GISEC – FOSTERING A SECURE & INNOVATIVE AI DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM

The 13th edition of GISEC Global, the Middle East and Africa’s largest and most impactful cybersecurity event, was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. With a 50% increase in exhibiting brands compared to the previous year, GISEC Global 2024 brings together over 750 brands and more than 20,000 cyber professionals from 130 countries to tackle the growing digital threats in the region.

The event showcased cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and solutions, while also facilitating knowledge exchange through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the latest industry trends, best practices, and emerging threats, enabling them to enhance their cybersecurity strategies and safeguard their digital assets.

In addition to the exhibition and conference, GISEC Global 2024 also featured a dedicated startup zone, a recruitment center, and the GISEC Awards, recognizing the achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations in the cybersecurity field.

By bringing together the global cybersecurity community and promoting innovation, GISEC Global 2024 plays a vital role in strengthening the region’s defenses against cyber threats and fostering a secure digital environment for businesses and individuals alike.

A recent report titled ‘Middle East Cybersecurity: Exploring the Middle East Cybersecurity Market Potential,’ released ahead of GISEC Global 2024, sheds light on the challenges and opportunities within the region’s expanding cybersecurity industry. The report is a collaborative effort between GISEC and Frost & Sullivan, aiming to provide valuable insights into the market’s potential.

The cybersecurity market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is projected to triple in value by 2030, reaching $13.4 billion, according to Frost & Sullivan. GISEC Global 2024 aims to address the challenges posed by this rapidly expanding market by fostering collaboration between industry experts, thought leaders, and government officials.

The Middle East cybersecurity market is projected to experience significant growth, driven by digital transformation initiatives by governments and businesses, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the widespread adoption of cloud technology. The market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.2% from 2023 to 2028, with a projected value of USD 24.1 billion by 2028.

The Middle East cybersecurity market holds significant potential for growth, with opportunities for innovation and collaboration among stakeholders. GISEC Global 2024 plays a vital role in fostering this growth by promoting knowledge sharing and showcasing cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and solutions.

Parminder Kaur, Director and Head of Security Advisory, MEASA, Frost & Sullivan, said: “Compliance and regulation remain the strongest multipliers for cybersecurity growth. The proliferation of technology has greatly increased organisational exposure to complex cyber risks, while the surge in e-commerce and digital banking across the Middle East has generated a heightened need for security. As a nerve centre for the oil and gas industry – as well as several large financial institutions and fintech startups – the region is fast-becoming a preferred provider of next-gen cybersecurity products and services worldwide, requiring a stringent approach to cybersecure solutions that protect both financial dealings and personal data.”

GISEC Global 2024, organized by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, brought together a star-studded lineup of cybersecurity leaders, including Huawei, Honeywell, du, Microsoft, and Google Cloud Security, along with innovative companies such as Spire Solutions, Pentera, Cloudflare, and Kaspersky. This powerful showcase featured over 350 expert speakers and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), as well as more than 1,000 ethical hackers, delivering over 300 hours of immersive content across nine conference and workshop stages.

The event’s ‘AI-driven cyber-resilience’ theme served as a focal point for participants to unravel and demystify the rising global threats posed by cybercriminals. This year’s edition also ssw a 50% increase in exhibiting brands compared to the previous year, with more than 750 brands participating.

GISEC Global 2024 not only highlights the latest advancements in cybersecurity but also encourages collaboration between industry experts, thought leaders, and government officials. The conference provides an ideal platform for knowledge exchange, addressing the challenges and opportunities in the Middle East cybersecurity market, which is projected to triple in value by 2030, reaching $13.4 billion.

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, emphasised the importance of fostering collaboration to develop a more cyber-resilient society amid the new era of cyber-threats. “The evolution of cybersecurity continues to present new challenges and opportunities for industry leaders around the world,” said Dr. Al-Kuwaiti.

“The UAE Cybersecurity Council aims to create a safe and trusted cyber environment that helps organisations, institutions, and individuals achieve their potential. Such results are amplified at GISEC Global, which acts as a super-connector bridging the industry gap, encouraging thought-provoking discussions, and promoting forward-thinking collaborations critical to the future of digital services and assets. In light of latest developments in AI technology, GISEC Global 2024 serves as a pivotal platform in our relentless mission to forge and advocate for a cyber-resilient society grounded in the partnerships between the private and public sectors and aiming to cultivate a bold ecosystem that safeguards the integrity of companies and individuals,” he added.

An exclusive and highly anticipated event at GISEC Global 2024 was the inaugural edition of the Global CyberDrill. This groundbreaking cybersecurity simulation brought together experts from Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRTs), and Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) hailing from over 100 countries.

