Cybersecurity Day at GITEX GLOBAL 2024: Navigating the Future of Digital Security
DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – As GITEX GLOBAL 2024 reaches its halfway point, the spotlight shines brightly on "Cybersecurity Day," a pivotal event that underscores the pressing challenges, emerging threats, and innovative opportunities within the global tech community. With the world’s largest tech event taking place from October 14-18 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this year’s edition has attracted over 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors from more than 180 countries.
The Urgency of Cybersecurity
The significance of Cybersecurity Day cannot be overstated, especially as global cybercrime damage is projected to reach a staggering $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This alarming statistic has galvanized the international tech community to adopt a proactive stance against cyber threats. At GITEX GLOBAL, a diverse array of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) leaders gathered to forge a united front in establishing robust defenses against cybercrime.
One of the standout sessions, "AI-Driven Digital Fraud: Safeguarding the Finance Industry’s Future," highlighted the financial sector’s struggle against a 40% surge in AI-driven fraud in 2024. Experts discussed how emerging technologies are being leveraged to combat these evolving threats, emphasizing the need for innovation in cybersecurity strategies.
Insights from Industry Leaders
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, delivered a compelling keynote address, emphasizing the transformative role of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity. He noted that the UAE has successfully thwarted millions of cyber threats this year, attributing much of this success to early threat detection powered by AI. "Cyber awareness is crucial – and AI is changing the game," he stated, highlighting the UAE’s resilience as a financial hub that faced 71 million attacks in the first quarter of 2024.
Todd Conklin, Chief AI Officer & Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure Protection at the US Department of the Treasury, echoed these sentiments. He shared that the US Treasury has utilized AI models to reduce fraud by nearly $600 million in just six months, showcasing the technology’s critical role in counter-fraud initiatives.
A Hub of Innovation and Collaboration
GITEX GLOBAL 2024 has proven to be a catalyst for collaboration and innovation, with 88% of exhibiting startups making their debut at the event. Over 230 new partnerships have been established between local, regional, and international entities, demonstrating the event’s role in fostering global cooperation. The pre-arranged concierge meetings have already surpassed 13,000, indicating a vibrant atmosphere of networking and knowledge exchange.
Huawei’s Dr. Aloysius Cheang highlighted the staggering rate of cyberattacks faced by organizations, revealing that Huawei is attacked an average of 12 billion times a day. He urged enterprises to adopt a security-first approach, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a cybersecurity culture to protect digital assets effectively.
Kaspersky showcased its pioneering Cyber Immunity approach, while Fortinet presented its comprehensive cybersecurity platform, illustrating the diverse range of solutions available to combat cyber threats.
Engaging the Audience with Real-World Insights
The GITEX Cyber Valley, this year’s most anticipated cybersecurity exhibition, hosted a series of engaging sessions, including one featuring Brett Johnson, a former cybercriminal turned expert in identity theft. His session, "Scamming the Scammer: Inside the Mind of a Cybercriminal," provided attendees with a unique perspective on the virtual underworld.
Live demonstrations by ethical hackers on the GITEX Cyber Valley’s Dark Stage captivated audiences, showcasing AI-powered hacks and offering insights into the evolving landscape of cyber threats. Santiago Lopez, the world’s first million-dollar hacker, also shared his journey, inspiring attendees to consider hacking as a potential career path.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next at GITEX GLOBAL 2024?
As GITEX GLOBAL 2024 continues, the focus will shift to "Data Centres Universe," where thought leaders will discuss the future of data management and infrastructure. Sessions will explore the latest data technologies and sustainable energy solutions, emphasizing the critical role of data centers in supporting the exponential growth of digital services.
The event will also feature discussions on the global auto tech industry’s shifting paradigms, alongside highlights from the World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit and Global DevSlam.
For more information on GITEX GLOBAL, visit www.gitex.com.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity Day at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 has illuminated the urgent need for collaboration and innovation in the face of escalating cyber threats. As industry leaders share insights and strategies, the event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding our digital future. With the continued evolution of technology, the global tech community must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the challenges that lie ahead.