AI Reshapes Cybersecurity Landscape at GISEC Global 2025
GISEC Global 2025, the world's third-largest cybersecurity event, kicks off in Dubai, uniting experts under the theme 'Securing an AI-Powered Future.'
More than 750 top cybersecurity companies and over 450 global CISOs and futurists are attending. The event expects 25,000 visitors from 160+ countries.
According to Markets and Markets, the global cybersecurity market will reach $298.5 billion by 2028. GISEC Global 2025 opens amid rapid changes in the industry, especially due to AI.
Opening sessions focused on how AI is reshaping security strategies. Several workshops, roundtables, and panels addressed the growing role of AI in both cyberattacks and cyber defence.
H.E. Dr Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, gave a keynote. He stressed the need to evolve cybersecurity in the era of the fifth industrial revolution. He shared a critical statistic:
– The UAE faces over 200,000 cyberattacks daily.
– Government entities are the most targeted.
He urged the industry to focus on AI governance, digital ethics, and human-data interfaces.
Dr Al-Kuwaiti said, 'Cybersecurity has become an integral part of everything we do. The UAE is already moving towards becoming an AI-nation in cybersecurity. Our National Cybersecurity Strategy focuses on governance, innovation, defence, and protection.'
Eugene Kaspersky, CEO of Kaspersky, also addressed the audience. He said AI benefits both attackers and defenders. He noted, 'It's AI vs AI – defence against attack.' He warned that rising cybercrime could limit AI adoption. But he added that companies are investing in system immunity for secure AI use.
Faisal Abdulaziz from the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) discussed Dubai's smart city vision. He explained DESC's work in embedding cybersecurity across all digital layers. He highlighted efforts to protect infrastructure and services while developing local talent.
Aarti Borkar, CVP at Microsoft, shared key findings:
– 80% of leaders are worried about sensitive data leakage.
– 88% are concerned about indirect prompt injection attacks.
She said, 'Security must come first. Define your perfect end solution, then take daily steps toward it.'
Major companies participating include Microsoft, AWS, Huawei, Cisco, Google Cloud Security, Deloitte, and Kaspersky. Regional innovators such as Spire Solutions, CPX, CyberKnight, LinkShadow, OPSWAT, Qualys, CrowdStrike, and StrikeReady are also featured.
GISEC Global 2025 is hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council and supported by DESC, the UAE Ministry of Interior, and Dubai Police. The event continues with discussions on AI threats, LLM weaponisation, and next-gen defence.
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