Leading Lights Set to Ignite Enlightened Discussion at MENA ISC 2023

Lineup includes cybersecurity maestros; Karim Hejazi, Ayman AlFadhel and Anton Ivanov
The eagerly anticipated Middle East and North Africa Information Security Conference 2023 (MENA ISC 2023) is poised to ignite discussions and reveal insights on the pressing challenges and opportunities in the realms of artificial intelligence driven cybersecurity. Set to take place on 12th and 13th September 2023 at the Hilton Hotel, Riyadh, this year’s conference promises to be an unmissable event for professionals, innovators, and enthusiasts alike.

Among the leading keynote speakers from the cybersecurity industry will be Karim Hejazi, the visionary Founder of Vigilocity and Managing Director of SCP & CO; Ayman AlFadhel, Head of Cybersecurity at Salam Telecommunications as well as Anton Ivanov, the esteemed Chief Technology Officer at Kaspersky.
Hejazi recognized the initiatives towards the cybersecurity sector that Kingdom has put into place and said, “Saudi Arabia’s dedication to advancing cybersecurity initiatives is of paramount importance, especially as artificial intelligence and cognitive infrastructure continue to evolve and integrate into the fabric of its society. These factors, among many others, create an asymmetric challenge that will give rise to a new breed of both cybercriminals and nation-state adversaries. Saudi Arabia is not only poised to deliver the next generation of thought leadership, innovation, and execution in this regard but also has the opportunity to define a world-class standard of cyber excellence.”

Karim is one of the highlights of MENA ISC 2023, among the many that make up the exceptional roster of keynote speakers, who are luminaries in their fields, that will be offering their unique perspectives and expert insights.

Among these distinguished speakers, Ayman AlFadhel, with his captivating keynote topic, “Cybersecurity in Our Everyday Lives” said, “The changing regulations led by KSA’s NCA show a stronger emphasis on cybersecurity, data protection, and infrastructure security. This indicates a dedication to countering digital threats and creating a safe ecosystem that aligns with the country’s Vision 2030.”
He also highlighted the increased activity in the sector and how it could lead to massive breakthroughs. He said, “Local cybersecurity companies and startups in KSA are growing due to increased demand for solutions, fueled by major tech projects. This trend could foster innovation and collaboration in the sector.”

Bringing together not only the Kingdom’s trend-setters from the cybersecurity industry but also bridging the gap between international players to facilitate international collaboration, the conference also anticipates the presence of Anton Ivanov, who presented interesting insights on critical infrastructure within the region.

“Kaspersky Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) registered attempted attacks on almost 38% of industrial control systems globally over the last year. In the Middle East, the figure is just over 42%, which highlights the fact that the local threat landscape is ever evolving and is continuously being targeted” he said, further adding, “Kaspersky’s mission is to bring cybersecurity in government bodies and organizations to a whole new level using our expertise and technology. This will make the process of digital transformation in Saudi Arabia safer.”

Mr. Samir Omar, a consultant and technical expert for numerous companies and sectors, as well as the CEO of VirtuPort, stated: “The Middle East and North Africa Information Security Conference ‘MENA ISC 2023’ presents an amazing opportunity with the participation of a distinguished group of international cybersecurity and artificial intelligence experts to gather and facilitate constructive discussions. It’s a step forward in achieving a secure economy built upon AI-based cybersecurity solutions, shifting the industry’s stance from reactive to predictive, and to realize the digitally advanced economic goals and their protection according to the Vision 2030. Additionally, it contributes to the Kingdom’s commitment to maintain its leadership and excellence as the world’s top nation with the best artificial intelligence strategy.”

He emphasized that the significance of the conference stems from being held in a leading technological country like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is the largest information and communication technology market in the Middle East and North Africa.
MENA ISC 2023 promises to be a beacon of insight and innovation, with these keynote speakers leading the charge. Their invaluable expertise and compelling perspectives will undoubtedly set the stage for enlightening discussions, fostering meaningful collaborations, and getting a deeper understanding of the AI-driven cybersecurity landscape.