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Harmony Technology and Maritimex Form Strategic Global Partnership

Rabat, Morocco – 5th April 2024 

 

Harmony Technology, a leading Moroccan provider of knowledge management and data processing services, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Maritemex, a joint venture by Templar Executives in Morocco. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in strengthening cybersecurity initiatives on both a national and global scale. 

Harmony Technology is renowned for its innovative programs designed to meet the specific needs of businesses, corporations, and various industries. As a leading supplier and integrator of Internet of Things (IoT) programs and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solutions, Harmony Technology has been at the forefront of digitalization across numerous sectors. The company’s recent establishment of a dedicated Cyber Business Unit and this partnership with Maritemex further solidify their commitment to advancing cyber resilience based on industry best practices. 

Maritemex brings a wealth of experience in delivering robust cybersecurity services and solutions to a diverse range of industries. They collaborate extensively with governments, businesses, and academic institutions. The Maritemex Templar Cyber Academy offers a comprehensive portfolio of training and education programs, including courses accredited by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Maritemex is also spearheading the development of the ‘Cyber Centre of Excellence for Africa,’ reflecting Morocco’s position as a leader in African cybersecurity and underpinning its status as the most connected country on the continent, boasting an internet penetration rate exceeding 88% and continuing to grow. 

Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco is actively pursuing its digital agenda. The Moroccan government recognizes the critical importance of cybersecurity in this endeavor and has implemented a series of key initiatives to strengthen the country’s cyber posture and safeguard its ‘Digital Sovereignty.’ These initiatives include the establishment of the General Directorate of Information Systems Security (DGSSI) as the national cybersecurity authority, a focus on human resource development and upskilling programs, and efforts to bolster the resilience of information systems, particularly those pertaining to critical national infrastructure. Additionally, Morocco fosters international and regional cooperation to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. 

Mohammed BOUZOUI, CEO of Harmony Technology, stated: “Our collaboration with Maritemex represents a significant milestone in our mission to enhance cyber resilience in Morocco and beyond. By combining our expertise and resources, we are well-positioned to address the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape and deliver impactful solutions to our clients.” 

We are thrilled to partner with Harmony Technology and embark on this exciting journey together,” said Andrew Fitzmaurice, co-President of Maritemex. Morocco is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding its Digital Sovereignty and has made significant progress in bolstering its cybersecurity capabilities. Through this strategic partnership, Maritemex and Harmony Technology aim to leverage our combined expertise to support this national agenda, as well as initiatives across the region and internationally.” 

For more information, please email [email protected]  

About Harmony Technology 

Harmony Technology is a Moroccan company specializing in knowledge management and data processing services. Harmony Technology develops innovative programs and intelligent tools to empower their clients in achieving their objectives. Backed by a dedicated team of experts, Harmony Technology fosters enduring partnerships with their clients, ensuring their confidence and success in their projects. 

About Maritemex 

Maritemex is an international cybersecurity company enabling governments and businesses by delivering a full spectrum of Cyber services and solutions. This includes the Maritemex Cyber Academy which promotes and develops cyber skills and learning to support individuals, businesses and governments in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. 

IoT in Manufacturing

The Industrial Revolution may not have had a greater influence on manufacturing than the Internet of Things (IoT). With the help of this most recent technological revolution, manufacturers and industrial businesses may improve supply chain efficiency and productivity, which will make working for them safer and customer satisfaction higher. By 2025, McKinsey projects that the industrial Internet of things (IIoT) will be worth $500 billion, mostly due to improvements and rising demand in the manufacturing sector. What beneficial effects is IoT having on production, then?

What Is the Industrial Internet of Things?

The industrial Internet of Things refers to the application of IoT sensors, devices and connected solutions that contribute to the digital transformation of the industrial sector broadly. IoT uses networks of sensors that collect critical data and analyze it – both at the edge and in the cloud, to turn that data into actionable insights. These learnings can drive operational efficiencies, lower costs, improve safety, and create other beneficial opportunities for businesses in all industries, especially manufacturing. While the industrial sector includes a number of vertical industries like chip fabrication, construction, mining, and other related businesses, we’ll focus on manufacturing subsectors like product line assembly and finished goods manufacturing in this article.

How Is IoT Transforming Manufacturing?

The use of IoT devices, gadgets, and networked solutions that support the digital transformation of the industrial sector as a whole is known as the “industrial Internet of things.” IoT leverages sensor networks to gather vital data and analyze it at the edge and in the cloud, transforming it into insights that can be put to use. Businesses in all industries, but particularly manufacturing, may benefit from these lessons by increasing operating efficiency, cutting expenses, enhancing safety, and opening up other favorable options. While there are many vertical industries within the industrial sector, such as chip fabrication, construction, mining, and other related enterprises, in this article we will concentrate on manufacturing subsectors, such as product line assembly and completed goods manufacture.

