< Previous30 edge_december 2023 moment to merge two seemingly disparate worlds - the vibrant, visually-driven realm of video design and computer graphics with the sensory experience of gastronomy,” he says. Behind the scenes, the work to make every experience at Krasota a success entails a dynamic and multi-disciplinary process that weaves together culinary artistry, visual design, and technological innovation. Nenashev highlights the pivotal roles played by the restaurant’s founder and owner, Boris Zarkov, underscoring his success in crafting restaurant concepts; and Chef Vladimir Mukhin, renowned for his culinary expertise showcased on Netflix’s Chef’s Table. However, crafting the gastro-theatre at Krasota was no small feat. Reflecting on the technical hurdles faced in bringing this innovative concept to life, Nenashev explains that one of the main challenges was the integration of technology to achieve this immersive dining experience. “We aimed to create an environment where content seamlessly flows around an infinite round table. We achieved this by stitching together 10 projectors onto cylindrical walls requiring precise projection mapping to ensure a seamless and coherent visual experience,” he says. ‘Imaginary Future’ Offering a preview of Krasota’s ‘Imaginary Future’ show, Nenashev describes it as a unique and unforgettable fusion of gastronomy, technology, and storytelling. “It will provide diners with an opportunity to not only savour a carefully curated menu but also to engage with a vivid and imaginative exploration of the future,” he says. The audience can expect seven visually stunning acts that push the boundaries of imagination and creativity, paired with a meticulously crafted seven-course meal, each course designed by award- “This blend of technology ensures that each visit leaves a lasting impression, crafting emotions that endure over time” Boris Zarkov, Founder, White Rabbit Family Group A culinary experience The menu is carefully crafted by award-winning chef Vladimir Mukhinedge_december 2023 31 winning Chef Mukhin. The ‘Imaginary Future’ menu delves into the realm of future gastronomy, exploring the question: what will food be like in the future? To answer this, guests can expect an array of innovative dishes that tantalise the taste buds and challenge culinary norms. AI and multi-sensory experiences The integration of AI and advanced technologies is a transformative force at Krasota, reshaping the way guests engage with the dining environment. Nenashev explains, “Leveraging innovation used in museums and construction, we’ve curated intricate and compelling content. This blend of technology ensures that each visit leaves a lasting impression, crafting emotions that endure over time.” Each guest is equipped with a high-precision projector, creating a personalised, high pixel- density display on the table in front of them. Machine vision cameras enable real-time content interaction, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. “The overarching aim is to combine great taste, pixel-perfect visuals, and narrative storytelling in a mind-blowing tango,” he says. Addressing concerns about authenticity, Nenashev reassures that Krasota is not just a spectacle of technology but a genuine culinary experience. “The intertwining of gastronomy leaves an impression in our memories,” he says. He points out that the menu curated by Chef “Dubai, being a hub for innovation and creativity, became the perfect canvas for our culinary artistry” Mukhin synchronises genuine cuisine with the highest quality visual art. “We transform art pieces into captivating dioramas, ensuring a multi-sensory creation,” Nenashev adds. Looking ahead, the company’s founder, Boris Zarkov, reveals that the White Rabbit Family has a number of plans for Dubai including the launch of its flagship White Rabbit restaurant and its Mediterranean restaurant. Moreover, Nenashev emphasises that Krasota will continue its commitment to innovation in the realm of immersive dining. “This may involve further advancements in technology, such as incorporating the latest in augmented reality or virtual reality to elevate the sensory experience for diners,” he says. A technical marvel The Krasota dining experience entails the use of 10 projectors set across the cylindrical walls interview32 edge_december 2023 interview able to accelerate their digitalisation agendas and swiftly shift to hybrid working models. However, this increased connectivity also expands the attack surface. This evidenced why cybersecurity has never been more important as organisations rapidly scale their digital operations. As more data and services move online, the risks of data breaches, ransomware and other cyber threats proliferate if not properly mitigated. “You cannot think of a hybrid world without cybersecurity. With digital transformation initiatives reshaping businesses and the advent of technologies like the Internet of Things and AI, it becomes imperative for cybersecurity to take centre stage in these innovations,” he explains. Faqeeh highlights that Saudi Arabia recognises these risks and is taking a proactive, multi-pronged approach through bodies like the National Cybersecurity Authority. “That is clear evidence of how the nation is paying the right level of attention towards cybersecurity,” he says. S audi Arabia has grand ambitions to transform into a modern, tech-powered economy as outlined in Vision 2030. A key part of realising this vision is ensuring