Rajesh Mathew, Higher Colleges of Technology – Dubai
As education in the UAE undergoes rapid digital transformation—from smart campuses to
immersive hybrid learning—cybersecurity is no longer just a back-end function. For Rajesh
Mathew, cybersecurity leader at Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) Dubai, it’s a
strategic pillar supporting innovation, trust, and operational continuity.
“Cybersecurity has moved from being a technical function to a core enabler of institutional
growth,” says Rajesh. “It underpins everything from student services to our broader digital
ambitions.”
HCT’s cybersecurity model is built on proactive, layered defense. Even without experiencing
major incidents, the institution treats prevention as a daily discipline—combining regular
patching, real-time vulnerability management, and architecture reviews with close
collaboration across internal and external teams.
“There’s no room for complacency,” Rajesh explains. “We work hand-in-hand with key
vendors to re-evaluate and evolve our environment constantly. Our goal is simple: stay
ahead, not just afloat.”
In education, data is more than an asset—it’s a responsibility. From student records and
research materials to administrative systems, HCT safeguards the full spectrum of
institutional data with the same urgency as any critical infrastructure.
“We are entrusted with the personal data of thousands of students and faculty. That trust
drives our cybersecurity strategy—it’s not just about protection; it’s about accountability.”
With the UAE’s national cybersecurity agenda gaining momentum, HCT ensures its security
policies remain aligned with evolving mandates like the UAE Cybersecurity Framework and
PDPL. A dedicated compliance team integrates new regulations into daily operations,
ensuring readiness is never reactionary.
“The moment a mandate shifts, we adapt. Our frameworks are dynamic—designed for
continuous evolution, not static control.”
Cyber resilience is also about people. At HCT, ongoing awareness initiatives, knowledge-
sharing forums, and cross-departmental training play a vital role in shaping a security-first
mindset across the institution. Participation in regional events and industry
collaborations—like those with Help AG—ensure HCT stays connected to the latest global
best practices.
“Threats are getting smarter, but so are we. Staying informed and adaptable is our
competitive advantage.”
With education becoming increasingly digital and interconnected, Rajesh believes
cybersecurity must scale in tandem—not as a cost of transformation, but as a catalyst.
“As we build smarter campuses and integrate AI and cloud services, cybersecurity is the
glue that holds the digital future together. It’s about enabling innovation with confidence.”
At HCT, cyber resilience isn’t just about defending against threats—it’s about building the
future of education on a foundation of trust, adaptability, and continuous learning.