management frameworks. The numbers tell a compelling story. India’s armed forces work alongside roughly 18,000 NDRF personnel and 30,000 SDRF officials, while the state police-to-public ratio stands at 1:10,000. Against this backdrop, the private security workforce represents a force multiplier of extraordinary potential, if properly trained, regulated, and integrated into coordinated response systems. The Ayodhya temple inauguration provided a successful proof of concept. Civil authorities demonstrated unprecedented trust by sharing National Crime Bureau data with private security firms to design and implement comprehensive security measures for suspicious and criminal activities. This collaboration showcased what becomes possible when public and private sectors operate as genuine partners rather than separate silos. The conclave emphasized that India’s critical infrastructure, power grids, telecommunications networks, financial systems, is largely owned or operated by private companies. Any disruption carries national security consequences, yet these same firms possess advanced capabilities in AI, cloud platforms, and fintech that could greatly strengthen national resilience if strategically leveraged. The Armed Forces’ new cyber operations doctrine explicitly calls for structured engagement with private enterprises, research bodies, and academic institutions to co-design resilient systems. Critical Recommendations : Transforming India’s Security Architecture The conclave produced concrete, actionable recommendations spanning multiple dimensions of national resilience: Professionalizing the Private Security Sector Standard Operating Procedures: The development and implementation of uniform SOPs across the security sector emerged as a foundational priority. Inconsistent practices and variable quality create vulnerabilities that sophisticated threat actors readily exploit. Establishing protocols for access control, incident response, crisis management, and intelligence sharing would enhance effectiveness while elevating professional standards. Systematic Upgradation: Security companies must evolve beyond traditional guard services toward comprehensive risk management. This requires mandated training programs covering cybersecurity awareness, emergency response capabilities, disaster management, and threat intelligence functions. Technology integration, from AI-powered surveillance to predictive analytics platforms, must become standard rather than exceptional. Regulatory Reform: Strengthening licensing requirements, establishing continuing education mandates, and creating career advancement pathways would transform security work from low-skilled employment into a respected profession attracting talented individuals. Enhanced accountability mechanisms and quality certification frameworks would ensure that expanded responsibilities come with commensurate oversight. Technology and Innovation Frameworks Secu-Safe Technology Development: The conclave emphasized India’s need for technology sovereignty through indigenous development of AI, blockchain, and drone capabilities aligned with national security priorities. This requires establishing a National Secu-Safe Technology Mission encompassing technology parks, innovation councils, centers of excellence, and procurement cells. Startup Ecosystem Creation: Defense-tech and secure technology startups need targeted incentives, access to testing facilities, streamlined procurement policies, and public-private partnerships that provide market opportunities. Academic-industry collaboration, skill development programs, and indigenous IP…

The Security Summit – Bengaluru Edition, organised by Blue and Gray, concluded with exceptional participation from security experts, industry leaders, technology innovators, and decision-makers, reinforcing Bengaluru’s role as a key hub for safety and security innovation in India. The Bengaluru Edition initiated by ASIS, powered by iiris, and supported by NFE, FOCUS, and CFLS, with Duranc as the Knowledge Partner served as a powerful cross-industry platform covering cybersecurity, physical security, fire & life safety, compliance, and smart building technologies. Robust Knowledge Exchange & High-Impact Sessions Delegates engaged in an extensive lineup of expert-led keynotes, panel discussions, and technical sessions featuring: Across sessions, leaders emphasised the need for technology-driven risk mitigation, enhanced compliance frameworks, and stronger industry collaboration to elevate India’s overall security posture. Spotlight on Breakthrough Technologies The technology showcase featured an impressive range of next-generation solutions, including: Participants appreciated the Summit’s blend of actionable insights, demonstrations, and networking opportunities, marking the Bengaluru Edition as one of the year’s most impactful gatherings for security professionals. Looking Ahead: Mumbai Edition Announced Following the success of the Bengaluru Edition, the next chapter – the Security Summit – Mumbai Edition is officially scheduled for 6th March 2026. This upcoming edition will expand the focus toward Western India’s rapidly growing industrial, commercial, and infrastructure sectors, continuing the mission of strengthening integrated security practices nationwide. About the Security Summit The Security Summit is a national platform dedicated to advancing integrated safety and security across India. Organised by Blue and Gray and supported by key associations and industry partners, the Summit aims to accelerate the adoption of next-generation technologies, compliance frameworks, and best practices across the country’s fast-evolving security landscape. Read More

