Governments, businesses and individuals should form a united front to tackle the “cyber pandemic” as the world goes through an accelerated digital transformation, according to a top cyber security official.
The call came as Dubai prepares to host the second Cybertech Global Conference next year.
The event, to be held on June 13-14, will gather executive-level decision makers and provide a platform for corporate entities, government entities, start-ups and investors to collaborate in dealing with dangerous technological and economic threats.
“Cybertech is a very important platform. It is not only for communicating and interacting with businesses, but also for the research and development and academia sectors to come together and meet many internationally experienced people. This is what we are aiming to bring at the event,” Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, the UAE government's head of cyber security, told The National on Monday.
“That's our goal: bringing many of those stimulating [factors] into the economy as well as securing that digital economy we are aiming at.”
Cyber security spending has picked up in recent months amid a rise in cyber attacks across the world. Almost 69 per cent of organisations expect to increase cyber spending in 2022, compared with 55 per cent last year, according to PwC.
The year 2021 is also “shaping up to be one of the worst on record for cyber security”, with organisations aware that risks are increasing, the study found. More than 50 per cent expect a surge in reportable incidents next year above 2021 levels.
Governments are also poised to counter rising cyber threats as they formulate adequate legislation. The percentage of nation states passing legislation to regulate ransomware payments, fines and negotiations could rise to 30 per cent by the end of 2025, compared to less than 1 per cent in 2021, according to Gartner.
Earlier this month, the UAE Central Bank also established a new Networking and Cyber Security Operations Centre to help protect the IT infrastructure of the nation's financial system against cyber attacks.
Cybertech is a very important platform. It is not only for communicating and interacting with businesses, but also for the research and development and academia sectors to come together and meet many internationally experienced people. This is what we are aiming to bring at the event
Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti,
head of cyber security at the UAE government
Next year's Cybertech Global will also be an opportunity to create new business avenues, with sessions highlighting the applications of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, Big Data, the cloud and blockchain in key economic sectors such as finance, health, communications and smart mobility.
“We are all aware of the global cyber pandemic and the only way to stand in the face of this is to be together. We are now living in a world without boundaries; we don't know who is the attacker and what is the attack,” said Amir Rapaport, founder and chief editor of Cybertech.
Dubai hosted the region's first Cybertech Global, which was the largest security networking event to be held outside the US, in April. More than 60 countries were represented, with 40 per cent of participants from the UAE and 20 per cent from Israel.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
North Pole stats
Distance covered: 160km
Temperature: -40°C
Weight of equipment: 45kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 0
Terrain: Ice rock
South Pole stats
Distance covered: 130km
Temperature: -50°C
Weight of equipment: 50kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 3,300
Terrain: Flat ice
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, Group B
Barcelona v Inter Milan
Camp Nou, Barcelona
Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
If you go...
Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.
Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50
Golden Shoe top five (as of March 1):
Harry Kane, Tottenham, Premier League, 24 goals, 48 points
Edinson Cavani, PSG, Ligue 1, 24 goals, 48 points
Ciro Immobile, Lazio, Serie A, 23 goals, 46 points
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool, Premier League, 23 goals, 46 points
Lionel Messi, Barcelona, La Liga, 22 goals, 44 points
How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
Tour de France 2017: Stage 5
Vittel - La Planche de Belles Filles, 160.5km
It is a shorter stage, but one that will lead to a brutal uphill finish. This is the third visit in six editions since it was introduced to the race in 2012. Reigning champion Chris Froome won that race.
Blue%20Beetle
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TOP 5 DRIVERS 2019
1 Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 10 wins 387 points
2 Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, 4 wins, 314 points
3 Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 3 wins, 260 points
4 Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 2 wins, 249 points
5 Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 1 win, 230 points
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