•  Infosecurity Exchange Forum offers latest ideas and insights for public and private sector practitioners and stakeholders facing cyber threats and seeking enhanced information and operational security
  •  Cyber threats present a growing danger to the nation, businesses and personal security
  •  CISOs need to be technically aware and ensure their cyber security practice serves the needs of the companies and organisations they work for

Abu Dhabi-UAE: – Day two of the eighth edition of the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR Abu Dhabi 2018) featured two lively and insightful sessions as part of the inaugural Infosecurity Exchange Forum, which provides a platform for unrivalled insights into cyberspace threats and the challenges related to the key information security issues faced by entities in the public and private sectors.

A key feature of the Infosecurity Exchange forum is its focus on the potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionise national security, as priorities shift from traditional physical security and law enforcement systems to models that operate on AI and leverage the transformative promise of digital security systems and procedures.

The Infosecurity Exchange Forum is a key component of the second edition of Infosecurity Middle East, one of the pillars of ISNR Abu Dhabi and the Gulf’s premier specialist event for securing vital data against evolving cyber threats. As the regional edition of Infosecurity Europe, within the global Infosecurity Group event series, Infosecurity Middle East facilitates partnerships between specialized suppliers, technicians and government entities.

In a discussion on ‘Cyber Security in UAE: an assessment of main threats, challenges and requirements for national preparedness and response’, a Strategic Leaders Opening Panel moderated by Adrian Davis, Managing Director of ISC2, assessed the threat of cybersecurity to businesses and national infrastructure, and highlighted the need to be aware and remain informed about the evolving cyber threat environment.

Commenting on increasing cybercrime in the UAE, Gilles Loridon, CEO of Global Security Network, said: “Although the country is physically very safe, the UAE is vulnerable to cyber threats because it is so technologically advanced with a highly developed essential infrastructure.”

Ramy Al Damati, Cyber Security Solutions Architect at Kaspersky, added that: “Because we now live an interconnected digital world, attacks are increasingly very well organised and coordinated by criminals prepared to take advantage of vulnerable people such as children.”

Rabih Dabboussi, Senior Vice President Sales, Marketing & Business Development at Darkmatter, warned that: “We are now in a constant state of cyber war, and companies need to take the following steps to improve their resilience – ensure Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) report to CEOs, treat cybersecurity spending as an investment rather than a cost, and clearly identify threat levels.”

Ahmed Al Falasi, Manager at Signals Intelligence Agency (SIA), said: “Given an increased threat potential to the UAE, a whole methodology of threat response needs to be developed involving stakeholders and practitioners working together to help one another in addressing the growing threat.”

The afternoon featured a UAE CISO Panel moderated by Ahmed Qurram Baig, Founder of CISO COUNCIL & CISOCONNECT, in a session themed ‘The new CISO's role & challenges in UAE: sharing experience’, examined the growing responsibilities of CISOs in terms of operations, strategic objectives, and control of storage and use of data gathered through AI.

Georges Demoura, Head of Group Information Security, Risk and Compliance – Technology & Innovation at Etihad Airways, said: “CISOs need to understand the strategic objectives of their organisations and the importance of data based on their roles as custodians and key stakeholders within their organisation.”

Abdulla Bader Al Sayari, Head of Information Security at the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, said: “To be successful in any organisation, the CISO should understand the organisation’s strategic business while securing the resources needed for their work.”

Running from 6 to 8 March 2018 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ISNR Abu Dhabi 2018 is hosting 600 exhibitors from 55 countries and welcoming over 200 government buyers and delegates in addition to more than 23,000 local and international attendees.

Jointly organised by the UAE Ministry of Interior and Reed Exhibitions, the exhibition features leading international homeland security and cyber security solution providers, along with host country pavilions and official delegations and buyers from across the globe.

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© Press Release 2018