the Kingdom has robust cybersecurity measures in place to protect both public and private sector systems amid rapid digitisation. In line with this, the nation has taken significant strides in terms of building a robust IT infrastructure, which is a crucial foundation for navigating the challenges posed by increasing digital transformation. “Over the years, it became obvious that Saudi Arabia’s IT infrastructure is ready to take things to the next level,” says Salman Faqeeh, Managing Director, Cisco Saudi Arabia. “This foundation is enabling profound changes like widespread hybrid work models across both public and private sectors.” According to Faqeeh, this became evident throughout the pandemic as many organisations across various industries in the Kingdom were Building resilience Salman Faqeeh, MD, Cisco Saudi Arabia, shares insights into Saudi’s cyber landscape and the vital role that the global company is playing in securing the Kingdom’s digital evolution CYBERSECURITY $5.5BN The predicted increase in Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity market By Adelle Geronimoedge_december 2023 33 interview Cybersecurity initiatives in Saudi Arabia Cisco aligns with Saudi regulations and plans to establish a secure service centre in the country. The focus extends beyond business, with Cisco committed to elevating awareness and contributing to the cybersecurity community. “We are committed to raising awareness and enriching the learning and development within the ICT domain, including the cybersecurity community. We strive to contribute to the enrichment of knowledge and skills in these domains,” says Faqeeh. In line with this, Faqeeh points to the company’s long-running Cisco Networking Academy programme, which has benefitted over 330,000 Saudis, with 38 percent female participants above global averages. Acknowledging the youth as a valuable asset, he emphasises that almost 60 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population is under 30 and the company actively contributes to their development through various initiatives via the Academy. “For any nation, having a significant young population is a golden opportunity, provided that they are given great avenues for learning and development,” he says. He underscores that Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this with the Kingdom’s leadership investing in resources into centres and programmes to foster and elevate the learning and development of its citizens. In addition to awareness and enablement initiatives, as part of its continuous dedication to the Kingdom, the company intends to set up a data centre in Saudi Arabia designed for cloud-delivered security. This initiative aims to help organisations protect their users, infrastructure, and investments from potential threat actors. The data centre, which is slated to be launched in 2024, focuses on providing flexible security services, safeguarding data for devices, remote users, and various locations. It plays a crucial role in delivering agile and highly resilient secure access for users in the Kingdom. “Our aim is to streamline cybersecurity processes, ensuring simplicity without compromising the highest standards of security in the Kingdom,” explains Faqeeh. He adds, “We plan to do this by focusing on three main pillars: protecting users, securing the cloud, and preventing and managing cyber threats. In case of an attack, our streamlined strategy ensures a swift response before, during, and after the incident. Globally and in Saudi, we leverage generative AI to respond seamlessly to attacks, saving valuable time in generating the right codes and configurations.” Shaping the future of cybersecurity In September, Cisco unveiled plans to acquire cybersecurity firm Splunk in a deal valued at approximately $28 billion, marking a strategic merger between two industry behemoths and heralding a new era of AI-driven security and digital resilience. “We firmly believe that the collaboration between Cisco and Splunk holds tremendous potential for driving significant innovation in both the global and local markets. This monumental step not only reaffirms Cisco’s unwavering commitment to cybersecurity and observability but also signifies our leadership role as a major player in the software industry, seamlessly bridging and linking these crucial domains together,” says Faqeeh. Looking ahead, Faqeeh notes that as a reliable partner in Saudi Arabia for over 25 years, Cisco envisions a future deeply intertwined with the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey. With solid foundations and committed partners, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to enable the digital-first future its vision foresees. “We have always been and continue to be deeply committed to fostering innovation and securing it. We are dedicated to driving continuous learning and actively contribute to fostering talent,” he says. “Our aim is to streamline cybersecurity processes, ensuring simplicity without compromising the highest standards of security in the Kingdom” Salman Faqeeh, MD, Cisco Saudi Arabia34 edge_december 2023 tech tips Chester Wisniewski, Director and Global Field CTO, Sophos, shares top tips for retailers and online shoppers CYBERSECURITY Guide for a safe and secure online shopping seasonedge_december 2023 35 tech tips36 edge_december 2023 tech tips “It’s better to deprive the criminals of their spoils and build back better” W ith the online shopping season in full