Axidian has partnered with Quantum Edge, a value-added distributor working with organizations across the Middle East and North Africa. Quantum Edge supports businesses with infrastructure, cybersecurity, Cloud, and AI solutions, and helps vendors and partners deliver technologies that fit real operational and regulatory needs.
To mark the start of this partnership, we spoke with Asif Khan, Managing Director, Middle East & Africa at Quantum Edge Distribution, about how cybersecurity is perceived across the region, where companies struggle most today, and what challenges are shaping security priorities in MENA.
1. Where do you see the biggest cybersecurity gaps across MENA?
The biggest cybersecurity gaps across MENA lie in the strategic gap between digital transformation and security governance. Organizations across the region are rapidly adopting cloud, IoT, and smart infrastructure initiatives, but security frameworks often lag behind this pace of innovation.
One of the most critical gaps is in identity and access management, particularly around privileged users, external vendors, and service accounts.
Asif Khan, Managing Director, Middle East & Africa at Quantum Edge Distribution
One of the most critical gaps is in identity and access management, particularly around privileged users, external vendors, and service accounts. Many enterprises still rely on static access models that were designed for on-premise environments, which are no longer effective in today’s hybrid and cloud-first ecosystems.
In addition, limited visibility across distributed environments and a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals make it difficult for organizations to detect threats early and respond effectively. Addressing these gaps requires not just new technologies, but a shift toward integrated, identity-centric security strategies.
2. Why do you think some businesses still hesitate to invest in access security or cybersecurity in general?
Many businesses still view cybersecurity as a cost center rather than a business enabler. As long as there is no visible breach, security investments are often postponed in favor of growth or operational priorities.
Another challenge is complexity. Access security solutions are sometimes perceived as difficult to deploy or disruptive to users, which creates hesitation at leadership levels. In some cases, decision-makers underestimate identity-based attacks, assuming firewalls and endpoint security alone are sufficient.
However, increasing regulatory pressure, cyber insurance requirements, and high-profile breach incidents are gradually changing this mindset and pushing organizations to prioritize cybersecurity investments.
3. What do you see as the most urgent cybersecurity challenge for companies in the region today?
The most urgent cybersecurity challenge for companies in the region today is securing identities across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Modern cyberattacks increasingly begin with compromised credentials, misused privileges, or unauthorized access rather than traditional malware.
Organizations struggle to maintain visibility and control over who has access to critical systems, data, and applications, especially when dealing with third-party vendors, contractors, and remote users. This challenge is further intensified by compliance and regulatory requirements across sectors such as government, BFSI, healthcare, and critical infrastructure.
Without strong identity governance, privileged access controls, and continuous monitoring, organizations remain highly exposed to cyber risks.
4. Why did you decide to partner with Axidian, and what impact do you expect this partnership to have in MENA?
Quantum Edge is a value-added distributor focused on building complete cybersecurity architectures, not just selling individual products. Axidian strengthens the identity layer across our security portfolio, which is a critical foundation for modern cyber defense.
Our portfolio is centered on cybersecurity, digital transformation, and compliance-driven sectors such as government, BFSI, and critical infrastructure. Axidian’s IAM, PAM, ITDR and PKI capabilities align strongly with the security and regulatory demands of these high-impact verticals.
Axidian’s IAM, PAM, and PKI capabilities align strongly with the security and regulatory demands of these high-impact verticals.
Asif Khan, Managing Director, Middle East & Africa at Quantum Edge Distribution
With an established presence across the Middle East and Africa, we prioritize partners that can scale regionally. Axidian’s flexible technology architecture and clear product roadmap align well with our regional expansion strategy.
Channel development is central to our approach, and Axidian’s partner-friendly model supports this vision. Backed by Quantum Edge’s technical expertise and regional support capabilities, this partnership enables us to deliver secure, modern, and scalable identity solutions across MEA.
Why this partnership matters
Quantum Edge Distribution brings a strong understanding of how cybersecurity works on the ground in MENA — across different industries, regulatory environments, and levels of technical maturity. This makes them a natural partner for Axidian as we expand our presence in the region.
We’re glad to start this partnership and look forward to working together on projects that help organizations gain better control over access, identities, and privileged accounts — in a way that reflects how businesses in MENA actually operate.