The Global CyberDrill provided a realistic environment for participants to assess critical targets and engage in cooperative efforts to mitigate cyber threats. This simulation fostered international collaboration, allowing cybersecurity professionals to exchange knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions to counter the increasingly complex threat landscape.

By facilitating such a large-scale and immersive cybersecurity exercise, GISEC Global 2024 demonstrated its commitment to driving innovation and strengthening global cyber resilience. The event provided an unparalleled platform for participants to enhance their skills and capabilities while building valuable connections with their international counterparts.

The inaugural edition of the Global CyberDrill at GISEC Global 2024 proved to be a significant milestone in the realm of cybersecurity, paving the way for greater cooperation and the development of more effective strategies to protect against emerging cyber threats.

Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, the Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), emphasized the importance of the Global CyberDrill at GISEC Global 2024 in strengthening global cybersecurity. He highlighted the hands-on nature of the exercises, which allowed participants to refine their response strategies to cyber incidents while promoting dialogue on crucial topics such as resilience, diplomacy, and artificial intelligence.

Dr. Zavazava’s statement underscored the significance of the Global CyberDrill as a platform for international collaboration and knowledge exchange. By fostering a hands-on learning environment, the event enables cybersecurity professionals to enhance their skills and develop more effective strategies to counter cyber threats. Furthermore, the focus on key cybersecurity topics like resilience and diplomacy demonstrates the event’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges of the evolving threat landscape.

In conclusion, Dr. Zavazava’s remarks emphasized the Global CyberDrill’s vital role in strengthening global cybersecurity and fostering collaboration among experts worldwide. The event provides a unique opportunity for participants to learn from one another, develop innovative solutions, and improve their ability to respond to emerging cyber threats.

Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, the Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, emphasized the critical role of cross-regional cooperation in combating the growing threat of cyberattacks. In the context of the Global CyberDrill at GISEC Global 2024, he highlighted the event’s potential to showcase innovative strategies and technologies for protecting critical infrastructure.

Dr. Al-Kuwaiti’s statement underscores the importance of collaboration between nations and across sectors to address the increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape. By sharing knowledge and expertise, public and private entities can work together to develop more effective defenses against cyber threats.

Furthermore, the CyberDrill serves as a platform for demonstrating new approaches and technologies that can help safeguard critical infrastructure, which is essential for maintaining national security and economic stability. By showcasing these advancements, the event encourages the adoption of cutting-edge solutions and fosters collaboration among cybersecurity professionals worldwide.

In conclusion, Dr. Al-Kuwaiti’s remarks emphasize the need for cross-regional cooperation and public-private collaboration in strengthening cybersecurity defenses. The Global CyberDrill at GISEC Global 2024 plays a vital role in promoting innovation, knowledge sharing, and the development of more effective strategies to protect critical infrastructure and counter emerging cyber threats.

Jasim Al Awadi, the Chief ICT Officer at du, expressed strong support for the Global CyberDrill initiative, highlighting its importance in enhancing global resilience against digital threats. Al Awadi noted that the CyberDrill provides an immersive and hands-on experience for participants, enabling them to refine their strategies and improve response times in managing cybersecurity challenges.

In a world where the digital landscape is constantly evolving, initiatives like the CyberDrill play a crucial role in equipping cybersecurity professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to stay ahead of emerging threats. By simulating real-world scenarios and fostering collaboration among experts from around the world, the event helps participants develop more effective and efficient strategies for defending against cyberattacks.

Furthermore, Al Awadi’s statement highlights the value of ongoing learning and adaptation in the field of cybersecurity. As new technologies and threats continue to emerge, it is essential for professionals to stay up-to-date and refine their approaches in order to maintain a strong defense posture.

In conclusion, Jasim Al Awadi’s remarks underscore the significance of the Global CyberDrill in improving global cybersecurity resilience.

The integration of AI in cybersecurity has been a game-changer, transforming how organizations combat cyberattacks and protect their digital assets. As cybercriminals continue to innovate and employ more sophisticated tactics, the need for AI and machine learning (ML) has become paramount in detecting and neutralizing these threats. With the ability to identify patterns, anomalies, and potential vulnerabilities in real-time, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions offer unparalleled protection, allowing organizations to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

The rise in adoption of AI-based cybersecurity solutions is also a testament to the ever-growing importance of data security in today’s digital landscape. As businesses and individuals alike become more reliant on technology, the stakes have never been higher, making AI-powered cybersecurity an essential component of any comprehensive defense strategy.

The future of cybersecurity is undeniably intertwined with AI, and as the market for AI-based products continues to expand, organizations will be better equipped to navigate the complex and rapidly changing threat landscape, ensuring the safety and integrity of their digital assets.