ASIS NEW DELHI INDIA CHAPTER successfully conducted its Q4 chapter meet at Stellar 1423, Noida, Sector 142. The chapter meeting was a resounding success, conducted in strategic association with the Global Association of Corporate Services – GACS. This collaboration significantly broadened our potential pool of expert speakers and spectrum of topics, an objective that was robustly and meaningfully achieved. Opening Remarks Keynote Address: Finance Management The keynote address was expertly delivered by Ankur Handa from UTI asset management. His insightful and wonderful session on Finance Management captivated the audience, leaving attendees notably more informed and ‘wiser’ on the subject. A highly intriguing and thought-provoking panel discussion on ‘Insider Threat in a Polarized Workforce’ followed. The dialogue was deftly moderated by our esteemed ASIS New Delhi, India Chairman – Mahesh Singh Chauhan. The session was enriched by the diverse perspectives of our esteemed panelists: The panelists collectively shared their extensive and varied expertise, enlightening the audience on effective strategies to tackle insider threats, integrating time-tested traditional methodologies with crucial future technological evolutions. Additionally, another impactful panel discussion, focused on ‘Evolving Trends in the Workspace,’ was led by Col Ashok Prabhakar from GACS. Various industry leaders from the Facilities Management (FM) domain shared their expert views on how current trends are reshaping the modern workplace and the most effective ways to navigate the challenges arising from these rapid evolutions. The entire event was a monumental success, drawing an impressive attendance of approximately 150 security and diverse portfolio professionals, including the GACS team and their invitees – a testament to its compelling agenda, even on a Saturday. Announcement: ASIS New Delhi India announced its AGM for 19th December 2025. Read More

The Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI) hosted the 20th Security Leadership Summit in Chennai, bringing together national and international leaders, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on the theme ‘Indian Security Industry 2.0 – Guards to Guardians.’ Distinguished Dignitaries and Leaders The two-day Summit was presided over by Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman, CAPSI & APDI, and graced by an eminent gathering of dignitaries and thought leaders, including: Event Highlights The summit featured several key launches and ceremonies: Key Session: Regional Volatility – Impact on Citizen’s Security A special session titled ‘Regional Volatility: Impact on Citizen’s Security’ was chaired by Lt. Gen. Shokin Chauhan, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, PhD (Retd), Former DG, Assam Rifles & Former Chairman, CFMG, Nagaland, with Maj. Gen. Binoj Basnyat (Retd), Order of Suprabal Jana Seva Shree, Nepali Army & Strategic Analyst, as Co-Session Chair. This session examined the complex regional dynamics shaping internal and cross-border security, highlighting their implications for citizen safety and private security operations in South Asia. Strategic Deliberations on Day Two Day two featured high-level discussions on regional and corporate security, the Security and the integration of emerging technologies such as drones, forensics, and AI in strengthening national safety frameworks. Eminent experts including Lt. Gen. Shokin Chauhan (Retd), Dr. Keshav Kumar, IPS (Retd), and Peter Coleman led the dialogue. The Summit also conferred Golden Guard Awards and Certificates of Excellence to outstanding performers in India’s private security sector. “The 20th Security Leadership Summit marks a defining moment in our industry’s journey. We are witnessing the transformation of private security from a manpower-driven service into a technology-enabled profession that plays a vital role in national security and public safety. The Summit not only celebrated excellence but also charted the vision for the decade ahead.” With over 500 delegates, the event promised to be a landmark platform for shaping the next phase of India’s private security industry, reinforcing CAPSI’s mission to elevate professional standards and strengthen national resilience. Read More

