Reed Exhibitions has confirmed that the second edition of Infosecurity Middle East, the Gulf’s specialist event securing vital government and critical data against cyber threats, will once again run as a co-located event on the side-lines of the eighth International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR Abu Dhabi 2018).
Set to run from 6 to 8 March 2018 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Infosecurity Middle East 2018 will address cyber aspects of homeland security markets through featuring keynote speeches, tech talks and dedicated forum discussions. Moreover, the 2018 edition will include an exclusive chief information security officer (CISO) roundtable. The event is set to offer a global platform connecting government bodies and information security officers, professionals and buyers with the most innovative solution providers and manufacturers.
Meline Eolmezian-Soulie, Group Exhibition Director of the Security and Safety Portfolio at Reed Exhibitions, said: “We are proud to have enlisted early support for the event from two key industry players: the International Information System Security Certification Consortium – (ISC)² and the Global Security Network – GSN. (ISC)², our knowledge partner, is a non-profit association that works towards a safer and more secure cyber world. Our thought leadership partner, UAE-based GSN, provides IT security solutions and know-how to government security agencies and other high-end clients.”
Speaking on the prevailing surge in cybersecurity crimes, she said: “With the international community having suffered multiple high-profile and malicious cyberattacks, events such as Infosecurity Middle East are more critical than ever before. They offer ideal platforms for public and private entities to forge synergies towards implementing stronger and more responsive digital security frameworks. Currently, the first line of defense, and the most crucial, is prevention – stopping cyberattacks before they can disrupt or damage security systems. We must turn challenges into opportunities and learn from past incidents so that we can prepare to face future cyber attackers head-on.”
This year, the Global Information Security Workforce Study (GISWS), by (ISC)², surveyed over 19,000 professionals from the cybersecurity profession, projected a shortfall of 1.8 million cybersecurity workers worldwide by 2022, if current hiring trends continue. In the Middle East and Africa alone, 67% of respondents admitted that they felt their departments consisted of too few information security workers; with 40% saying that this was down to a lack of qualified personnel.
Faisal Malik, Head of Business and Market Development EMEA at (ISC)², said: “As part of our mission to inspire a safe and secure cyber world, we are committed to ensuring increased investment in the development of the profession in this region, by working with companies, governments and individuals to help develop skilled professionals and routes that are vital in tackling cyber risks today.”
Gilles Loridon, Chief Executive Officer at GSN, said: “Thanks to major investments in R&D in 2017, Global Security Network is excited to showcase new, market tailored and cutting edge technologies. With 18 years of high-end IT security solutions and experiences, GSN has accumulated the necessary know-how and expertise to engage with stakeholders and decision makers, increase awareness, and offer unique insight on how to best tackle cyber threats within the Middle East.”
