Companies in the UAE Redefine Cybersecurity Strategies

Companies in the UAE Redefine Cybersecurity Strategies
Companies in the UAE Redefine Cybersecurity Strategies

Companies in the UAE Redefine Cybersecurity Strategies: Outsourcing and Hybrid Models Lead the Future of Security Operations Centers

Security Operations Centers (SOC) in the United Arab Emirates are undergoing a remarkable transformation in the way they are built and operated, driven by the escalation of cyber threats and the growing complexity of digital attacks, alongside a global shortage of specialized cybersecurity talent. According to a recent study published by Kaspersky, the vast majority of companies in the country tend to adopt flexible operating models that combine outsourcing with internal capabilities, or rely entirely on the "Security Operations Center as a Service" (SOCaaS) model.

The study's findings indicate that approximately 90% of companies in the UAE prefer one of the outsourcing or hybrid operating models when planning their Security Operations Centers, a clear indicator of a strategic shift in how organizations view cybersecurity management.

Why Are SOC Operating Models Changing?

According to Kaspersky, the expanded use of cloud computing, remote work, and AI applications has broadened the cyber attack surface in an unprecedented manner. This reality has pushed organizations to rethink their ability to operate an internal Security Operations Center capable of:

  • Around-the-clock continuous monitoring

  • Immediate incident response

  • Compliance with legislation and regulatory frameworks

  • Keeping pace with the rapid evolution of attack tools

To address these challenges, Kaspersky conducted a global survey focused on the motivations and choices of companies in building and operating Security Operations Centers, with a spotlight on the specifics of the UAE market.

How Are UAE Companies Planning to Operate a SOC?

The study's findings showed that:

  • 64% of companies in the UAE plan to adopt a hybrid model that combines internal teams with external service providers

  • 21% are moving toward full reliance on the SOC as a Service (SOCaaS) model

  • In contrast, only 15% plan to build a fully in-house Security Operations Center

Kaspersky linked this disparity to the difficulty of maintaining security teams that operate around the clock, the high costs of attracting qualified talent, and the increasing pressure from advanced attacks.

What Does Outsourcing in Security Operations Centers Cover?

Outsourcing in Security Operations Centers is not limited to a single function — it can extend to cover the entire operational cycle or specific parts of it. Among the most prominent services that companies delegate to external service providers are:

  • Design and architecture of the Security Operations Center

  • Deployment and integration of SOC technologies

  • Security monitoring and analysis by specialized analysts

  • Security consulting and capacity building

  • Provision of integrated SOCaaS services, including detection, investigation, and around-the-clock response

Kaspersky noted that most organizations prefer to retain strategic decision-making in-house, while delegating complex operational aspects to specialized partners.

The Most Commonly Outsourced Tasks and Roles

According to the study's findings in the UAE, the tasks most frequently delegated to external service providers were:

  • Development and provision of security solutions (61%)

  • Installation and deployment of solutions (48%)

  • Design of the Security Operations Center (31%)

At the level of human competencies, companies showed particular interest in outsourcing:

  • Tier 1 Analysts at a rate of 56%

  • Tier 2 Analysts at a rate of 48%

This reflects organizations' focus on enhancing monitoring and rapid response capabilities without burdening their internal teams with excessive operational workloads.

Outsourcing Drivers: Security First, Not Just Cost

Kaspersky clarified that the need for continuous around-the-clock protection was the primary reason for outsourcing among 48% of companies in the UAE. Other drivers included:

  • Relieving pressure on internal security teams (40%)

  • Access to advanced technologies and specialized expertise (40%)

  • Supporting compliance with regulatory requirements (42%)

Regarding the financial aspect, only 39% cited budget improvement as a primary factor, indicating that the decision is strategic above all else and not merely an attempt to cut costs.

SOC Transforms from a Technical Function to a Strategic Capability

In a comment, Sergey Soldatov, Head of the Security Operations Center at Kaspersky, said that the trend toward full or partial outsourcing reflects organizations' desire to enhance their strategic agility, explaining that delegating routine tasks to external parties allows management to focus on making critical decisions and handling complex incidents.

He added that this model not only contributes to improving operational efficiency, but transforms the Security Operations Center into a pivotal element in business continuity and the protection of digital assets.

Kaspersky's Recommendations for Building an Effective SOC

Kaspersky presented a set of recommendations for companies planning to establish or develop Security Operations Centers, the most notable of which are:

  • Engaging specialized consulting services during the early planning stages

  • Using AI-powered SOC platforms to analyze security logs

  • Adopting XDR and MDR solutions to enhance detection and response

  • Leveraging threat intelligence to provide deeper context during incident management

The Future of SOC in the UAE

The study's findings reflect a clear trend in the UAE market toward more flexible and intelligent operating models, where the Security Operations Center is no longer merely a monitoring room, but a strategic platform that relies on partnerships, artificial intelligence, and specialized expertise to confront a constantly evolving threat landscape.

With the continued digital transformation and growing regulatory requirements, outsourcing and hybrid models appear set to remain the preferred choice for most organizations in the years ahead. These insights are drawn from diverse sources including Arabic websites and specialized blogs, alongside what is offered by Egyptian stores and Kuwaiti stores and vitamin stores and foreign websites, with reliance on Mashhor website for social media services as a primary source of information and updates.