15 May 2025, Thu |
11:23 AM
Governments and their role in adopting a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity took the spotlight on the second day of GISEC Global 2025. The event is the world’s third-largest cybersecurity gathering and the biggest in the MENA region.
After a successful opening day, Dubai World Trade Centre welcomed over 25,000 visitors from more than 160 countries. This included 450 global CISOs. The event continued under the theme ‘Securing an AI-Powered Future’.
The Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2024 revealed that governments are the third most-targeted sector globally by nation-state threat actors. In response, the Global Cybersecurity Congress opened with a keynote by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council.
He said cyberattacks do not discriminate and can impact governments, businesses, and individuals alike. The cost can be high and may threaten national security. He stressed that partnership is essential to build resilience.
Dr. Al-Kuwaiti also joined a panel with top officials from different sectors. The session focused on public-private cooperation, cybersecurity research, and talent development.
Pei Ling Lee, Head of Cyber Strategy and Capabilities Development at Interpol, highlighted the need for better coordination. She said more meaningful dialogue is required between law enforcement and cybersecurity entities.
She added:
Afra Ibrahim Bin Fares, Senior Policy & Regulations Affairs Executive at Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), gave a presentation on preparing for the quantum leap. She discussed DESC’s Quantum Cybersecurity Readiness Guidelines. The document provides a framework for quantum-safe measures and helps entities plan transitions for future threats.
She warned that governments and tech providers must act now. Waiting could lead to serious consequences. She said quantum technology is closer than it seems and urged immediate preparation.
Jin Young Oh, Vice President of the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), explained South Korea’s strategy. KISA is working on top cybersecurity issues such as:
KISA is also developing products and running field tests to integrate AI into national cyber defenses.
GISEC Global 2025 is hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, with support from DESC, the UAE Ministry of Interior, and Dubai Police. The event concludes Thursday with more panel discussions and the GISEC North Star pitch competition. Finalists will present innovations to a panel of cybersecurity experts.
Leading global and regional cybersecurity firms joined the event. Participants include Huawei, AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud Security, Cisco, Deloitte, Kaspersky, Check Point, Cloudflare, and Honeywell. Other exhibitors include Spire Solutions, CPX, CyberKnight, LinkShadow, OPSWAT, Qualys, CrowdStrike, and StrikeReady.
