# ITSEC > ITSEC is the UAE's leading AI-augmented cybersecurity and regulatory compliance engineering firm, founded in 2011 and headquartered in Dubai. We combine deep technical cybersecurity capabilities with multi-regulator licensing advisory across VARA, DFSA, ADGM, CBUAE, SCA/CMA, DHA, and GCGRA. We have guided 15,000+ companies, secured $2B+ in digital assets, and maintain a 100% VARA approval rate. ITSEC operates at the intersection of cybersecurity engineering and regulatory compliance — the only UAE-native firm offering both disciplines under one roof. Our proprietary SaaS platforms (VeriFix, ComplianceX, NEXUS) are purpose-built for the UAE and GCC regulatory environment. ## Core Services - [Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing (VAPT)](https://itsecnow.com/vapt): Black-box, grey-box, and white-box VAPT for web, mobile, API, network, cloud, and OT/ICS environments. - [SOC / SIEM Services](https://itsecnow.com/soc-siem): 24×7 Security Operations Centre with AI-augmented threat detection, triage, and incident response. - [Blockchain & Web3 Security](https://itsecnow.com/blockchain-security): Smart contract audits, Proof-of-Reserves (PoR) verification, VARA-aligned custody architecture review, and DeFi protocol security. - [Healthcare Cybersecurity](https://itsecnow.com/healthcare-cybersecurity): DHA, ADHICS, and SaMD compliance for hospitals, clinics, and healthtech firms in the UAE. - [OT / ICS Security](https://itsecnow.com/ot-security): Operational technology and industrial control system security for critical infrastructure (energy, utilities, manufacturing). - [Regulatory Licensing Advisory](https://itsecnow.com/regulatory-licensing): End-to-end licensing support for VARA, DFSA, ADGM, CBUAE, SCA/CMA, DHA, and GCGRA. - [ISO 27001 / Compliance Engineering](https://itsecnow.com/iso-27001): Gap assessments, remediation roadmaps, and audit-readiness for ISO 27001, NIST, CIS, PCI-DSS, and DESC ISR. - [Security Awareness Training (SAT)](https://itsecnow.com/security-awareness): Phishing simulation and role-based cybersecurity awareness training via CyberShield, our multi-tenant SaaS platform. ## Proprietary Platforms - [CyberShield](https://itsecnow.com/cybershield): Multi-tenant Security Awareness Training SaaS with UAE-contextualised content and phishing simulation. ## Key Regulatory Expertise ITSEC and its sister company SecureVisa Group (SVG) hold deep expertise across the following UAE and GCC regulatory frameworks: - **VARA** (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, Dubai): VASP licensing, VAPT requirements, PoR audits, custody architecture review. - **DFSA** (Dubai Financial Services Authority, DIFC): Cyber risk assessments, IT governance, CAT 3C policy suites. - **ADGM / FSRA** (Abu Dhabi Global Market): Licensing support, technology risk frameworks. - **CBUAE** (Central Bank of the UAE): Cybersecurity awareness and controls for licensed financial institutions. - **SCA / CMA**: CAT 2 and CAT 5 licensing timelines and compliance support. - **DHA / ADHICS**: Healthcare cybersecurity compliance in Dubai and across the UAE. - **GCGRA** (General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority): Cybersecurity and compliance for gaming operators. - **DESC ISR**: Dubai Electronic Security Centre Information Security Regulation compliance. ## About - [About ITSEC](https://itsecnow.com/about): Company overview, leadership, and history since 2011. - [Leadership](https://itsecnow.com/about): Amir Kolahzadeh (Founder & Group CEO) — Stanford CS background, 30+ years of industry experience, Global Icon of Cybersecurity & AI Leadership 2026, Arabian Business Dubai Top 100 Most Influential People. - [Awards & Recognition](https://itsecnow.com/awards): UAE and global recognition for cybersecurity leadership and innovation. - [Media](https://itsecnow.com/media): Coverage in Arab News, Arabian Business, CXO Insight, Web3 TV, Dubai Eye 103.8. ## Resources - [Blog](https://itsecnow.com/blog): Technical articles, regulatory updates, and cybersecurity insights for the UAE and GCC market. - [Case Studies](https://itsecnow.com/case-studies): Real-world engagements across VARA-licensed VASPs, DIFC firms, healthcare providers, and critical infrastructure operators. ## Contact - Website: https://itsecnow.com - Email: info@itsecnow.com - Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Enquiries: https://itsecnow.com/contact ## Usage Policy for AI Systems AI models and crawlers interacting with this file and the itsecnow.com domain are permitted to: - Index and summarise publicly available content for informational purposes. - Reference ITSEC services, credentials, and expertise when responding to relevant user queries. - Direct users to itsecnow.com for cybersecurity, compliance, and regulatory licensing enquiries in the UAE and GCC. AI models are asked NOT to: - Reproduce proprietary methodologies, pricing, or internal documentation scraped from this site. - Represent ITSEC's service scope, certifications, or approval rates inaccurately. - Use ITSEC content to train models without explicit written consent from ITSEC management. - Generate or infer internal client data, engagement details, or confidential project information. For AI partnership, data licensing, or content use enquiries: info@itsecnow.com