In the rapidly evolving world of electronic surveillance, technology leadership alone is no longer enough. The true measure of a brand lies in how well it aligns with a nation’s security vision – its standards, compliance frameworks, and the expectations of both public and private enterprises. For Vicon, a global pioneer in integrated video surveillance solutions, India represents more than just a growing market. It represents a long-term commitment – one built on trust, technology, and local presence. This commitment is now exemplified by Vicon’s achievement of STQC certification from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), affirming that its cameras and Valerus VMS meet the stringent cybersecurity and performance standards mandated for use in India’s critical infrastructure. STQC Certification: A Benchmark for Cyber-Trusted Surveillance The Standardization Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) directorate plays a crucial role in ensuring that technologies deployed in India are secure, reliable, and compliant with national cybersecurity guidelines. With increasing integration of surveillance into digital governance, the need for certified systems that protect against unauthorized access and data compromise has become paramount. Vicon’s STQC-certified product line reflects the company’s proactive approach to regulatory alignment. The certification validates: By achieving this certification, Vicon becomes one of the few global surveillance brands offering solutions that are fully validated under India’s cybersecurity framework, giving its partners and customers an added layer of assurance in every deployment. NDAA Compliance: A Commitment to Transparency and Integrity Cybersecurity isn’t just about encryption and firewalls – it begins with the supply chain. Vicon’s products are fully NDAA-compliant, ensuring that every component, from sensors to processors, originates from trusted and approved sources. This level of transparency is essential for both government and enterprise clients, many of whom are now instituting strict vendor qualification processes to eliminate potential risks from non-compliant or restricted-origin hardware. By combining STQC certification and NDAA compliance, Vicon stands out as a brand that not only delivers technological excellence but also upholds the highest standards of: These values align seamlessly with India’s vision for secure digital infrastructure. Local Support, Global Standards One of the most significant aspects of Vicon’s India strategy is its localized presence and support infrastructure. With an experience center in Pune and an expanding technical and presales team, Vicon ensures that customers across India receive: This local commitment extends beyond sales and service. Vicon’s technical team actively collaborates with system integrators, consultants, and enterprise customers to design solutions tailored to Indian operational environments – from smart cities to industrial plants, from airports to corporate campuses. The result is a global product with local adaptability, engineered for India’s unique regulatory and operational landscape. Beyond Government: Building Trust Across Enterprises While compliance with MeitY’s STQC framework has made Vicon a natural choice for government and PSU projects, the company’s focus extends much further. Enterprises across various sectors are recognizing that cybersecurity is a core business risk – not just an IT issue. These sectors include: Video surveillance systems today connect to corporate networks and cloud platforms, making them potential entry points for cyber threats if not properly secured. Vicon’s STQC and NDAA-compliant cameras address these concerns by ensuring: This helps enterprises mitigate risk, meet compliance mandates, and protect digital assets. In an era where corporate accountability is tied to data protection, deploying certified surveillance infrastructure is not just a best practice – it’s a necessity. Vicon’s Vision for India: Compliance, Confidence, and Continuity Vicon’s vision for India goes well beyond product certification. The company aims to play an active role in shaping the next generation of secure surveillance ecosystems – blending regulatory compliance, open-platform interoperability, and robust local engagement. This includes continued collaboration with government authorities, enterprise partners, and technology integrators to ensure that security solutions evolve alongside India’s digital transformation goals. As Vicon strengthens its footprint in India through its local support center, regional expertise, and globally certified solutions, it reinforces a simple but powerful message: “Security is not just about watching – it’s about protecting, complying, and trusting.” Conclusion: Setting a New Benchmark for India’s Secure Future With its STQC-certified systems, NDAA-compliant manufacturing, and dedicated local support infrastructure, Vicon has set a new benchmark for secure, compliant, and future-ready surveillance in India. Whether it’s a government facility or a private enterprise, customers now seek partners who understand the balance between performance and compliance – between innovation and integrity. Vicon stands at that intersection, committed to delivering technologies that don’t just meet expectations, but define them. Read More