swing, there’s no denying the convenience and excitement of finding great deals from the comfort of your own home. However, it’s crucial to prioritise your cybersecurity and protect your personal information in this digital age. A recent report by cybersecurity firm Sophos paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by online shoppers. The study sheds light on the current state of ransomware in retail, revealing a challenging landscape where only 26 percent of organisations successfully thwarted attacks before data encryption—a concerning three-year low. Furthermore, it found that the ability of retail organisations to disrupt ransomware attacks has steadily declined, falling from 34 percent in 2021 to 26 percent in 2023. This decline underscores an alarming reality – the sector is finding it increasingly difficult to halt ransomware attacks already in progress. Chester Wisniewski, Director and Global Field CTO, Sophos, warns that “Retailers are losing ground in the battle against ransomware.” Cybercriminals, he notes, have become more adept at encrypting larger percentages of their retail victims over the past three years. This shift necessitates a proactive approach to cybersecurity, urging retailers to fortify their defences and detect intrusions earlier in the attack chain. The cost of ransom The report also highlights the financial toll of succumbing to ransom demands. For those retail organisations that chose to pay the ransom, the median recovery costs (excluding the ransom payment) were a staggering four times higher than those who relied on backups ($3,000,000 versus $750,000). “There are no shortcuts in these situations and rebuilding systems is almost always required. However, it’s better to deprive the criminals of their spoils and build back better,” explains Wisniewski. As the popularity of online shopping continues to soar, cybercriminals are becoming increasingly Avoid unsolicited messages Some may come from fake accounts and could lead to data theft Do not use debit cards Credit cards offer more protection against online fraudedge_december 2023 37 tech tips Enable private browsing (Firefox) or incognito mode (Chrome) to prevent your shopping habits from being tracked across websites. This helps maintain your privacy and keeps your gift purchases a secret. • Make your browser “privacy smart”. Install Privacy Badger from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) to automatically protect your privacy and block invisible trackers while browsing. • Use multiple logins across various platforms and services. Avoid using the “Sign in with Facebook” or “Sign in with Google” options. Taking a few extra minutes to create a new login provides more privacy, keeping your shopping activities separate. • Use guest login when available. This reduces the platforms that have your personal information and lowers the risk in case the site is compromised. • Skip saving card details. Don’t let e-commerce sites store your credit card information unless absolutely necessary. It’s safer to keep your financial details to yourself. • Use temporary card numbers. Many financial institutions now offer temporary or one-time use credit card numbers. Consider using this to prevent card fraud and tracking, providing an extra layer of security for your account. • Use credit, not debit. Credit cards offer more protection against fraud, and you have the advantage in a dispute. • Beware of direct messages via social media/ chat apps. Fake online stores may try to collect your personal information and payment data. Stick to established sites or recommendations from friends and family to stay safe. Go incognito Private browsing or incognito mode prevents websites from tracking users across platforms sophisticated in their tactics. From data breaches to phishing scams, the risks associated with online shopping are very real. According to Wisniewski, “Cybercriminals are actively targeting shoppers during the online shopping season, attempting to steal personal and financial information for their nefarious purposes.” In response to these challenges, Sophos recommends a set of best practices for retailers aiming to bolster their cybersecurity defences: • Strengthen defensive shields. Leverage robust endpoint protection, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), adaptive technologies for automatic response, and 24/7 threat detection and investigation. • Enhance readiness by regularly backing up data, practising recovery from backups, and maintaining an up-to-date incident response plan. • Maintain security hygiene, including timely patching and regularly reviewing security tool configurations. As businesses grapple with the escalating threat of ransomware, consumers too face the urgency of securing their online experiences. Here are essential tips for shoppers to navigate the online shopping season securely, according to Wisniewski: • Use an ad blocker. Advertisements are not only tracking every movement and collecting enough information on your habits, and expose you to malicious links. Use an ad blocker like uBlock Origin or Ghostery to make your browsing safer, faster, and less data-intensive. • Use private browsing or incognito mode. $2.45 MN The average ransom payment by retailers that were hit by ransomware globally38 edge_december 2023 F or many brands, this is the make-or-break holiday period. Good sales during this period can make all the difference to the bottom line as the year draws to a