Implementation of the latest technologies and strategies to minimise future security breaches is one of the topics to be discussed at the upcoming Cyber Defence Summit in Abu Dhabi.

With critical infrastructure continuing to be a prime target for cyber attacks, leading regional and international cyber security experts are attending the summit, hosted by French business information company Naseba, which will be held on September 20 and 21.

Representatives from global organisations including Selex Sistemi Integrati, Cassidian, Dell and Boeing are gathering to shape the future of cyber security in the GCC, the company said in a statement.

“We decided to take part in the summit because our colleagues throughout the Middle East understand, as we do, that cyberspace is not an end in itself, but an opportunity for technology to catalyse innovation for collective growth,” said Colonel (Retired) Carl Williamson, executive director of cyber strategy defence enterprise solutions of Northrop Grumman Corporation.

The two-day initiative is the first to focus solely on protecting critical infrastructure in the Middle East.

It enables C-level cyber security experts from government authorities – together with the banking, oil and gas, telecoms and utilities sectors - to explore the importance and need for increased vigilance in the GCC, it said.

Rear Admiral Jon W Bayless, Jr (Retired), business development for Trusted Cyber Analytics and Analysis Sypris Electronics, said: “We expect the summit to be an extremely valuable forum for the exchange of ideas and potential solutions to confront the cyber threat. Collaboration will be the key ingredient across nations, governments, and industry to solve these issues. Sypris is proud to be involved in the process as well as be a sponsor for this event.”

Speakers at the summit include industry-leading CERTs and critical infrastructure organisations, including Oman National CERT, aeCERT and Abu Dhabi Municipality.

Managing director of sales and marketing at Naseba, Nic Watson said: “The Middle East has a lot at stake being the hub for global oil and gas supply, and protection of its critical infrastructure is crucial to ensure its economic prosperity.”

“However, all businesses in the region must ensure they have sufficient measures in place to counter a possible attack, and this summit will allow leading players to contribute to the enhanced security of organisations throughout the GCC," he said.  – TradeArabia News Service