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Positive Hack Days Explores Cybersecurity Cooperation
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The international cybersecurity festival, Positive Hack Days (PHDays Fest), took place from May 22 to 24 in Moscow. Hosted by Positive Technologies, a leader in result-driven cybersecurity, the event was held at the Luzhniki sports complex. It was supported by the Ministry of Digital Development of Russia. The Moscow Government also acted as a strategic partner, alongside the Department of Information Technology and the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development.
This year's edition marked the largest PHDays Fest since its inception in 2011. Over 150,000 people attended in person, while more than 180,000 tuned in online. The event featured 270 talks across 26 tracks, with over 500 speakers including cybersecurity experts, software developers, ethical hackers, and senior IT leaders.
Delegates from more than 40 countries across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East participated. They discussed how nations can achieve digital sovereignty and cybersecurity resilience. Key questions included whether countries can independently train cybersecurity specialists and maintain resilience without foreign support.
Geopolitical tensions have highlighted the risks of dependency on global tech giants. According to speakers, overreliance on large vendors can threaten a country's digital sovereignty. Since 2022, Russia has responded by accelerating the development of domestic technologies and solutions. This strategy has allowed the country to maintain digital independence and security.
At PHDays Fest, Positive Technologies announced a new initiative focused on international technological cooperation. The company revealed a concept that encourages mutual knowledge exchange between nations and businesses, rather than dependence on imported cybersecurity solutions. Russian experts supported the idea, and it was well received by foreign delegates.
Positive Technologies reported its willingness to take a leadership role in this initiative. The company plans to openly share its expertise developed over two decades. Its specialists are ready to help friendly countries secure critical facilities and sectors. The vendor will also mentor and train cybersecurity professionals through international programs. Positive Technologies launched a global training program in 2024
The company supports cybersecurity capacity building in Gulf countries
Participants agreed that collaboration, not isolation, is key to building a secure digital future. As Maksut Shadayev, Russia's Minister of Digital Development, explained, digital sovereignty means ensuring national security and user protection regardless of external pressure.
Ambassador Eduardo Villegas Megías of Mexico pointed out that even programming languages like Python reinforce dependency due to language barriers. Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev added that energy is a vulnerable sector and requires robust cybersecurity, especially during digital transformation.
Ahmed Mustafa Al-Issawi of Qatar emphasized the need for international exchange. He noted that Qatar is emerging as a tech hub, and scholarships enable students to study cybersecurity abroad, including in Russia. Several sessions at PHDays Fest focused on the need for joint development of secure digital architectures and filling gaps in cybersecurity education.
Ali Azzam, Vice President of Mideast Communication Systems, called the event a valuable opportunity for knowledge-sharing. He encouraged more Egyptian participation, noting the applicability of insights to Middle Eastern industries.
Denis Baranov, CEO of Positive Technologies, stated that new technologies are used by both professionals and criminals. He said cybersecurity experts must help society safely navigate digital change. Ruslan Rakhmetov, CEO of Security Vision, stressed that Russian companies should pursue global cooperation, not isolation. He highlighted the role of integrators in representing national interests abroad.
Cybercrime was also a major theme. Danil Filippov from the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that half of Russia's cybercrimes are committed remotely. Elman Mekhtiyev of the Bank of Russia noted that AI will soon eliminate language barriers, increasing cross-border attacks. Kazakhstan's experience was highlighted as a model, with initiatives like data breach response systems and public digital literacy programs.
Egor Khalilov of F6 proposed an anti-fraud center with risk ratings for market participants. Milos Wagner from Roskomnadzor advocated for a preventive approach to regulation, noting that inspections now follow confirmed data breaches.
The evolving role of CISOs was another key topic. Experts shared that today's cybersecurity leaders must also manage business risks. Speakers from banks in Jordan, the UAE, and Cuba said understanding executive language and processes is essential for modern CISOs.
Positive Technologies signed multiple agreements during the forum. Group joined forces with the company to promote Russian cybersecurity software in the banking sector. The FinTech Association also partnered with Positive Technologies to support safe innovation in finance.
In Indonesia, four institutions signed memorandums with the company to enhance cybersecurity education. The company announced the second season of Positive Hack Camp, an international program for practical training in Moscow this July.
The cyberfestival also featured the 15th edition of the Standoff cyberbattle. More than 40 teams from 18 countries participated. The Russian team DreamTeam won the competition for a record seventh time. The open-access zone included Cybercity and a popular science area with hands-on tech demonstrations. Guests learned about cybersecurity careers, AI, scams, and tech startups.
The event ended with a concert under the open sky, featuring performances by Uma2rman, Minaeva, and GRUNGE. Positive Hack Days 2024 underscored that global cybersecurity challenges require shared solutions and strategic development.
