By : Basel Khaled

The eighth edition of the Arab Security Conference recently concluded with a two-day event in Cairo held under under the auspices of Dr. Amr Talaat, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Mohamed Salah El-Din, the Minister of State for Military Production, Dr. Mohammed Farid, the Chairman of the Financial Regulatory Authority, Mr. Ahmed Kajok, the Minister of Finance, and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation, Major General Khairy Barakat, the President of the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), and Major General Engineer Mokhtar AbdelLatif as Chairman of the Arab Organization for Industrialization. The Conference brought together a diverse group of local and international experts in the information security field, under the theme “Cyber Defense in the Age of Cyber Warfare”. Its primary objective was to strengthen cybersecurity efforts in the Arab world, with a specific focus on Egypt. The Conference aimed to support initiatives that promote a secure digital space, contributing to the overall development of the economy and society.

Dr. Bahaa Hassan, the Chairman of the Arab Security Conference, highlighted that the information security market is experiencing unprecedented expansion due to the surge of cyber threats and the imperative to safeguard data and digital infrastructure. In recent years, cybersecurity has become an essential component of government strategies and is adopted by major enterprises globally.

He added that this year's conference focused on the mounting challenges that both organisations and individuals encounter due to the accelerating progression of digital technologies. The conference highlighted the significance of adopting efficient policies and strategies to safeguard data and networks against the ever-increasing cyber threats. As a result, experts and professionals in the technology sector put forth numerous key recommendations to address these challenges, among which are the following:

1-Awareness and Education: The participants highlighted the significance of raising awareness about the importance of cybersecurity in both public and private sectors. They also emphasised the need to provide comprehensive training to employees on the latest cyber attack methods and preventive measures.

2-Development of Technological Infrastructure: The focus was on the essentiality of investing in the enhancement of information technology (IT) infrastructure to ensure its resilience against cyber attacks. Additionally, there was an emphasis on promoting the adoption of secure encryption techniques and cloud computing.

3-Regional and International Cooperation: The Conference highlighted the significance of fostering collaboration among Arab countries to facilitate the exchange of information and experiences in the realm of cybersecurity. It also emphasized the need to strengthen coordination with international organisations in order to effectively combat cross border cyber attacks.

4-Investing in Cutting-Edge Technology: The Conference put forth a recommendation to embrace modern technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to bolster cybersecurity measures. Additionally, it stressed the importance of investing in the advancement of data-driven security solutions that enable proactive analysis of potential threats.

5-Establishing National Information Security Centers: The Conference highlighted the need to strengthen the establishment of national cybersecurity centers that act as key resources in addressing cyber threats and managing incidents.

6-Encouraging Scientific Research: The participants emphasised the significance of supporting academic research and scientific initiatives in the realm of information security, while also promoting innovation and advancement in security technologies.

7-Safeguarding Against Advanced Threats: The conference underscored the critical nature of prioritising defense mechanisms against sophisticated threats, including assaults on supply chains and critical infrastructure.

8-Ensuring Secure Digital Transformation: The Conference brought attention to the profound importance of incorporating robust security protocols throughout the digital transformation endeavours in Egypt. This approach guarantees the uninterrupted provision of e-services and the protection of sensitive information, thereby bolstering public confidence in these services.

At the conclusion of the 8th Arab Security Conference, the winners of the Arab Security Cyber WarGames Championship were revealed. This competition specifically targets young professionals in the cybersecurity field. The team representing Jordan emerged victorious, securing the first-place position. The Egyptian team earned second place, while another team from Jordan claimed third place. In recognition of their achievements, the winners were awarded cash prizes and also honoured in the esteemed “Arab Cyber Security Awards 2024” competition. The event evaluates the digital security initiatives in the Arab region by engaging experts and specialists from diverse companies and institutions.

At the conclusion of the Conference, the participants expressed their commitment to working collaboratively with relevant organisations to implement these recommendations. The goal is to ensure the achievement of a secure and sustainable cyber space in Egypt and the Arab region. This effort will contribute to protecting the economy and society from the escalating cyber threats.