Benefits of IoT in Manufacturing

Industrial organizations may reap enormous benefits from using linked solutions, as demonstrated by other industries. Here are some of the advancements in the manufacturing and associated industries, along with areas that provide substantial future potential.

  • Cost reduction : Lower operating expenses by managing inventories, making the most of assets, cutting down on machine downtime, increasing energy economy, and improving workflows.
  • Enhancements in safety : Make sure that workers have a safer environment by implementing automation and remote monitoring and maintenance. Utilize IoT analytics and data to monitor hazards in potentially dangerous locations and handle safety problems pertaining to demanding motions.
  • Faster market availability : By increasing the manufacturing and supply chain’s speed and efficiency, you may allow items to reach the market sooner.
  • Improved decision-making: Make data-driven decisions in almost real-time that will benefit the bottom line, consumers, and staff equally by utilizing the rich data from IoT.
  • Sustainability : Use IoT to conduct waste reduction, water conservation, and energy efficiency initiatives.
  • Enhanced contentment among consumers : Increase quality by automating tasks to lower the possibility of human mistake. You may lower the quantity of product returns by increasing customer happiness and product quality overall by decreasing the commercial distribution of faulty items.

3 Examples of IoT in Manufacturing

There are so many great examples of how IoT is being used in manufacturing businesses today. Here are just a few of the exciting advances in manufacturing by companies leveraging IoT.

  • Predictive maintenance and shop floor operations — Empowered by IoT, machinery and industrial equipment can analyze operational conditions. This enables monitoring production and equipment maintenance in near real-time without reliance on human intervention.
  • Supply chain movement of goods — IoT provides better transparency into the entire supply chain. By embedding goods with sensors or attaching tracking/monitoring devices to shipment containers, businesses get more control and visibility into the end-to-end supply chain from the manufacturing plant to the warehouse to the delivery trucks and the end customer.
  • Industrial asset management — With IIoT devices, manufacturers can track all assets from resources in the production process to completed items in a warehouse. Inventory management no longer requires shutting a business down for a manual count, but it can be done regularly through standard reporting.

The Future of IoT in Manufacturing

There are a lot of fascinating developments in manufacturing coming forward, and some of these initial adjustments are already being made. These are a few of the changes that most excites us.

  • Robotics

For many manufacturers, the employment of industrial robots in factories is nothing new. Because they are very affordable, available around-the-clock, and able to do demanding yet repetitive tasks that can enhance overall worker safety in the plant, their use and efficiency will only grow. Specifically, simple chores may be handled by robots to free up people for more valuable and sophisticated positions inside the facility. Improved connection will allow robots at various stages of assembly to interact and react to events, such as line shutdowns, to reduce downtime and alleviate jams.

  • Leveraging Big Data and Analytics

One of Internet of Things’ biggest benefits is the useful information it produces. The capacity to evaluate such vast volumes of data enables firms to enhance productivity, safety, efficiency, and reduce costs and downtime. As manufacturers discover how to integrate this rich data into their business operations, they will continue to change.

  • Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

When businesses understand how to leverage IIoT data, it may be a treasure trove of information. Advanced algorithms and analytics that mine data using machine learning provide businesses deep insights and data-driven strategies. This shifts the way that businesses operate and positions them for growth on a scale that has never been seen before.

Harmony Supporting the Future of E-Government in Morocco

Harmony is proud to be a silver sponsor of the upcoming forum, “E-GOVERNMENT: AFTER THE REVIEW, ACTION!” This important event, taking place on March 5th, 2024, at the Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses Hotel, brings together key stakeholders to discuss the future of e-government in Morocco. 

Despite recognizing the potential of digital solutions, Morocco faces challenges in implementing effective e-administration. This forum aims to address these challenges by: 

  • Analyzing current progress and identifying areas for improvement in e-government. 
  • Learning from successful models like Estonia, where e-services are widely adopted. 
  • Developing a roadmap for the implementation of a robust and efficient e-government platform in Morocco. 

Harmony is committed to fostering innovation and efficiency in the public sector. We believe e-government can enhance transparency, accessibility, and service delivery for all citizens. 

Join us at this pivotal forum as we collectively work towards a brighter future for e-government in Morocco. We will keep you updated with more feedback from the panelists.  