India’s rapid digital transformation has made it one of the world’s fastest-growing data center markets. With a projected capacity exceeding 1,500 MW by 2026, the nation is becoming a global hub for cloud services, AI computation, and critical data storage. But as this infrastructure grows in scale and strategic importance, so does its vulnerability. The Rising Threat Landscape Data centers have evolved into the beating heart of India’s digital economy – supporting everything from fintech platforms and e-governance to global enterprises operating in real time. However, this immense responsibility comes with risk. While much of the industry’s attention has traditionally focused on cybersecurity, physical security remains the first and most critical layer of defense. Perimeter intrusions, vehicle-borne threats, sabotage, and coordinated physical-cyber attacks are emerging concerns across the subcontinent. India’s dense urban zones, infrastructure bottlenecks, and high-value data storage clusters make many data centers particularly exposed. Unauthorized access attempts, vandalism, and drone-based surveillance are increasingly being reported near hyperscale facilities. Moreover, the downtime cost of a single breach can exceed ₹6 crore ($740,000) – a financial and reputational impact no operator can afford. Challenges in Existing Perimeter Security Despite heavy investment in infrastructure, many data centers still rely on legacy fencing and limited surveillance coverage. These conventional setups often fail to meet the growing sophistication of modern intruders. Common challenges include: India’s rapid digital transformation has made it one of the world’s fastest-growing data center markets. With a projected capacity exceeding 1,500 MW by 2026, the nation is becoming a global hub for cloud services, AI computation, and critical data storage. But as this infrastructure grows in scale and strategic importance, so does its vulnerability For mission-critical data infrastructure, the margin of error has vanished. What’s needed now is a comprehensive, multi-layered perimeter security strategy that integrates technology, engineering, and intelligence. A-1 Fence: Setting the Benchmark for Data Center Perimeter Security With over two decades of experience in securing critical infrastructure worldwide, A-1 Fence has become synonymous with trusted, engineered protection. In India, A-1 has successfully executed more than 10 high-security data center projects across the country, partnering with major cloud providers, colocation operators, and enterprise data facilities. From Mumbai and Hyderabad to Noida and Chennai, these installations form the outer defense layer of the nation’s digital economy. Why A-1 Fence leads the frontier An Integrated, Layered Approach A-1’s comprehensive perimeter security framework addresses the complete threat spectrum through four integrated solution pillars: 1. Perimeter Security Systems High-security fences such as the A-1 KAVACH® (SR1 Rated) and A-1 KAWACH 35B3 (SR2 Rated) provide tested resistance to climbing, cutting, and intrusion tools. Palisade and AKAT NG-30 models add layered delay and visibility control. 2. Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Crash-rated solutions like the A-1 Alcazar Anti-Vehicle Rope Barrier and Hydraulic Roadblocker are certified to ASTM F2656 standards, stopping 6.8-ton vehicles at speed – a critical safeguard for entry and approach zones. 3. Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) Intelligent systems such as Liminal-K™ vibration sensors, Liminal-F™ fiber optic cables, FenSense™, and radar-based surveillance integrate with physical barriers, offering early threat alerts and real-time analytics. 4. Entrance Control & Internal Demarcation A-1’s delay-rated and SR2 gates, along with Unico and Chainlink internal partitions, provide controlled access and secure compartmentalization inside the facility. Together, these layers form a holistic ‘Detect-Deter-Delay-Respond’ ecosystem, ensuring no single point of failure across the perimeter. From Design to Execution – A-1’s In-House Capability A-1 Fence doesn’t just manufacture products – it engineers protection. Each solution begins with collaborative design support, simulation, and site-specific risk mapping. The company’s in-house R&D team ensures that every fence, gate, and sensor aligns with operational and architectural requirements before reaching the site. Advanced manufacturing facilities across India, the Middle East, and Africa allow for large-scale, high-precision production and timely delivery – a critical advantage in the data center construction timeline. Shaping the Future of Data Center Security As India moves toward becoming a $1 trillion digital economy, the resilience of its data infrastructure will define its progress. For data center operators, investors, and architects, perimeter protection is no longer just a compliance checklist – it’s a strategic imperative. A-1 Fence continues to lead this transformation through integrated innovation, global certifications, and unwavering reliability. With over 10 successful high-security data center projects already protecting India’s digital frontier, A-1 is not just responding to the future of data center security – it’s defining it. Read More

