November 2024 / Vol. 2 issue 11 / an ITP Media Group Publication Loneliness, digital fatigue, and the growing risk of online exploitation Isolated online Edge_Nov2024_00_Cover_13420942.indd 124/10/2024 12:44Power Up Your Audio. Sennheiser and Avientek: The Perfect Partnership for Audio Excellence. TeamConnect Ceiling 2 | TeamConnect Ceiling Medium | TeamConnect Intelligent Speaker TeamConnect Bar | SpeechLine Digital Wireless & Wired Microphones | Evolution Wireless Digital EW-DX | Evolution Wireless Digital EW-D | MobileConnect | Control Cockpit Avientek Electronics Trading LLC Office #107, API Business Suites, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Al Barsha 1, Dubai – UAE +971 4 343 6216 products@avientek.com www.avientek.comEdge/ November 2024 3 Love, Lies, and Loneliness: How Digital Isolation Fuels Online Scams Stay Curious! Stay Connected! Sindhu V Kashyap Editor EDITOR’S LETTER As we step into November, this issue dives into a topic that is often overlooked amidst the rapid pace of digital transformation—our mental well-being. Our cover story is on - How Loneliness and Digital Isolation Make People Vulnerable to Social Engineering Scams, addresses a pressing concern in today’s tech-driven world. While the digital age has brought us closer in many ways, it has also paved the way for isolation, making many susceptible to manipulative scams, particularly those with a romantic angle. As social engineering tactics become increasingly sophisticated, the need to fortify digital resilience and prioritise mental health has never been more urgent. This issue is not merely about cybersecurity; it is a call to ensure our digital spaces are as emotionally secure as they are technologically advanced. Our CEO profi les this month off er insights into the visionaries shaping the future of technology. We spoke with Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, about his vision for quantum technology and its vast potential, spanning everything from healthcare advancements to national security. Additionally, Anand Eswaran, CEO of Veeam, shared his journey and perspectives on data protection, resilience, and leading one of the world’s most infl uential backup and recovery companies. Both leaders share a common commitment—to build a future founded on both innovation and trust. Adding a touch of nostalgia, we present a vintage tech feature on the Apple iPod. For many, the iPod symbolises an era when music met innovation, revolutionising how we experience sound on the go. As we revisit this iconic device, it serves as a timely reminder of the emotional connections we form with technology, for better or worse. I hope you fi nd this issue thought-provoking. Let us keep the conversation around digital resilience and mental well-being alive. Edge_Nov2024_3_Editor Letter_13412579.indd 324/10/2024 12:464 Edge/ November 2024 CONT TECH ON EDGE Global Vision, Local Impact OPINION The AI + Industry Cloud Advantage AI From AI to Market Trends; Analysts on Big Tech Moves SECURITY Inside the Rise of ‘Romance- Based’ Scams SMARTBUYS Universal DDI by Infoblox; Hybrid Multi-Cloud Management FEATURE Rising DDoS Attacks Threaten Middle East Sporting Events 38 141822 40 42 Edge_Nov2024_4-5_Contents_13412580.indd 424/10/2024 12:46Edge/ November 2024 5 ENTS PEOPLE Empowering Teams: Anand Eswaran’s Vision for Veeam COVER STORY Digital Isolation; Link Between Loneliness, and Cyber Threats GADGETS New devices to watch out for INTERVIEW From Lego Bricks to AI Tricks; Stephane Timpano VINTAGE TECH Remembering Apple’s Music Icon CRYPTO How MENA is Becoming a Global Crypto Hub 44 263436 46 50 Edge_Nov2024_4-5_Contents_13412580.indd 524/10/2024 12:476 Edge/ November 2024 PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Mumbai, Riyadh & Geneva ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO: Ali Akawi Managing Director: Martin Chambers Head of Digital Media: Thomas Shambler EDITORIAL Editor: Sindhu V Kashyap +971 4 444 3497 / sindhu.varadarayan@itp.com Commercial Editor: Arya Devi +971 4 444 3175 / arya.devi@itp.com ART Art Director: Amjad Ayche Art Editor: Tofi q Memon ADVERTISING Group Publishing Director: Natasha Pendleton +971 4 444 3248 / natasha.pendleton@itp.com Group Commercial Manager: Priyanka Pillai +971 4 444 3399 / priyanka.pillai@itp.com Client Services Manager: Cherylann DAbreo +971 4 444 3404 / cherlyann.dabreo@itp.com PHOTOGRAPHY Senior Video Editor: Liju Cheruvathur MARKETING Senior Events & Marketing Manager: Eleanor Ashton / eleanor.ashton@itp.com Associate Events & Marketing Manager: Kate Galaktionova Events & Marketing Manager: Dmitry Lazarenko Associate Events Manager: Vrinali Nazareth Events Administrative Assistant: Aronn Pureza Events Administrative Assistant: Bobbie Rosario Events Sales Assistant: Joyce Salonga / events@itp.com PRODUCTION Production Manager: Balasubramanian P DISTRIBUTION Circulation Executive: Rajesh Pillai Distribution Coordinator: Avinash Pereira ITP GROUP CEO: Ali Akawi CFO: Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. PUBLISHED BY AND © 2024 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. Edge_Nov2024_6_Flannel_13412581.indd 625/10/2024 18:34The voice of the digital revolution Provocative. Innovative. Insightful. FOR COMMERCIAL ENQUIRIES Priyanka Pillai Group Commercial Manager T: +971 4 444 3399 M: +971 52 576 0260 E: priyanka.pillai@itp.com AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION www.edgemiddleeast.comBIG PICTURE 8 Edge/ November 2024 BUILDING TOMORROW Neom, Saudi Arabia’s Futuristic City Words by Sindhu V Kashyap Edge_Nov2024_8-9_Big Picture_13429748.indd 824/10/2024 12:48BIG PICTURE Edge/ November 2024 9 In 2017, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud introduced Neom, an ambitious plan to build a futuristic city in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk Province. Positioned at the northern tip of the Red Sea, Neom Oxagon aims to span 26,500 square kilometres, redefi ning urban living through innovation and sustainability. The name “Neom” blends the Ancient Greek prefi x neo—meaning “new”—with the letter “M,” representing both the Crown Prince’s name and the Arabic word for “future” (mustaqbal). This refl ects the project’s goal of creating a new future for the region. Key features include a fl oating industrial complex, luxury resorts, and “The Line,” a linear city powered entirely by renewable energy. Neom plans to operate with its own tax and labour laws and an autonomous judicial system. As part of Saudi Vision 2030, Neom seeks to diversify the economy beyond oil and set new standards for sustainable urban development. Despite gradual progress, offi cials remain dedicated to realising its ambitious objectives, hoping it will become a model for future cities worldwide. Edge_Nov2024_8-9_Big Picture_13429748.indd 924/10/2024 12:48Next >