Emile Abou Saleh, the Senior Director for Middle East, Turkey and Africa at Proofpoint, says a proactive approach to cybersecurity robustly protects organizations against a wide range of threats in an increasingly complex digital landscape

What have we achieved so far in terms of use case scenarios of Gen AI in the realm of cybersecurity?
Generative AI has gained considerable attention in the news lately, and like any new technology, there’s a lot of excitement around it. Today’s Generative AI tools go beyond traditional chatbots; they are becoming more advanced. Generative AI’s potential reaches far and wide, benefiting professionals across different industries. Financial advisers can use it to analyze market trends, educators can tailor lessons to students’ needs, and it’s also proving useful in the field of cybersecurity. Security analysts can leverage Generative AI to examine user behaviour and detect patterns that could indicate potential data breaches.

One of the standout features of Generative AI in cybersecurity is its ability to quickly and accurately process vast amounts of data related to emerging threats. Security administrators can use these tools to run queries quickly, and in just a few minutes, these tools can summarize current credential compromise threats and highlight specific indicators to watch out for.

Why according to you should cybersecurity companies leverage generative AI?
Our lives and work cultures are forever changed, with so many people working and interacting digitally—and the velocity of business and the volume of corporate data we generate growing exponentially, across multiple digital platforms.

Many organizations across all industries have found that implementing artificial intelligence (AI) into business systems has helped them to ensure continuity, with one main aspect being increased productivity. When looking at this from a cybersecurity point of view, there are many ways AI and machine learning (ML) can bolster an organization’s overall cybersecurity posture.

Today’s threat landscape is characterized by attackers preying on human vulnerability. Proofpoint research shows that nearly 99% of all threats require some sort of human interaction. Whether it is malware-free threats such as the different types of Business Email Compromise (BEC) or Email Account Compromise (EAC) like payroll diversion, account takeover, and executive impersonation, or malware-based threats, people are falling victim to these attacks day-in and day-out. And all it takes is one click, from one employee for a threat actor to infiltrate an organization’s systems, no matter how complex the environment.

To stop these types of attacks, organizations need to deploy a security solution that can stay ahead of the ever-changing landscape and adapt to the way humans act. AI and ML are critical components in a robust cybersecurity detection strategy. It’s faster and more effective than manual analysis and can quickly adapt to new and evolving threats and trends. Cybersecurity defences that employ AI can combat such threats with greater speed, relying on data and learnings from previous, similar attacks to predict and prevent their spread.

What are the cybersecurity challenges facing companies with the adoption of AI and how can they be overcome?
With the adoption of AI, organizations face a set of cybersecurity challenges that need immediate attention. While AI has shown remarkable progress in defending against common threats, it has also opened doors for cybercriminals.

Take phishing: AI has the potential to supercharge this threat, increasing the speed and accuracy in which these phishing emails are sent to victims. However, it’s important to remember that many social engineering emails aren’t designed to be “perfect” – they are intentionally written poorly to find people who are more likely to engage.

That’s also only one part of the threat. Headers, senders, attachments, and URLs are among the many other threat indicators that are analyzed by robust detection technologies. Even where there would be a substantial benefit to having better-crafted emails, like many business email compromise scenarios, there is a lot of other information the threat actor needs to have access to. They need to know who is paying what money to whom and at what dates, which they probably have already accessed in a different way. They don’t necessarily need AI assistance when they already have access to that person’s inbox and they can merely copy an old email.

It’s crucial for organizations to note that no matter the attack vector, or how complex it is, the majority of cyberattacks require human interaction to be successful. By tricking just one employee, threat actors can circumvent security tools and siphon sensitive corporate data. Organizations must implement a people-centric cybersecurity strategy, consistently training employees at all levels of the business, in cybersecurity best practices so they are aware of the latest cyber threats and are able to detect them, report them, and not fall victim to them.

How can organizations use their resources effectively to leverage Gen AI to gain a competitive edge in the cybersecurity landscape?
To effectively leverage Generative AI and gain a competitive advantage in the cybersecurity landscape, organizations should focus on two vital aspects. It is firstly essential to embrace a people-centric security model for data loss prevention, acknowledging that individuals often play a pivotal role in the movement of data. This approach encompasses content awareness, behavioural analysis, and threat awareness, granting in-depth insights into how employees interact with sensitive data.

