Call for joint global efforts to thwart cyber threats

TECHNOLOGICAL advances have given rise to a new wave of “advanced and dangerous” cyber attacks that require partnerships to combat the emerging threats.

This is highlighted by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, in a welcome message as the kingdom gears up to host a major three-day cybersecurity summit starting tomorrow.

Experts from around the world, including industry heavyweights, are expected to discuss a wide range of issues during the Arab International Cybersecurity Summit (AICS) 2022 that is being held under the patronage of HRH Prince Salman at Exhibition World Bahrain, Sakhir.

“In the past 24 months, we have witnessed exponential advances in global technology that connect us more than ever before, driving extraordinary opportunity, innovation and progress,” said HRH Prince Salman.

“However, these technological advances have also given rise to a new wave of advanced and dangerous cyber attacks.

“From hospitals to oil pipelines, from schools to airports the scale and pace of these attacks – often beating our social norms, laws, and democratic institutions – are also unleashing unprecedented complexity, instability and risk.”

HRH Prince Salman said the global cyberspace ecosystem is changing the way to communicate, work and further transform the critical systems that we rely on in areas such as finance, energy, food distribution, healthcare and transport.

“In short, cyberspace has now become an integral part of our future security and prosperity.

“This new and advanced digital world offers extraordinary opportunities for countries thriving technologically. Bahrain is one of these countries that works tirelessly to achieve national goals to keep our government, citizens and infrastructure safe.”

The Crown Prince and Prime Minister explained that Bahrain was the first country in the GCC to adopt a nationwide ‘cloud-first’ policy, adding the strategic geographical location of the kingdom is an ideal place to take advantage of the booming information and communications technology (ICT) sector “with the government forecast to spend $2.1 billion by 2024.”

To provide the best and safe services to citizens, as part of the Bahrain’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) and other government entities are working to build partnerships that will help combat and mitigate cybersecurity threats.

“The transnational nature of cybersecurity means these challenges cannot be addressed without international collaboration; I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the region’s first-of-its-kind event dedicated to the cybersecurity sector – The Arab International Cybersecurity Summit – which will be held in Manama.”

During AICS exhibition, the iGA will showcase key ICT initiatives and projects aimed at streamlining the digital infrastructure and government services that empower local business environment and digital society.

More than 75 speakers, including senior international cybersecurity decision-makers, leaders, influencers and solution providers will be participating.

The forum is expected to attract more than 6,000 visitors, who will engage with the cybersecurity community and hold panel discussions to address the latest cyber risks.

The summit kicks off tomorrow with industry highlights shared by UK’s Cyber Ambassador at the Department of International Trade Juliette Wilcox, followed by a keynote address by industry captains.

Noted speakers taking part in sessions are Apple co-founder Steve Wozniack, National Centre of Cyber Security Bahrain chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, UAE Government’s Cybersecurity head Dr Mohammed Al Kuwaiti and Karolina Mojzesowicz , deputy head of unit responsible for data protection at the European Commission.

Topics to be discussed during the three days will focus on building security resilience in a hybrid world, dark web intelligence for law enforcement, lessons learned from high profile breaches and how to avoid them, securing critical sectors of finances and health care and using Artificial Intelligence to surgically respond to cyberattacks.

The forum will be held in different formats that include plenary sessions featuring experts, a block stage forum designed to discuss pressing issues and topics, Room 42 that will host specific executive, technical sessions and simulation games and Hack Arena dedicated to ethical hacking and activities around the good internet habits for school and university students.

Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1149211/Call-for-joint-global-efforts-to-thwart-cyber-threats