BAE Systems Detica, the cyber-security and information intelligence arm of BAE Systems, is supporting the upcoming Cyber Defence Summit Middle East & Africa in Muscat, Oman.

The event, to be held at the Al Bustan Palace from the 4-5 March 2013, will bring together industry leaders and experts from across the Middle East, Africa and internationally to debate how to defend the region’s virtual borders.

The summit is hosted by ITA Oman and Oman CERT in partnership with naseba and is endorsed by the International Telecom Union (IMPACT), the cyber security arm of the United Nations.

Speaking about the event, Tom Burton, Head of Cyber Defence at BAE Systems Detica, said; “We all know that the threat of attacks from cyber space is real. The volume of attacks is significant and their potential impact on governments and businesses cannot be ignored. The MENA region is at no less risk from these attacks than other regions. Companies need to make sure they are vigilant and adopt the latest advanced cybersecurity capabilities in order to protect themselves, their business and their clients from these attacks. “

“BAE Systems Detica has been delivering world leading Cyber Security capability for over 40 years and it is it this expertise and capability that we are looking to share with MENA governments and industry as they seek to harness the potential of cyber space, whilst mitigating the undoubted risks that it brings.  The Cyber Defence Summit is an excellent forum for open and honest debate about securing our business operations in a hyper-connected world,” he added.

Detica will be showcasing a number of capabilities at the event and Tom Burton will sit on the “Cyber barring – denials and intrusions” panel on Day One of the Summit. Ian Mabbott, Director BAE Systems Detica, will be joining the “Cyber offence and defence – mutually exclusive national priorities” panel on Day Two.

In its 3rd year, the Cyber Defence Summit is the seminal event of its kind in the region and in addition to BAE Systems Detica, will see talks from the Oman Information Technology Authority, the UK and Italian ministries of defence, as well as experts in their field from USA, Malaysia, UAE, Japan, Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and Korea.