From Paperwork to Progress:How E-Government is Transforming Citizen Services

In today’s digitally driven world, governments are embracing technology to enhance communication and service delivery. This is where electronic government (e-government) comes in, transforming how citizens interact with public administrations. 

What is e-Government? 

E-government refers to the utilization of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to deliver government services, improve internal efficiency, and foster citizen participation. It encompasses everything from online portals for tax filing and permit applications to interactive platforms for public consultations and policy feedback. 

Benefits of E-Government: 

  • Increased Efficiency: Streamlined online processes reduce paperwork and waiting times, leading to faster service delivery and cost savings. 
  • Enhanced Transparency: E-government promotes open access to government information and data, fostering public trust and accountability. 
  • Improved Accessibility: Citizens can access services anytime, anywhere, regardless of physical location or disability. 
  • Greater Participation: E-government provides platforms for citizen engagement, allowing them to participate in decision-making processes and voice their concerns. 

Case Studies in Action: 

  1. Estonia: A Global Leader in E-Government:

Estonia is a front-runner in e-government, offering over 99% of its public services online. Citizens can access everything from e-voting and e-health records to digital signatures and business registration through a secure, centralized platform. This has resulted in a highly efficient and transparent government system. 

  1. India: Aadhaar—Empowering Citizens with Digital Identity:

India’s Aadhaar program provides a unique digital identity number to every resident. This enables seamless access to various government services, including financial benefits, healthcare subsidies, and social security programs. The Aadhaar system has empowered millions of citizens, simplifying access to essential services. 

  1. Singapore: E-Citizenship Portal—A One-Stop Shop for Services:

Singapore’s e-Citizenship portal serves as a single platform for residents to access government services, submit applications, and make payments. This user-friendly portal promotes convenience and reduces administrative burdens. 

The Future of E-Government: 

As technology continues to evolve, e-government is set to become even more sophisticated. Emerging trends include: 

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide personalized assistance and answer citizen queries effectively. 
  • Blockchain: Blockchain technology can enhance security and transparency in e-government processes, particularly in areas like e-voting and data management. 
  • Big Data Analytics: Analyzing large datasets can help governments understand citizen needs and tailor services accordingly. 

E-government is not just about technology; it’s about transforming how governments operate and serve their citizens. By embracing e-government initiatives, governments can create a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive society for all 

Harmony Technology Proudly Announces Gold Sponsorship of ICATH 2023!

We at Harmony Technology are thrilled to announce our gold sponsorship for the upcoming 5th edition of the International Conference on Advanced Technologies for Humanity (ICATH 2023). Under the esteemed patronage of the Moroccan Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, this conference represents a crucial platform for fostering innovation, collaboration, and the exchange of cutting-edge ideas.

Scheduled from December 25 to 26, 2023, in the vibrant city of Rabat, Morocco, the event is being organized by leading institutions including the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Rabat (ENSMR), Ecole Marocaine des Sciences de l’Ingénieur (EMSI), National Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics (INSEA), National Institute of Post and Telecommunication (INPT), Faculty of Sciences of Mohammed V University in Rabat (UM5-FSR), Ecole Nationale des Sciences Appliquées (ENSA-Kenitra), and the Future University in Egypt (FUE).

ICATH 2023 aims to:

  • CProvide a global platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas among researchers, experts, and innovators.
  •  Showcase the latest discoveries and advancements in advanced
  • CAddress challenges and explore opportunities in leveraging technology for the betterment of

As a gold sponsor, Harmony Technology reaffirms its commitment to technological advancement and its profound impact on society. We are dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote innovation and collaboration for the greater good of humanity.

Stay tuned for updates and insights from our team at ICATH 2023! Let’s shape the future together through technology that truly serves humanity’s needs.

Top Cyber Threats: Prevailing Attack Types in 2023

A cyberattack is a deliberate effort by an individual or organization to breach an information system, aiming to disrupt, damage, steal, alter, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems or networks. These attacks can be financially motivated, targeting sensitive data for profit, or politically driven, aiming to destabilize rivals or nations. Cyberattacks come in various forms, such as stealing data for financial gain or conducting large-scale disruptions like distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.  

 1 Phishing  

Phishing is a deceptive tactic where attackers impersonate trusted sources, often through emails, to deceive recipients into sharing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. These seemingly legitimate emails lead to fake websites or malware downloads. Phishing serves as a starting point for further cyberattacks, aiming to obtain user credentials, introduce malware, or access confidential data. It’s a prevalent method that primarily targets individual users and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).  

