THE region's largest reseller, axiom telecom, has added a new Mobile Security package to its portfolio of value-added services, offering users across the Kingdom protection of their personal information and mobile content. axiom's latest initiative is in response to a growing need for device protection amid rising cybersecurity threats, regionally and worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, nearly a quarter (23 percent) of workers say they have lost personal or company data because of not taking precautionary measures on their mobile phones, according to a 2015 study by Aruba Networks. Although this number is comparable to results in other parts of the world, where figures reach as high as 50 percent, experts say education, awareness, and action promoting safe mobile behavior is still crucial to protecting the community from security breaches. "Mobile phones, the data they contain, and their importance in consumers' everyday life makes them a valuable asset for their respective owners," said Faisal Al Bannai, managing director at axiom. "While consumers have traditionally protected their devices externally and from hardware malfunctions, many of their handsets and tablets are still susceptible to internal threats. This puts their personal content — be it videos, photos, or messages — at substantial risk." axiom's Mobile Security includes anti-virus protection, parental control (subject to the chosen solution), SMS and call filtering, anti-theft software, anti-phishing protection, to safeguard users from password hacking. It also contains a phone locating software, and the option to remotely lock the device or wipe its data in the event it is lost or stolen. An annual subscription fee of SR99 gives customers one year of comprehensive coverage. Consumer privacy has also become a particularly significant concern among employers, as more organizations adopt a ‘Bring Your Own Device' (BYOD) approach to business. Although BYOD offers employees more flexibility, allowing them to work remotely and from their preferred device, it often comes at the price of security, as personal devices are not subject to the same IT security protocols as corporate equipment. "Many users are not aware of the risks involved, and this is where consumer education plays a critical role," said Al Bannai. "By engaging customers and offering them a means by which they can safeguard their personal information, they can make the most of their mobile experience while enjoying peace of mind." axiom was established in 1997 by Al Bannai and is today the leading multibrand, multichannel distributor and retailer of mobile telecommunications devices, accessories and telecom services in the Middle East. axiom's distribution network provides multiple points of access to the end consumer through three principal routes: the retail channel, through a variety of brands and store formats; a micro-distribution channel, for independent stores; and a macro-distribution channel serving wholesalers for domestic and international sales. axiom has more than 2,500 employees and operates over 600 retail points and reaches over 4,000 points of sale across the Middle East. The Group also has strategic interests in associated companies operating in India and South Africa. The axiom promise is a commitment to excellent customer service and continuous innovation to ensure customers have access to the best ongoing care and advice at axiom's 19 service centers located across the Kingdom.