close. However, if brands are to see that all- important bump, they must go that extra mile to provide winning customer experiences that convert intent into purchases. And with more people doing their holiday shopping online than ever before, that means ensuring the availability, security and performance of applications and digital services above all else. UAE consumers double down on digital Cisco AppDynamics surveyed over 12,000 consumers across 12 countries, including 1000 in the UAE, to explore their attitudes and plans By James Harvey CTO Advisor EMEA, Cisco AppDynamics Can your cart handle the online rush? Application performance will determine which retailers are able to take advantage of unprecedented demands this holiday season SOFTWARE for holiday shopping, focusing on events like White/Yellow Friday, Cyber Monday, and Singles Day. This year reveals a significant shift, with a staggering 70 percent of UAE consumers planning to increase their online holiday shopping through applications and digital services, compared to 2022. The primary driver isn’t just the convenience of online shopping; 32 percent aim to avoid last-minute panic buying, while 33 percent cite time constraints for large in-store expeditions. Budget constraints play a crucial role, as 52 percent of UAE consumers prefer online shopping for the wider variety it offers over in- store options. This trend signals a surge in transaction opinionedge_december 2023 39 opinion volumes in the upcoming weeks. Consumers now anticipate allocating 68 percent of their shopping budgets online, up from 61 percent in 2022. Among those shifting more towards online shopping, this figure rises to 74 percent. The proportion of money that will be spent online this season is set to break records. This presents a significant opportunity for brands to optimise their online sales channels with the aim of converting every last dirham of potential spend online — doing so will put them in the best possible place to enjoy a bumper holiday season. The digital experience imperative Major savings on big-ticket items have, of course, always been crucial to holiday sales, and they will continue to be, especially at a time when consumers are looking to make their budgets stretch. However, cutting prices alone isn’t enough. With competitors’ sites just a touch or click away, brands’ digital experiences must be 100 percent on-point. This is because today’s consumers have high expectations when it comes to digital experience, and they will punish any brand whose applications fall short of the mark. Our research indicates that 77 percent of UAE consumers get anxious and angry if their online shopping apps and digital services fail. An equal number would revert to in-store shopping after an unsatisfactory online experience. Global consumers, increasingly discerning with applications, prioritise flawless digital experiences over enticing deals. Regardless of attractive offers, poor app performance is deemed inexcusable. In the UAE, 72 percent assert that brands have a single chance to impress them during the holidays. If expectations aren’t met, they will swiftly switch to alternatives, potentially never returning. For online retailers, the pressure is well and truly on. Application observability: delivering experiences that impress During this holiday season, retailers need to do everything in their power to ensure their applications are available, performing well, and ready for a major uptick in transaction volumes. For IT teams, ensuring seamless digital experiences is no mean feat. The increased penetration of cloud-native technologies has left technologists managing an ever more complex and dispersed application environment. Rapid deployment of containers and Kubernetes has allowed retailers to speed up their digital transformation initiatives, but many IT teams don’t have full visibility into these environments to manage availability and performance. They can’t get a clear line of sight for applications where components are running across cloud-native and on-premises environments. And this makes it all but impossible to quickly identify and fix issues before they impact end-user experience. This is why it’s now so important for IT teams to implement application observability, to generate full and unified visibility across both cloud native and on-premises environments. Application observability delivers a single source of truth for all availability, performance, and security data, allowing IT teams to come together to rapidly detect issues and understand root causes. In addition, by correlating application performance data with key business metrics, technologists can identify, prioritise, and resolve those issues with the potential to do the most damage to the digital experience. This holiday season could prove to be the best yet for online sales. But success isn’t guaranteed. To avoid disappointing customers and sending them into the arms of competitors, retailers need to focus squarely on digital experience, and that means ensuring their IT teams are equipped to deliver the highest levels of application availability and performance. “This holiday season could prove to be the best yet for online sales. But success isn’t guaranteed” 77% The proportion of UAE consumers who say they would revert to in-store shopping after a disappointing online experience Need for speed The holiday rush will require retailers to ensure their applications are fast, available, and resilientNext >