GISEC
SANS Institute to Show Off its Advanced Suite of Cybersecurity Offerings

Ned Baltagi, the Managing Director for MEA at SANS Institute, says his company’s participation at GISEC 2023 aims to provide visitors with the latest industry trends and best practices
Tell us about the cybersecurity trends for 2023.
In 2023, we can expect to see several emerging cybersecurity trends. Firstly, while mobile phones are generally considered more secure than desktops, we will also see a rise in stalker ware included in downloaded apps that target consumers, as hackers are creating malicious stalker ware apps and placing them in app stores.
Secondly, data backup ransomware attacks will increase, as attackers target backups that are less frequently monitored, provide ongoing access to data, and may be less secure or from forgotten older files. Thirdly, we can expect a surge in MFA bypass attacks, as more organizations adopt multifactor authentication and other additional layers of security.
Organizations must be proactive in closing the cybersecurity skills gap by investing in offensive training and threat hunting to address an expanded attack surface from a continued hybrid workforce. This will be especially important as organizations need to upskill and train their existing staff to defend against attacks.
Lastly, attackers are expected to increase their focus on exploiting vulnerabilities in cloud-based infrastructures and applications. Organizations should invest in cloud security solutions to ensure that their systems are secure and that their data is protected from malicious actors. Additionally, they should consider using security automation tools to help detect and respond to threats quickly. In summary, organizations must stay vigilant and proactive in their approach to cybersecurity in 2023 to stay ahead of these emerging threats.
What is the theme of your participation at GISEC 2023?
This year, our participation aims to provide visitors with the latest industry trends and best practices, with cloud security being of paramount importance in digital environments.
Which products and solutions will you be showcasing at GISEC 2023?
We’re excited to showcase our advanced suite of cybersecurity offerings. The range of products and services is designed to cater to the evolving challenges of the cybersecurity landscape through specialised training courses fully aligned with GIAC certifications, Security Awareness Training products, Cyber Ranges for immersive training experiences, and an advanced ECE curriculum that covers digital forensics, penetration testing, and reverse engineering.
Our comprehensive range of cybersecurity solutions is aimed at enhancing your technical proficiency and equipping you with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in today’s dynamic cybersecurity landscape. We will also highlight our CyberTalent offering, which includes various academy programs that we provide to both government partners and individual organizations, to identify hidden cybersecurity talent within their existing workforce.
Additionally, on Tuesday, 14th March, SANS Senior Instructor, Kevin Ripa, will have two speaker sessions, at the Dark Stage, and at X LABS. Alongside these two talks, Kevin and his fellow SANS instructors, Maxim Deweerdt and Michael Hoffman, will be providing workshops each day at Hackstage360.
We are also excited to host our highly engaging mini Capture-the-Flag event onsite at our stand (D50 Hall 7), where visitors will have the chance to test their skills in a simulated cybersecurity environment.
How are you equipped to help companies overcome digital security and privacy challenges?
The SANS Institute is well-positioned to help companies overcome digital security and privacy challenges through a range of services and resources. Our training programs cover a wide range of cybersecurity topics, taught by experienced practitioners who bring real-world experience to the classroom, and training materials that are continually updated to reflect the latest threats and vulnerabilities.
Research by our faculty members into emerging threats and trends is shared with the cybersecurity community through publications and events, including webcasts, conferences, and summits. Additionally, the institute has a strong focus on community building, which fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among cybersecurity professionals. Overall, the SANS Institute’s goal is to help organizations build more secure and resilient systems that can withstand the evolving threat landscape.
Is there a skills gap in the cybersecurity industry? What needs to be done in order to bridge that gap?
There is a significant skills gap in the cybersecurity industry. This gap is mainly due to the rapid evolution of technology and the increasing complexity of cyber threats, which make it difficult for organizations to find and retain skilled cybersecurity professionals.
To address this, we need to focus on increasing cybersecurity education and training through academic and industry certification programs, while also creating a supportive work environment that emphasizes ongoing training and development opportunities. Companies can maximize their existing resources by offering cybersecurity training courses/programs to retrain and upskill their existing workforce.
Additionally, we need to promote diversity and inclusion in the field by recruiting and supporting individuals from underrepresented groups and focusing on creating awareness about the opportunities and benefits of a career in cybersecurity.
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Cyber Security
World’s Largest Cybersecurity Startup Hub GISEC North Star Debuts in 2025

GISEC Global is thrilled to announce the launch of GISEC North Star, an expanded startup zone designed to connect cybersecurity innovators, investors, and industry leaders on an unprecedented global scale. In partnership with Expand North Star, the world-renowned startup and investor networking event, GISEC North Star aims to elevate the cybersecurity startup ecosystem by featuring 250 leading-edge cybersecurity startups and 150 investors. The 14th edition of GISEC Global anticipates over 25,000 visitors and participants from 160 countries.
The event will take place during GISEC GLOBAL 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 6-8 May 2025, introducing unparalleled opportunities for networking, collaboration, and investment. As cybersecurity threats escalate globally, GISEC North Star is designed to foster an ecosystem of innovation and resilience by connecting global minds in cybersecurity technology, venture capital, and enterprise solutions.
As an anchor of GISEC Global, GISEC North Star will serve as a premier platform where disruptive startups can showcase their innovations, connect with leading global investors, and engage with key industry leaders across various sectors. The event will feature cutting-edge showcases, live demos, and panel discussions with top minds in cybersecurity technology and business.
“We are thrilled to expand GISEC’s role in the global cybersecurity ecosystem through our partnership with Expand North Star. GISEC North Star is committed to bringing together the brightest minds in cybersecurity, empowering startups with unparalleled access to the resources, networks, and investments they need to thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape,” said Nawaz Ali, Commercial Director at GISEC Global.
GISEC North Star’s expansive setup is designed to attract the best cybersecurity talent from across the globe, uniting startups, investors, and visitors to collaboratively tackle the sector’s most pressing challenges. With participants from over 160 countries, the event will foster diverse and impactful exchanges that shape the future of global cybersecurity.
Designed to promote collaboration and growth, GISEC North Star is set to showcase breakthrough innovations that address critical challenges in cybersecurity, ranging from AI-driven threat detection to secure data management solutions. Investors will have an unprecedented opportunity to connect with and support promising startups driving advancements that safeguard the future.
GISEC
Video: Interview with Bertil Brendeke of BotGuard at #GISEC2024

We spoke to Bertil Brendeke, the Chief Revenue Officer of BotGuard, at GISEC 2024, in Dubai, UAE:
Check out Arabian Reseller’s GISEC 2024 Special Edition, here: https://arabianreseller.com/april2024
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