Gitex 2020: AI, cybersecurity take center-stage on first day of tech event

Gitex 2020: AI, cybersecurity take center-stage on first day of tech event

Traditional cyber threats, coupled with challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, have compelled organisations to look ahead and build resilient systems and processes that can better withstand future pandemics.

At GISEC, cybersecurity conference, hosted under GITEX, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security, UAE Government, discussed the cyber threat landscape, and how the UAE government is leveraging AI to build a more resilient post-pandemic world.

"It is important to build a culture of readiness, and that is why the National Cybersecurity Council was established by the nation's leadership,“ he said. "As the UAE ensures preparedness from cybersecurity attacks, public-private partnerships with industry vendors will play a vital role in strengthening the UAE's digital security. Phishing and ransomware remain the top types of cybersecurity attacks, while the financial and healthcare sectors are among those most targeted,“ H.E. Al-Kuwaiti added.

Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, director of Information Services at the Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC), explained the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy, whose goal is to protect Dubai from a range of cybersecurity risks and support the emirate's economic growth.

"The vision behind Dubai Electronic Security Centre is to make Dubai the safest city in the world in cyberspace by continuously overcoming cybersecurity challenges,