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.