Synology recently announced the release of DiskStation Manager (DSM) 7.3, delivering enhanced storage efficiency, strengthened security and reliability, and new productivity features. “As data grows rapidly, advanced solutions are needed to manage, process, and unlock its full value,” said Kenneth Hsu, Director of the System Group at Synology, “DSM 7.3 helps customers confidently address evolving data management challenges on a platform that is secure, reliable, and ready to support AI transformation.” Enhanced storage efficiency, system security, and collaboration capabilities Synology Tiering automatically manages files between storage tiers based on access patterns, keeping frequently used ‘hot’ data on high-performance storage while shifting rarely accessed ‘cold’ data to cost-effective tiers. With customizable policies based on modification time or access frequency, users can precisely schedule when and how data movement takes place. Security has always been the top priority in DSM development. Over the past 12 months, DSM has received more than 50 proactive security updates. In DSM 7.3, security is further reinforced with the adoption of industry-recognized risk indicators, including KEV, EPSS, and LEV, for stronger threat prioritization and protection. Office Suite has also undergone significant upgrades to meet the community’s growing needs. Synology Drive introduces shared labels, streamlined file requests, and enhanced file locking to facilitate team collaboration. Meanwhile, MailPlus further strengthens security with email moderation and adds domain sharing to unify identities across distributed infrastructures. Empowering AI adoption with data privacy Synology AI Console has been deployed on more than 430,000 Synology systems since its launch in August, 2025, enabling seamless AI-powered team collaboration and management in on-premises environments. In DSM 7.3, Synology AI Console further introduces custom data masking and filtering, allowing users to safeguard sensitive information locally before transmitting data to third-party AI providers, enhancing both security and workflow reliability. In addition, Synology AI Console will soon add support for all OpenAI-compatible APIs in future releases, enabling seamless integration with private AI infrastructure and giving organizations the flexibility to deploy AI services with full data privacy and security. Expanded storage flexibility Synology is committed to delivering reliable, high-performance storage systems. Rigorous validation of both hardware and software components has long been a core development priority. Synology storage drives, together with the third-party validation program, are engineered to provide the highest levels of reliability with DSM. Synology is collaborating with drive manufacturers to expand the range of certified storage media, delivering more reliable options. In the meantime, 2025 model-year DiskStation Plus, Value, and J Series running DSM 7.3 will support installation and storage pool creation with third-party drives¹. Together with the existing support for third-party drive migration, DSM will provide users with greater flexibility in managing their storage deployments. Read More

Milind Borkar Vicon Industries, a leading global provider of video surveillance and security solutions, has announced the appointment of Milind M. Borkar as its Strategic Growth Advisor for India. This appointment marks a significant step in Vicon’s commitment to strengthening its market position and driving sustainable growth in the rapidly evolving security and surveillance sector. Mr. Borkar brings with him a wealth of experience in technology-driven business growth, strategic partnerships, and innovation-led transformation. He is regarded as a veteran of security and surveillance Industry who completed his schooling from a military school in India, and his Bachelors in Electronics and Communications from USA. With an extensive career spanning over five decades in leadership roles across the security, technology, and automation domains, he is known for his visionary approach and proven ability to deliver scalable results with ethical approach in competitive markets. In his new role, Mr. Borkar will work closely with Vicon’s global leadership team to shape business strategies, enhance partner ecosystems, and explore new opportunities in emerging markets. His expertise is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Vicon’s mission of delivering intelligent, integrated, and future-ready security solutions. Prior to Vicon, he under his 20-year long leadership as Vice President of Sales for SAARC, ME and Africa at Infinova Group, has set benchmarks by building up a successful team right from the grassroot level. With his fortitude and hard work, he has enriched customer profile as well as credential base of Infinova across MEAI region. Mr. Borkar has been honored with excellence, and the Lifetime