 2 Ransomware  

Ransomware is malware that locks down a victim’s files and demands a ransom to restore access. With the advent of cryptocurrencies and the increasing connectivity of devices, hackers can remain anonymous while exploiting the fact that many businesses rely on digital technologies. One such incident can put all business operations out of commission. High data value enables hackers to get away with a hefty ransom, as sometimes it may seem cheaper and faster to pay the amount for a business. The lucrativeness of this cyber-attack type was one of the main contributing factors to its popularity in 2023.  

 3 Spyware  

Spyware is another type of malware that tracks data flowing through network assets and sends this information to controllers outside the targeted organization. Hackers use it as a monitoring tool to track their victim’s activities or extract other data. Spyware can include keystrokes, browsing habits, and even confidential business information. This malware can be spread through infected websites, malicious emails, hacked USB flash drives, or even freeware applications. Some advertisers even use spyware legitimately to deliver targeted ads (as most users agree to terms and conditions without actually reading them).  

4 Viruses  

Viruses, also called worms, are malicious self-replicating software that can rapidly spread through interconnected networks, causing disruptions from minor disturbances to severe system crashes. They can lay dormant or activate immediately upon infiltration. Viruses attach to executable host files, triggering their code when these files are opened, commonly spreading through email attachments or file-sharing programs. Staying updated is crucial for businesses to detect and prevent these attachments from causing damage to their systems.  

 5 Malware  

Malware is a broad category describing various types of malicious software, including ransomware, spyware, and viruses. The specific actions of malware will depend on its exact type, but its overall objective is consistently centered around disrupting a computer, server, client, or computer network. It may involve leaking confidential information, illicitly accessing systems, restricting access to data, or unintentionally compromising the user’s computer security and privacy.  

 6 Man-in-the-middle attacks  

A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack involves an attacker secretly intercepting and possibly modifying communication between two parties. The attacker inserts themselves between sender and receiver, acting as an unseen intermediary. Unlike phishing, where the source is deceptive, MITM attacks manipulate genuine communication to fulfill the hacker’s objectives. For instance, altering bank transfer details within an organization’s financial department. MITM attacks are hard to detect as they don’t raise suspicion during the attack, often being discovered only after the fact.  

 7 SQL injection  

SQL injection is an exploitation method where attackers manipulate input parameters of an SQL query. Many applications and websites construct SQL queries by combining user-supplied input and the query string, creating a vulnerability. Attackers find weak input fields (like login forms) and submit crafted input containing SQL code. If the application doesn’t validate input properly, the injected SQL code executes within the database engine. This allows unauthorized actions such as bypassing authentication, accessing sensitive data, altering or deleting database records, or executing arbitrary commands on the system. 

How AI is Shaping Content Management Today

Content management is the process of organizing, storing, and retrieving digital content. With the advent of AI, content management has evolved to become more intelligent and efficient. AI-powered content management systems can analyze, categorize, and tag images, personalize and create content more quickly, and identify content gaps so businesses can capture more traffic and increase revenue and conversions.

There are several AI-powered content management systems available in the market. Here are some examples:

Enterprise Content Management (ECM): ECM is an AI-powered content management system that enables companies to reduce their processing times and costs by more than 50% and makes it easier for employees to find relevant information.

Content Services and Intelligent Information Management (IIM): Content Services and IIM offer modular, intelligent, and accessible content management practices that meet modern organizational needs more effectively.

SharePoint: SharePoint is a premium offering that brings AI, automation, and added security to your content experiences, processing, and governance. With a rich amount of content service tools available, you can automate normally mundane tasks, safeguard, secure, and manage sensitive data and information, or create net new content from metadata.

CMS Hub: CMS Hub is a content management system that has AI baked in. With AI content assistant in CMS Hub, you can write or rewrite blog content to make it more engaging in just a few clicks or generate a headline for your landing page.

Moreover, AI-powered content management systems offer several benefits, such as:

  • Improved efficiency: AI-powered CMS can automate mundane tasks, such as tagging and categorizing images, and identifying content gaps, which can save time and reduce costs.
  • Personalization: AI-powered CMS can analyze user data to personalize content and create more engaging experiences for users.
  • Increased revenue: AI-powered CMS can identify content gaps and opportunities, which can help businesses capture more traffic and increase revenue and conversions.
  • Enhanced security: AI-powered CMS can safeguard sensitive data and information and prevent unauthorized access.
  • Improved decision-making: AI-powered CMS can analyze large data sets and provide insights that can help businesses make better decisions.

