“The most important focus of our business is the trust we build with our customers, and the integrity, availability and confidentiality of our data,” said Jassim M. Al-Suwaidi, vice chairman and president of the Ras Tannura-based Al-Suwaidi Holding Co. (SHC), describing the fundamental factors for ensuring information security throughout Al-Suwaidi Group of Companies. “We would like to be proactively notified of and eliminate any malicious threat that may affect our operations before it attacks our network, which carries our e-mail and precious applications data.”
SHC has begun using Symantec Managed Security Services (MSS). Through Symantec MMS, SHC has round-the-clock security coverage, implemented by Symantec’s local security provider, IMT.
“We found out that Symantec is the only company that combines early warning and detection, with 24x7 expert security analyses and incident response to keep our network ahead of evolving risks,” Al-Suwaidi said. “Their solution helps us manage and monitor in real time our firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and the other security devices that generate an immense volume of data that is virtually impossible to interpret without consuming significant in-house IT staff resources.”
The SHC team presented their security needs to the company’s Board of Directors with the recommendation to go with Symantec MSS.
“While our board is involved and personally concerned about providing the necessary tools,” Al-Suwaidi commented, “many financial executive boards don’t fully realize the potential security risks their organizations face. In the case of information security, what you don’t know can really hurt you … irreparably. I am happy that our company is the first Saudi company of its kind that went the Managed Security Approach. This gives the board and myself reassurance for today, tomorrow and beyond.”