Achievements Award as well as several Awards in ME & Africa; and credence while successfully dealing in several major Critical Infrastructure Projects such as City Surveillance, Airports, Seaports, Defense, Metros and Railway Stations, Hydrocarbon Industry. Mr. Borkar has worked with several world-renowned technology companies such as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd (popularly known now as Panasonic Corporation), Hitachi Denshi and ASI, USA worked closely with Transecure and TSA. Speaking on the appointment, Gaurav Taywade, Managing Director, Vicon Industries, India commented, “We are delighted to welcome Milind to the Vicon family. His strategic acumen, industry insight, and passion for innovation align perfectly with our growth ambitions. We believe his guidance will further strengthen our market presence and accelerate our journey toward becoming a global leader in smart surveillance solutions.” Commenting on his new role, Milind Borkar said, “It’s an honour to join Vicon at such an exciting phase of its evolution. I look forward to contributing to its vision of redefining intelligent security through innovation, collaboration, ethically, and customer-centric strategies.” With this appointment, Vicon reaffirms its commitment to expanding its footprint in India and other emerging regions, while continuing to deliver cutting-edge security technologies across the globe. Vicon Industries, part of The Comtrex Group, is a leading global leader in advanced video surveillance, access control, and security management systems. With decades of experience and innovation, Vicon delivers integrated solutions that empower organizations to safeguard people, assets, and operations with confidence and intelligence. Read More

USD 3 million Investment to Accelerate AI Transformation Across the Middle East AI Planet’s first UAE presence beyond Belgium, Luxembourg, and India – backed by $3M investment to build a regional AI powerhouse for governments and enterprises AI Planet, a deeptech company specializing in enterprise Generative AI and Agentic AI platforms, recently announced a strategic joint venture with InfoDrive Analytics – a Vardaan Global Company with expertise in large enterprise transformation to establish a cutting-edge AI and digital transformation powerhouse in the United Arab Emirates. The official signing took place at GITEX Global’s MOU room in the presence of the Ambassador of Belgium & Flanders Investment & Trade team, marking a significant milestone in expanding AI innovation across the Middle East. This marks AI Planet’s first official presence in the UAE, beyond its established entities in Belgium, Luxembourg, and India, reinforcing its commitment to building global AI ecosystems that enable large-scale digital transformation. Backed by a $3 million investment from InfoDrive Analytics, the joint venture will serve as AI Planet’s regional base in Dubai, focusing on enabling governments and large enterprises in their AI and digital transformation journeys. The investment will be directed toward accelerating market development efforts, strengthening customer acquisition strategies, setting up operations, and hiring regional talent. In addition, the focus will be on building industry-specific Agentic AI solutions powered by AI Planet’s proprietary platform. The newly formed joint venture envisions building a modern AI and digital transformation powerhouse in the Middle East with a strong focus on: The partnership combines AI Planet’s deep expertise in enterprise-grade AI orchestration with InfoDrive Analytics regional reach and business acumen, setting the stage for scalable impact in enterprise and government ecosystems. Commenting on the joining hand with InfoDrive Chanukya Patnaik, Founder & CEO of AI Planet, said, “The Middle East is at a defining moment in its digital and AI evolution. The region has consistently leapfrogged traditional transformation cycles through bold investments in innovation and AI will be the next major leap. Through this joint venture, we want to empower enterprises and governments to harness AI to transform sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services among others, making AI a true force for progress across the region.” Veteran entrepreneur and investor Rino Sabatino, Group Chairman of InfoDrive Analytics and Vardaan Global, specializes in forging cross-border partnerships for digital transformation. He previously led the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), where he attracted major international tech and manufacturing companies to the UAE. On the MOU signing Rino Sabatino, Group Chairman of InfoDrive Analytics and Vardan Global Group affirmed, “We’re excited to partner with AI Planet to build the next chapter of digital innovation. The Middle East and more specifically the UAE’s – momentum in AI is extraordinary, driven by visionary leadership and strong government investment. Together, we’ll bring world-class expertise to help organizations and public institutions accelerate AI adoption, drive operational efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for growth.” The newly formed joint venture envisions building a modern AI and digital transformation hub spanning the Middle East with a strong focus on creating standalone vertical AI solutions across industries including finance, manufacturing, healthcare, telecom, and education. Read More

