02 February 2017

By Rodolfo C. Estimo Jr. 

RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior, represented by the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), will organize the Second Annual International Security Conference Feb. 27-28 at the Security Forces Officers Club here.

Abbad Alabbad, NCSC communication and strategic development executive director, said that the conference is one the largest of its kind in the region that addresses cyber security in different ways. About 600 participants are expected to attend.

“One major objective is to bring cyber knowledge and experience all over the world to information technology (IT) professionals in the Kingdom and the region,” Alabbad told Arab News.

He added that the conference will also “facilitate national, regional and international collaboration between government, industry and critical infrastructure organizations.”

The conference will also feature investors who want to diversify their portfolio into international companies, particularly in the field of cyber security sectors where innovation could benefit the regional cyberdefense capacity.

Nicholas Watson, managing director of Naseb, which helps partner investors and companies, said in a statement that “effective information and knowledge sharing within and across industries is crucial to help mitigate cyber threats and attacks.”

Khalil Aljehani, a lawyer in the Saudi capital, said there has been a widespread use of technology that heightens the risk of cyber security threats from hackers and organized criminals.

He added that enhancing the nation’s cyber security infrastructure to combat these threats, develop relevant standards and policies, share and disseminate critical information and educating key stakeholders have become a priority.

Leading solution providers will be holding private meetings with the attendees. Representatives include STC, Spire Solutions, Raytheon, SecurityMatterz, Advanced Electronics Company, Attivo Networks, BT, Fortinet, Innovative Solutions, Kapersky, Nortyhrop Grumman, PhisMe, Darktrace, Paloalto Networks, Protection Group International, Symantec, and VirtualForge.

© Arab News 2017