Increased visibility facilitates real-time detection and prevention of data loss incidents. Secondly, organizations should integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies into their cybersecurity practices. For instance, in email security solutions, AI and ML swiftly identify and thwart phishing campaigns, malicious URLs, imposter messages, and unusual user activity in cloud accounts. A proactive approach to cybersecurity robustly protects organizations against a wide range of threats in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Ram Narayanan, the Country Manager at Check Point Software Technologies, Middle East, says collaborating with AI providers and researchers is essential to remain current with AI advancements

What have we achieved so far in terms of use case scenarios of Gen AI?
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard have witnessed remarkable growth in their use case scenarios, showcasing their versatility and potential across various applications. These AI tools have proven to be valuable assets in enhancing productivity and creativity. However, they also present significant challenges, primarily related to their vulnerability to misuse in cyber-attacks.

Instances of Generative AI being exploited to create malicious content, such as malware, phishing emails, and deceptive videos, have raised concerns in the cybersecurity domain. Organizations have had to proactively address these issues to protect their digital assets and sensitive data. While Generative AI continues to offer substantial benefits, organizations must remain vigilant in their efforts to protect against emerging AI threats, ensuring that AI and machine learning-based defences become essential components of their cybersecurity strategies.

Why according to you should companies leverage generative AI?
Companies should leverage generative AI for a multitude of reasons that promise transformative benefits. Generative AI streamlines content creation processes, allowing for efficient, cost-effective production of customized content at scale. Moreover, the scalability of generative AI ensures that businesses can adapt effortlessly to varying audience sizes without compromising content quality. Generative AI extends its utility to customer support through AI-powered chatbots, offering round-the-clock assistance while freeing up human teams for more complex tasks.

Furthermore, its flexibility to generate content in diverse formats, from text to images and audio-visual content, enables companies to diversify their content offerings and reach audiences across multiple platforms. Embracing generative AI grants companies a competitive edge in a dynamic business landscape, fostering agility and innovation. However, responsible AI use is paramount.

The technology’s potential for misuse, including cyber threats and malicious content creation, necessitates robust security policies, especially for mobile devices. Advanced technology, including AI and machine learning, is crucial to effectively detect and mitigate these risks. Companies must also uphold ethical standards in AI deployment, ensuring responsible use that aligns with societal values while reaping the myriad benefits generative AI offers.

What are the challenges companies face in terms of adopting and using Gen AI and how can they be overcome?
Companies face several challenges when adopting and using Generative AI. A primary concern is the potential for misuse, as Gen AI can be exploited for cyber-attacks, including the creation of malware, phishing emails, and deceptive content. This poses significant security risks that must be addressed. Firstly, robust security policies should be established and enforced, governing the use of AI tools on corporate devices and networks.

Employee education is crucial to raise awareness and empower staff to recognize AI-generated threats. Advanced threat detection technologies, utilizing behavioural analysis and machine learning, enhance security measures. Access control to AI tools helps mitigate misuse risks, and regular security updates are essential. Mobile devices, often entry points to organizations, require special attention with robust mobile security solutions.

Ethical concerns, regulatory compliance, quality control, bias mitigation, and public perception challenges also need to be addressed through collaboration, self-regulation, responsible AI development, and continuous monitoring. Striking a balance between AI’s potential and ethical considerations is key for successful Gen AI adoption.

Are companies aware of regional and global policies surrounding the use of Gen AI? 
The awareness among companies regarding regional and global policies surrounding the use of Generative AI can vary significantly. Some companies are well-informed and proactive in understanding and adhering to these policies, especially if they operate in highly regulated industries or have a global presence. These companies often invest in compliance efforts to ensure they align with regional and international regulations related to AI.

However, many companies, particularly smaller or newer ones, may have limited awareness of the full scope of regional and global policies concerning Gen AI. It’s worth noting that the awareness of Gen AI policies can also be influenced by the region in which a company operates. The United Arab Emirates has been actively embracing AI technology in various sectors, including healthcare, transportation, finance, and government services.

To ensure responsible and ethical use of AI, the UAE government has developed regulatory frameworks and policies. For instance, the UAE AI Strategy 2031 focuses on creating a conducive environment for AI innovation while also addressing the ethics and legal aspects of AI implementation. Given the substantial investment in AI technology and the government’s commitment to AI governance, it is likely that UAE companies are well-informed about the regional and global policies surrounding the use of Gen AI. Companies operating in sensitive sectors, such as healthcare or finance, may have a higher level of awareness and compliance with AI regulations due to the potential impact on individuals’ privacy and security.

How can companies use their resources on using Gen AI to create a competitive advantage?
Companies can utilize their resources to harness Generative AI strategically, thereby gaining a competitive edge in various aspects. Gen AI enables swift innovation by automating product development, reducing time-to-market, and ensuring companies stay ahead in dynamic industries. Gen AI’s data analysis capabilities facilitate data-driven decision-making, enabling informed strategic choices, rapid response to market trends, and optimized supply chains, leading to cost savings and operational efficiency.

