GISEC Global 2024: Charting the Future of Cybersecurity in the Middle East

As the digital frontier expands, the Dubai World Trade Centre is set to host GISEC Global 2024 from April 23 to 25. This landmark event is poised to attract over 20,000 attendees from more than 130 countries, featuring an impressive lineup of over 350 speakers and 300 sessions. GISEC Global 2024 is not just a conference; it is a pivotal gathering that will shape the future of cybersecurity in the Middle East and Africa. With the UAE’s strategic importance in the global cybersecurity dialogue, this year’s edition promises to have a significant economic impact on the region’s tech-driven markets.

The Central Role of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) stands as the pivotal theme of GISEC Global 2024, influencing discussions and shaping the future of technology and cybersecurity. The conference will delve into AI’s transformative impact, introducing innovative solutions while addressing emerging challenges. Experts will highlight the latest advancements in AI-driven security measures and their potential to enhance cyber resilience. As organizations increasingly adopt AI technologies, the conference will serve as a platform to explore how these advancements can be leveraged to combat sophisticated cyber threats.

A Dynamic Platform for Global Cybersecurity Professionals

GISEC Global 2024 serves as a dynamic platform for cybersecurity professionals from around the globe, including ethical hackers and industry leaders. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with thought leaders, experience cutting-edge solutions, and participate in discussions that shape the future of cybersecurity. This unparalleled access to the latest strategies and technologies will empower professionals to enhance their organizations’ security postures and navigate the complexities of the digital landscape.

Microsoft’s AI Milestone

A highlight of GISEC 2024 is the unveiling of Microsoft’s Security Co-Pilot, a significant advancement in AI-driven cybersecurity solutions tailored for the UAE’s dynamic business environment. Tarig Khalawani, Microsoft UAE’s Enterprise Commercial Solutions Lead, emphasized that this tool processes over 65 trillion threat signals daily. Built on the GPT-4 model, Security Co-Pilot acts as a virtual assistant for cybersecurity professionals, providing actionable insights and enhancing threat management capabilities. Its introduction has already attracted 10 early adopters in the UAE, demonstrating its effectiveness in navigating and securing against complex digital threats.

Leadership Insights from His Excellency Amer Sharaf

In his keynote address at GISEC 2024, His Excellency Amer Sharaf, CEO of the Cyber Security Systems and Services Sector and Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), emphasized the strategic role of AI in bolstering the UAE’s cyber resilience. He outlined the dual-use nature of AI, highlighting both its benefits and risks, and stressed the importance of upholding trust through rigorous verification processes. His insights underscored AI’s critical impact on the digital economy and the necessity for collaborative approaches to ensure robust cybersecurity across organizations and governments in the region.

Global Collaboration at the GISEC CISO Circle

During the GISEC CISO Circle session, a diverse panel of experts highlighted the importance of international collaboration in cybersecurity, particularly in protecting critical energy infrastructure. The panel included prominent figures like Cem Dusran, CISO at Enerjisa Enerji, Turkey, and Sara Al Kindi, Cyber Defense Head at Petroleum Development, Oman. They discussed how the energy sector is increasingly leveraging AI, especially in analytical tasks, and emphasized the need for robust infrastructure to protect key data from cyberattacks. Hardeep Singh, Senior Security Architect at Pentera, UAE, demonstrated a live analysis of a cloud system attack, providing practical advice on maintaining strong security measures to prevent breaches. This session showcased the global efforts and strategies required to secure crucial sectors against sophisticated cyber threats, underlining the necessity of international partnerships in advancing cybersecurity defenses.

Channel Next’s ‘Happy Reading’ Initiative

Channel Next, a leading distributor in the region, highlighted the importance of self-care alongside cyber-care and protection. The Value-Added Distributor (VAD) focused on offering Management, Endpoint, Cloud, Application, and Network Security, made a unique gesture by distributing paperback books to its partners and clients during the event. CEO Belgin Abraham expressed excitement about the success of the ‘Happy Reading’ campaign, emphasizing the importance of self-care in conjunction with cybersecurity vigilance. Pragnesh Menon, Head of IT at Middlesex University in Dubai, praised the initiative, noting its refreshing approach to intertwining reading with cybersecurity awareness.

Tenable’s Cloud Security Innovations

Bernard Montel, Technical Director for EMEA at Tenable, presented the company’s latest advancements in cloud security technologies specifically designed for the Middle East. He discussed the new Tenable Cloud Security product, recently launched to meet the unique demands of the region’s critical infrastructures and industries. This product addresses the expanded attack surface within cloud environments, offering solutions that cater to both on-premises and cloud systems, thereby supporting a comprehensive hybrid approach to cybersecurity.

The Dubai Cyber Index

At GISEC Global 2024, the Dubai Cyber Index was prominently featured as a proactive initiative by Dubai to enhance cybersecurity across the region. This index serves as a comprehensive model for local businesses, enabling them to bolster their defenses against emerging threats effectively. Reflecting findings from a recent Cisco study indicating that 91% of UAE firms are integrating AI into their cybersecurity strategies, the Dubai Cyber Index provides a framework for incorporating advanced technologies in threat detection, response, and recovery. In today’s hyperconnected world, where the complexity of security postures and the variety of threats—from phishing and ransomware to more sophisticated cyberattacks—require robust and adaptive solutions, the index is particularly relevant.

Conclusion

GISEC Global 2024 remains a pivotal event for cybersecurity professionals, business leaders, and policymakers, marrying innovative solutions with real-world challenges to advance the security capabilities of the UAE and beyond. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the insights and collaborations fostered at GISEC will play a crucial role in shaping the future of cybersecurity in the region.

For more details about the event and its impact on regional cybersecurity practices, please visit GISEC.