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Which generic technologies and innovations can make a difference to your end customers business ?
As organisations face a 75 % surge in cyber-attacks worldwide , Check Point leverages the power of AI everywhere to enhance cyber security efficiency and accuracy through its Infinity Platform , with industry-leading catch rates enabling proactive threat anticipation and smarter , faster response times .
The comprehensive platform includes cloud-delivered technologies including Check Point Harmony to secure the workspace , Check Point CloudGuard to secure the cloud , Check Point Quantum to secure the network , and Check Point Infinity Core Services for collaborative security operations and services .
More recent innovations for the Infinity Platform deliver AI-powered engines to prevent against zero-day threats including phishing , malware , and domain name system exploits . It also includes new architectural changes and innovations that drive DevOps agility for data centre operations as well as simplicity and scale .
How can a channel partner in your industry disrupt the regional market and gain a competitive edge ?
Channel partners that understand the implications of NIS2 on African organisations can leverage this knowledge and position themselves as experts and guide businesses through the compliance process .
Which non-competitive business in the region do you admire for the innovative use of technology ?
The M-PESA payments platform developed in 2007 stands out for me because it revolutionised how people send , receive , and store money via mobile phones . The platform ’ s success is rooted in its simplicity , accessibility , and integration with local needs , especially in remote areas with limited banking infrastructure .
Since then Africa ’ s fintech sector , has seen rapid innovation , driven by mobile technology and the need for financial inclusion .
M-PESA ’ s counterparts like Flutterwave , and Paystack are also transforming payments , lending , and remittances , becoming central to the daily financial transactions of millions fostering economic growth and making financial services more accessible across the continent .
Which aspects of your job role do you find rewarding and which challenging ?
Hardie is passionate about fostering diversity in technology , having consistently championed inclusive team building and the empowerment of women in IT . In line with Check Point ’ s training initiatives , Hardie sees great opportunity to encourage more women to pursue careers in cybersecurity .
Channel partners that have an area of specialisation and services that align with gaps in customers ’ businesses as well as an understanding of the particularities of the market , do well . Sector knowledge is an advantage as well as an understanding of the importance of compliance .
The EU ’ s recent NIS2 Directive , for example , imposes strict cyber security requirements , including enhanced management liability , reporting to authorities , risk management , and business continuity planning , placing African companies trading with the EU under increased scrutiny .
These initiatives not only aim to close the critical skills gap in Africa but also to create a resilient cybersecurity workforce capable of protecting the continent ’ s growing digital economy .
With overall responsibility for driving sales and market growth , meeting targets is an ongoing challenge as well as an enormous opportunity to drive home the message of how crucial adequate cyber security measures are to organisations ’ survival and ultimate success .
How do you best like to de-stress and recharge off work ?
Many organisations are unaware of the depth of these requirements , which go beyond local regulations . Compliance is essential not only for maintaining business relationships with the EU but also for enhancing the overall resilience of African economies against cyber threats .
Living in Africa enables me to take advantage of our fantastic continent and its weather with road trips , outdoor activities , hiking and exploring . I also love to entertain and spend time with friends and family who fuel my soul . At the end of the day laughter is the best medicine in life . p
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