As the highly anticipated 12th edition of the MENA Information Security Conference kicks off on Wednesday, cybersecurity experts from around the world are set to converge in Riyadh to discuss and define the future of cyber defense in the Kingdom. Hosted by VirtuPort, this year’s theme “Hyper-Resilient Cyber: Navigating the Evolving Threat Landscape of the Interconnected World of IT, OT, IoT, IIoT and Hybrid Cloud,” shines the event’s focus on the intersection of various critical technologies shaping the modern digital ecosystem in the Kingdom and beyond.

MENA ISC 2024 will be powered by the collaboration of leading local and international cybersecurity firms whose combined market capitalization is over SR375 billion ($100 billion), including Salam, CyberKnight, Cyber Polygon (BI.ZONE) and other sponsors such as Kaspersky, Arcon, Cloudflare and Google Cloud Security, as well as PwC in the role of a knowledge partner. These partners play a crucial role in delivering key industry insights, emerging technologies real-time demonstrations and collaborative opportunities to enhance the Kingdom’s digital resilience.

Also present to boost knowledge sharing at the conference are speakers from various backgrounds, such as the distinguished speaker Craig Jones, former director of cybercrime at INTERPOL, who will lead a plenary session exploring the AI-driven cyber future, focusing on how artificial intelligence is transforming both defensive and offensive cybersecurity strategies. Also delivering a keynote will be Asma Al-Yemeni, who serves as the chief information security officer at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, where she is instrumental in developing and implementing robust cybersecurity strategies. With a strong background in information security and risk management, Al-Yemeni focuses on protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. She is dedicated to fostering a culture of security awareness within the organization, empowering staff and students to recognize and mitigate potential threats and is known for her strategic vision and leadership. 

Additionally, another speaker, Reem Alzamil is the CEO of CyberX, where she leads the company in its mission to deliver in cybersecurity awareness solutions. With over a decade of experience in the technology sector, Alzamil has a proven track record of driving growth and fostering a culture of innovation. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, allowing diverse perspectives to shape the company’s strategic direction. A recognized thought leader in the Saudi cybersecurity community, she is committed to empowering organizations to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape while safeguarding their assets against evolving threats

Beyond the palette of leading cybersecurity players and insightful individual sessions, MENA ISC 2024 will offer panel discussions, live demonstrations of the latest cybersecurity technologies, and a series of interactive workshops aimed at equipping attendees with actionable insights and skills. This year’s agenda also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government bodies, private sectors and international institutions to build a unified, hyper-resilient cybersecurity framework for one and all.

With over 3,000 expected attendees, including prominent figures from both regional and international cybersecurity landscapes, the conference is set to be the cornerstone for shaping the future of digital resilience in Saudi Arabia and beyond.