Vivek SrivastavaCountry Manager, India & SAARC, at Fortinet Budgets for data security rose by 72% last year, yet 41% of organizations still lost millions to insider-driven data incidents The 2025 Data Security Report from Fortinet and Cybersecurity Insiders shows despite adopting smarter strategies and allocating stronger budgets, data loss continues to rise. While most organizations rely on some form of data loss prevention (DLP), many lack visibility into how employees actually interact with data, especially in SaaS and generative AI tools, and miss the context that separates accidents from actual risk. The findings suggest that many existing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools may now be limiting organizations’ ability to adapt to today’s data security challenges. Insider-driven risk has become one of the most urgent and complex challenges in enterprise security. As data flows increasingly through users, cloud applications, AI tools, and hybrid work environments, traditional perimeter-based, content-only DLP tools can no longer keep up. Key findings from the report include: Sensitive data exposure is persistent 77% of organizations experienced insider-related data loss in the past 18 months, and 58% reported six or more incidents – many stemming from routine user activity rather than malicious intent. Most incidents are unintentional, not malicious 49% of organizations experienced a data loss incident caused by negligent employees versus only 16% involved confirmed malicious intent. Another 12% could not determine the cause, and 20% did not experience a data loss incident. The business impact is material 45% reported financial or revenue loss, and 41% estimated damages between $1 million and $10 million for their most significant incident over the past 18 months. Only 8% said the impact was negligible. Visibility into data use remains a major blind spot 72% of organizations say they can’t see how users interact with sensitive data across endpoints, cloud services, or SaaS platforms. Security leaders are prioritizing behavioral context and real-time visibility The top capabilities sought in next-gen solutions are real-time behavioral analytics (66%), day one data visibility (61%), and control over shadow AI and SaaS tools (52%). Best Practices for Modern Data Loss Prevention To meet today’s data protection challenges, organizations must move beyond static, policy-heavy DLP and adopt a modern approach, one built on real-time visibility, behavioral context, and unified control across endpoints, cloud, SaaS, and AI tools. Data security is no longer just about deploying tools to identify and prevent the outflow of sensitive information. It now requires a deep understanding of how sensitive data is created, stored, accessed, used, and how users may, intentionally or unintentionally, put it at risk. This is why next-generation data protection strategies are moving beyond static controls towards a platform that unifies DLP with insider risk management, delivering real-time, behavior-aware visibility across endpoints, SaaS, cloud, and AI. Fortinet integrates identity, access, and activity data through FortiDLP and the Fortinet Security Fabric to give teams the clarity they need to stop small mistakes from becoming costly breaches The following best practices reflect that shift and provide a practical blueprint for implementing next-generation DLP: Start with Day-One Visibility 75% of organizations wait weeks or months to gain insight from DLP tools. That delay creates a critical blind spot during rollout. Modern solutions must provide immediate telemetry across cloud apps, endpoints, and AI tools – without requiring complex policy setup first. Monitor Behaviour, Not Just Violations 66% of leaders prioritize behavioral analytics, yet few can identify which users are putting data at risk. DLP must move beyond rule-breaking to detect deviations from normal usage patterns, including frequency, timing, and method of access. Correlate Identity, Access, and Activity Static rules can’t assess intent. By linking user identity, data access patterns, and contextual risk signals, organizations can distinguish between routine activity and high-risk behavior, enabling a more precise response and fewer false positives. Protect The Entire Data Journey Across Channels Email is no longer the primary data exit path. Only 12% feel prepared for AI exposure and many lack coverage for personal cloud, SaaS apps, or unmanaged endpoints. Modern DLP must follow the data wherever it flows – not stop at the perimeter. Use AI to Cut Through the Noise AI shouldn’t just generate more alerts but enhance prioritization, triage, and root-cause investigation. The most effective platforms use AI to sequence user behavior, detect anomalies, and spotlight what actually matters. Read More