However, there are several challenges of using AI-powered content management systems. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • Data quality: AI-powered CMS relies on high-quality data to function effectively. Poor data quality can lead to inaccurate results and poor decision-making.
  • Data privacy and security: AI-powered CMS can store and process sensitive data, which can pose a risk to data privacy and security.
  • Integration with legacy systems: AI-powered CMS may not integrate well with legacy systems, which can lead to compatibility issues and additional costs.
  • Lack of transparency: AI-powered CMS can be opaque, which can make it difficult to understand how decisions are made and how data is processed.
  • Cost: AI-powered CMS can be expensive to implement and maintain, which can be a barrier to adoption for some businesses.

Cybersecurity Challenges Heighten for Global Retailers during Black Friday and Cyber Monday

In the ever-evolving landscape of online commerce, retailers worldwide are facing an escalating threat in cybersecurity. Recent data indicates that 60% of attacks targeting these businesses involve commercial logic, surpassing the global average of 37%. This alarming trend highlights the growing challenges the e-commerce sector is grappling with on a global scale.

Moreover, a substantial portion of unwanted traffic on retail sites globally is now linked to advanced bots, surpassing the worldwide average of 53%. These ‘bad bots’ pose a significant security issue online, often utilized for malicious activities.

The evolution of attacks is also concerning. Over the last 12 months, there has been a staggering fourfold increase in level 7 DDoS attacks on global retailers. Additionally, application-layer DDoS attacks have surged nearly tenfold during the Christmas shopping period compared to the previous year. These automated attacks, particularly those targeting the commercial logic of applications, pose a major threat to businesses.

Cybercriminals seek to exploit vulnerabilities in applications, APIs, and data within the e-commerce sector, with potentially disastrous consequences for targeted companies.

Karl Triebes, SVP and GM of Application Security at Imperva, warns, “The security risks faced by the e-commerce sector are becoming increasingly sophisticated, automated, and challenging to detect. This advanced automation can significantly impact retailers’ financial performance, jeopardizing end-of-year sales.”

The outlook for the 2023 holiday season also raises concerns on a global scale. A recent surge in malicious bot attacks, notably on e-commerce sites based in the United States and worldwide, suggests a potential disruption of sales during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Application-level DDoS attacks are on the rise compared to the same period in the previous year, further exacerbating risks for the holiday season across the globe.

The Moroccan strategy for a digital public administration is due to be implemented by 2030

Morocco is embarking on a national digital transition strategy aimed at adapting the highest priority needs of the public administration to the challenges of digitization. The Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform is working on the creation of a framework for measuring the digital maturity of the public administration, an essential tool for implementing the digital transformation strategy by 2030. 

This framework will assess the digital capacity of administrations, the digital transformation of services, and their impact on citizens. It will enable regular monitoring of the digital maturity of public administrations and facilitate decision-making to enhance digital services. 

The ministry underscores the importance of simplifying administrative procedures, which contributes to the implementation of Law 55-19 on the simplification of administrative procedures and formalities. This law aims to promote the digitalization of public services to create a citizen-centric, transparent, and accessible administration. 

As part of this initiative, consultations were held in 2022, bringing together public and private stakeholders, investors, young digital specialists, and civil society. These meetings aim to ensure regional buy-in to the digital inclusion momentum and the improvement of digital services. 

The overall goal is to transform Morocco into a digital hub, in line with the enlightened royal vision, and involve citizens in the development of this strategy. The ministry is committed to supporting administrations in their digital projects, emphasizing user experience and promoting knowledge exchange in the digital field. 

Gitex Global 2023: Unveiling the Tech Innovations Shaping Our Future

The 43rd edition of Gitex Global, currently taking place from October 16-20, 2023, features significant advancements in technology. With 6,000 exhibitors at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the event showcases the AI innovation wave that is revolutionizing various sectors. More than 3,500 AI-infused exhibitors are demonstrating how this emerging technology is transforming lives, governments, business, and society. 

Gitex Global introduces Gitex Cyber Valley, a major cybersecurity showcase that gathers info-sec brands and global experts to address the increasing importance of protecting data and systems from cyber threats. Launch shows like Gitex Impact and Future Urbanism Expo aim to drive change in climate technology and sustainable cities, complementing the upcoming UN climate change summit, COP28. 

Expand North Star, the startup event hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, kicks off its edition at the new Dubai Harbour venue. This event features 1,800 startups from over 100 countries, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to connect and extend engagements. More than 1,000 investors with $1 trillion under management are also participating, aiming to boost startup investments. 

These new advances in technology showcased at Gitex Global 2023 highlight the strong impetus for learning, exchange, and debate in the tech sphere. The event brings together public and private sector leaders from more than 170 countries to explore the new paradigms of the future digital economy.