The market for Cyber Security exports alone is estimated to grow to over $37.5 billion by 2016 with a growing rate 10% on the investments on Information Technology (IT) and Software year on year.
Due to the growing public demand, there is a huge increase in the private cyber security exports across the energy sector, financial services sector, information technology (IT) sector, and communications sector. Recent cyber attacks have created the need to establish a regulatory and legislative frame-works to support the Kingdom’s cyber safety.
As per the National Information Security Strategy the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has increased cyber security spending and investment across government agencies and local governments. The Saudi Arabian cyber security market is expected to grow to over $3.48 billion by 2019, at a rate of 14.50%.
The second day of the recent 2nd Annual Middle East Cyber Security Summit 2016 focused on various agenda’s with regards to Saudi Arabia government’s visions pertaining to the various reforms in the Cyber security sector.
Abdirashid Samater, security, information security advisor, Ministry of Justice, discussed why special emphasis is to be given towards securing the most critical aspect of a government’s policy pertaining to the cyber security sector.
Russel Gann, chief IM/IT, Ministry of National Guard, shared his views and knowledge with regards to the cyber security vulnerabilities associated with mobile platforms.
The summit provided much required information with regards to the vulnerabilities in the sector of cyber and methods how cyber attacks can be prevented.
In view of the above, the summit concluded on a high note at the Riyadh Marriot Hotel, with much required information in the field of cyber security being discussed by various global cyber security experts. The conference witnessed an excellent participation from both national and international government and private organizations.
On the inaugural day, Ali Fathi Al-Sheikh Ahmed, president, ISACA Riyadh Chapter, discussed his views on Cyber Security Threats, Challenges & Mitigations. He also shared his views on the various methods on how to curb the shortcomings of cyber vulnerabilities.
Top industry experts came in as sponsors for the conference, TECHARCH Information Security Company being the gold sponsor, WIPRO Arabia Ltd. participated as Strategic Sponsors. Top IT security firms such as Intel Security, Microsoft, MeduNet, Dell Security, REVE Antivirus, FutureTech and Expert Decision all participated.
Abdallah Sinan, Sr., business group, lead - cloud enterprise, Microsoft, talked on how to cut off hackers before they plan a malicious attack on any individuals system or network and also how to refrain from loss of personal data online. Vijay Babber, senior sales engineer GIGAMON Middle East and Africa, shared his views about GIGAMON’s security delivery platform and how it indeed helps the customers see more and secure more.
The day had a very effective panel discussion on ‘Cyber Security for Critical Infrastructure Security’ where top cyber security individuals discussed and debated various concerns leading to the vulnerabilities of cyber attacks in the Middle East region.
Nicolai Solling, chief technology officer, HELP AG, shared his knowledge on the aspect as to why “Next generation business requires next generation security architecture”.
The vision of the conference was focused toward the future of cyber security in Saudi Arabia. — SG
