By : Nalah Makled

With cloud and software-as-a-service (SaaS) adoption continuing to accelerate across the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa (META), annual spending on cybersecurity solutions in the region is set to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% over the coming years to cross the $6 billion mark in 2026. That's according to the latest forecast from International Data Corporation (IDC) as it prepares to host the Türkiye edition of its IDC Security Roadshow 2023 in Istanbul on Wednesday, March 22.

IDC's research shows that 70% of organizations across the META region are planning to invest in automated incident response over the course of 2023. Network security (56%), complete asset visibility (55%), and cloud security (52%) are set to be other major priorities as organizations work diligently to meet the challenges that come with massive technological leaps and the adoption of a digital-first approach to business.

"Over the coming few years, the pace of digital acceleration is expected to gain even more momentum, adding ever-greater layers of complexity to the threat landscape," says Nevin Çizmecioğulları, IDC's associate vice president and country director for Türkiye. "Today, IT security professionals face numerous challenges such as the need to protect an increasingly distributed workforce, an internet that is faster than ever before, interconnectivity that is increasing in complexity, stricter government regulations, and customers looking for immersive experiences and greater security for their data.

"In an increasingly digital economy, the digital trust concept becomes paramount, and it is critical for business leaders, technology suppliers, organizations, and consumers to all understand the fundamental importance of risk, compliance, privacy, and business ethics. Traditional approaches to security, risk, and compliance are no longer enough, with issues such as data security, confidentiality, integrity, and availability all becoming key concerns."

Taking place at the Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent, the Türkiye edition of the IDC Security Roadshow 2023 will bring together the country's foremost cybersecurity experts to showcase the very latest security innovations. The event will cover everything from threat intelligence, risk management, and digital resilience to the privacy and security implications of an increasingly remote and hybrid workplace, while also serving up essential guidance on building digital trust, automating security operations, and addressing the evolving nature of modern security challenges.

IDC's research manager for Türkiye, Yeşim Öztürk, will present the event's keynote, during which she will offer advice on how best to prepare for a new era of cyberthreats. "In Türkiye, companies continue to focus on data protection, data privacy, and regulatory compliance," says Öztürk. "The relationship between data-driven insights and trust is critical, and companies looking to implement effective trust initiatives must aim to strengthen their overarching trust structures."

The agenda will also incorporate a series of fascinating end-user panel discussions, featuring first-hand insights from respected industry thought leaders such as:

·        Mahmut Küçük, Cyber Security Director, Türk Telekom

·        Kenan Yılma, Information Security Group Coordinator, SOCAR Türkiye

·        Tarık Üstüner, Head of Global Information Security, Getir

·        Suzan Pektaş Acar, Senior Security Risk Manager, Fibabanka

·        Nihan Namoğlu, Chief Information Security Officer, AgeSA Emeklilik ve Hayat

·        Mehmet Karadeniz, Network & Cyber Security Manager, CK Enerji

·        Emin İslam Tatlı, Cyber Security Director, Turkcell

·        Murathan Gemicioğlu, Global Information Security Manager, Hayat Holding

·        Okan Erin, Information Security Director, Pazarama

·        Hakan Kantaş, IT Director, Halkbank

İsmail Özler, Director of Risk, Security & Compliance, Paynet