What a stand out event! The RSA Conference in Abu Dhabi wrapped up at the end of November as the world’s leading information security conference and exhibition. With the theme of ‘connect to protect’, attendees were treated to a fantastic two-day event that covered a variety of topics on security risks and innovations.
The prestigious event was opened by keynote speaker Mohammed Al Zarooni, Acting Deputy Director, General Information & eGov Sector, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority. With attendees eager to hear the latest in security innovations, he emphasized the need for businesses to collaborate and work together locally and globally, to protect smart cities and technologies from cyber threats.
Where the world talks security
With 91% of cyber attacks originating in email, the RSA conference not only highlighted the importance for companies to address cyber-security but also to look at their human firewalls. Employees of all levels need to be educated and equipped with the tools so that they can adequately identify potential risks and take the necessary precautionary actions.
Ahmed Abdella, Director of Governance, Risk & Compliance at RSA EMEA, will use this as a key consideration when developing solutions for businesses in the region. He believes that innovation in the IT world must stimulate the discussion on cyber-security, because security transformation is an integral part of digital transformation.
Managing risks should not be reactive
Focusing on a proactive approach to cyber-security, a kid’s initiative was launched to provide guidance on promoting a safe online environment for children today. Alaa Abdulnabi, EMEA Pre-Sales Director, is particularly interested in this technical aspect of cyber-security and will use these learnings to stimulate better business practices in the region.
By using Big Data and asset critical intelligence to detect advanced covert and strategic threats, cyber-security can give corporations a competitive advantage. Incident management in real time will also be pivotal in achieving security transformation and a greater freedom for businesses to innovate.
One of the highlights of the event was the Live Cyber-Crisis Exercise Scenario, which demonstrated the impact of cyber-security on human life, public safety and critical markets. Governments, the private sector and others worked together to respond to these threats and demonstrated how teamwork can mitigate risk.
Attendees also got to hear from some of the security world’s most experienced leaders as they shared key insights through presentations. Additionally the RSA Conference played host to the Security Foundations Seminar, a Learning Lab, top notch track sessions, and Sponsor Special Topics. With 35 leading vendors, attendees were able to discover cutting-edge cyber-security products and solutions at the Vendor Showcase.
The conference concluded with a very fitting and inspiring presentation from Formula One’s Mark Gallagher and Mika Hakkinen. They too emphasized that through collaboration and in working together, groups can be stronger and more secure than when they are working apart.
The RSA Conference was a great success and a testament to that fact that the Middle East is serious about making cyber-security a priority in our quest for digital transformation.
For information more on the RSA Conference, please visit www.rsaconference.com or visit www.rsa.com to view our cyber-security products and services.
