All the hackers are going to GISEC 2024

Many of the world’s elite bad boys (hackers) are attending GISEC 2024 tomorrow. I’m honoured to be selected and invited among the security professionals to attend, network, share and exchange knowledge and tools in the area of cybersecurity. As I always do, I will ensure to summarise and highlight the latest trends in cybersecurity as a debrief after the event.

For today, I would like to focus on what are we expecting to see, learn and get exposed to at the event.

GISEC is a short form for the Global Information Security Exhibition and Conference. It is one of the leading gathering ground for the cybersecurity community worldwide. Top global cybersecurity enterprises, Chief Information Security Officers from major corporations across the Middle East, Africa & Asia, government dignitaries and cyber leaders, regional and international innovators and global experts come together to decisively lead cybersecurity transformations across sectors and nations.

The event is hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council and officially supported by the Dubai Electronic Security Centre, Ministry of Interior (UAE), Telecommunications and Digital Regulatory Authority (TDRA), and Dubai Police It is organized annually, and this year, the event takes place from April 23 to 25, 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Over 8 halls, fully packed with conferences, interactive business exhibitions, workshops, cyber competitions, and training sessions from the best of the best in the world of cybersecurity is what the conference aims to deliver to its visitors. I understand that over 750 brands will be showcasing their innovations to an expected audience of over twenty thousand (20,000) from over 130+ countries worldwide.

The event has been designed to connect professionals and provide a comprehensive program for the Influential information security leaders and professionals from the cybersecurity ecosystem.

86% of the top cyber security companies are expected to attend and share their knowledge (in the form of exhibiting, presenting and/or showcasing) for industries that include but is not limited to banks & finance, healthcare, government, retail, telecommunications, transportation, critical infrastructure and more.

The theme of GISEC this year is all on AI (artificial intelligence), and specifically AI-Driven Cyber Resilience. This, from all discipline and domain of technology, is what I expect will be stealing the spotlight in the cybersecurity space and consequently the event. It is reported that 48% of Chief Information Security Officers are bracing generative AI to shake up their strategies within the next 5 years.

Around the world of course, many countries, including here in Oman, are working on strategies, policies, initiatives so as projects, and are working on AI rulebooks to ensure responsible AI behavior

With cyber threats on the rise, everyone from every corner, be it the individuals, businesses and government as a whole, are on a hot seat. As you may be aware, the Ministry of economy approved OMR15mn budget for artificial intelligence projects for 2025, and an annual summit, called Oman AI Summit, is organized annually to bring all AIIndustry professionals and experts in the Sultanate of Oman to discuss everything and anything with AI. This clearly highlights the importance of the medium, and Oman’s realization of the same too.

To conclude my article this week, it is important to note that one cannot deny that cyber security as a sector continues to emerge as a paramount concern for businesses and individuals alike. GISEC promises to share invaluable insights into the emerging threats, innovative technologies, and best practices to safeguard one’s digital assets.

The focus is on the brightest minds, innovative technologies, and game-changing solutions in the world of cyber security; fostering an environment of collaboration, learning, and progress is the goal of the conference this year. I look forward to meet with like-minded professionals from industry, government, and academia, so as explore the event and share with you all that you need to know and stay Cyber Security aware! Until we catch up again next week, stay safe and be positive.