Experts Discuss the Evolution of Data Breaches and Global Cyber-Resilience at GISEC

The upcoming GISEC event in Dubai is set to address the pressing issue of cybersecurity in the Middle East and Africa, as experts warn of the increasing frequency and cost of data breaches globally. With over 30 billion records breached in 2024 alone, companies and governments are urged to take proactive measures to strengthen their cyber-resilience.

Saiful Islam, Chief Information Security Officer at Dhaka Bank in Bangladesh, highlighted the persistent vulnerabilities in the private sector despite heightened awareness and investment in cybersecurity measures. He emphasized the urgent need for organisations to reassess their strategies and fortify their defences to avoid severe consequences such as financial loss and reputational damage.

Charles Brooks, President of Brooks Consulting International, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for a shift from a passive to a prepared posture in corporate cybersecurity. He stressed the importance of businesses receiving more threat intelligence and cybersecurity tools from the government to counter evolving threats effectively.

Experts also discussed the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in revolutionizing defence strategies against cyber threats. AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, enabling swift detection and response to potential attacks. Quantum computing was also highlighted for its potential in problem-solving and predictive analytics, although caution is advised in its adoption due to associated risks.

As the international cybersecurity community gathers at GISEC Global, the focus will be on sharing knowledge, showcasing emerging solutions, and addressing trends impacting the industry. With the increasing complexity of cyber threats and the need for improved breach prevention strategies, collaboration between public and private sectors is crucial to bolstering global cybersecurity defences.