It also plays a vital role in cybersecurity, effectively detecting and mitigating advanced threats to safeguard digital assets and reputation. Automated market research with Gen AI identifies trends and consumer preferences, guiding product development and marketing strategies. Task automation enhances employee productivity, freeing up time for innovation, while Gen AI assists in compliance and risk management efforts.

To maintain a competitive edge, companies should integrate Gen AI strategically, invest in workforce training, ensure ethical use, and implement robust cybersecurity measures. Collaboration with AI providers and researchers is essential to stay current with AI advancements and maintain responsible practices.

What factors do companies need to consider before adopting Gen AI such as having a centralised data strategy?
Before adopting Generative AI, companies must carefully consider several critical factors, one of which is the establishment of a centralized data strategy. Security is of utmost concern, as Gen AI tools have the potential to be exploited in cyber-attacks, exemplified by instances of AI-generated malware and phishing campaigns. To mitigate these risks, robust security policies and measures should be implemented to safeguard sensitive data and prevent data breaches. Mobile devices, commonly used for Gen AI interactions, present unique vulnerabilities, necessitating a focused approach to mobile security that encompasses both prevention and detection, ideally utilizing AI and machine learning in security solutions.

A centralized data strategy should incorporate these security measures to protect against potential AI threats during Gen AI adoption. Additionally, it should encompass data governance practices, data quality assessment, privacy compliance, ethical guidelines, transparency, scalability, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous monitoring to ensure responsible and secure Gen AI integration. Building and maintaining customer trust and preparing for crisis management are integral aspects of a comprehensive Gen AI strategy.

How can companies experiment with Gen AI to predict the future of strategic workforce planning?
Companies can gain a competitive edge by strategically allocating resources to harness Generative AI in various ways. Generative AI accelerates innovation by automating product development processes, leading to faster time-to-market and a competitive advantage in rapidly evolving industries.

It also streamlines content creation, reducing costs, and delivering personalized content to enhance customer engagement and loyalty. With the deployment of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants, companies can improve customer support, providing efficient round-the-clock assistance while optimizing the supply chain, ultimately increasing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Generative AI’s role in cybersecurity is crucial, as it effectively detects and mitigates advanced threats. Additionally, it aids in automated market research, identifying trends and consumer preferences to guide product development and marketing strategies. Lastly, it contributes to compliance and risk management efforts.

To maintain this competitive edge, companies must strategically integrate Generative AI, invest in workforce training, ensure ethical use, and implement robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard against AI-related threats. Collaborating with AI providers and researchers is essential to remain current with AI advancements, allowing companies to effectively harness these technologies while upholding responsible practices.

The surge in international demand has rallied the world’s largest tech and start-up event to scale even higher and bigger in 2023, spearheading a global tech takeover across two Dubai mega venues next month. The 43^rd edition of GITEX GLOBAL will take place from 16-20 October 2023, the blockbuster tech showpiece once again reaching full capacity at the Dubai World Trade Centre as it prepares to host more than 6,000 exhibitors, while Expand North Star, the world’s largest start-up event hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, will kick-off its largest ever edition from 15-18 October 2023 at the new Dubai Harbour venue, featuring 1,800 start-ups from 100-plus countries at the Middle East’s biggest iconic superyacht hub.

GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star will comprise a combined 41 halls spanning 2.7 million sq. ft of exhibition space – a 35 per cent increase over the previous year – converging the best minds and most visionary companies to scrutinise, challenge, define, and empower the digital agendas of the world. GITEX GLOBAL will present the year’s largest AI showcase and summit, its record growth fuelled by the AI innovation wave currently gripping the globe’s imagination, as 3,500 AI-infused exhibitors reveal how this next big technology shift is transforming lives, governments, businesses, and society.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Events Management, DWTC

The AI boom has also added another layer of complexity to protecting digital assets and critical IP infrastructure, with the elevated GITEX Cyber Valley taking the fight directly to the dark cyber-criminal underworld, gathering leading info-sec brands and global experts at the year’s biggest cyber security showcase. Amplifying this growth, the launch shows GITEX Impact and Future Urbanism Expo promise to be the epicentre of ground-shaking shifts in climate technology while advancing sustainable cities, and co-creating a net zero future ahead of the UN climate change summit, COP28.

“The intense demand for involvement in GITEX from the global tech and start-up community is an acknowledgement of the strong impetus to learn, exchange, debate and challenge the recent developments in the tech sphere,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Events Management at DWTC, the organiser of GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star. “From AI, and cyber to the mounting interest in clean tech, GITEX converges public and private sector leaders from more than 170 countries to explore the new unknown paradigms of the future digital economy.”

Steven Yi, President, Huawei MIddle East and Central Asia

Expand North Star hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy will scale to a record size in 2023, featuring 1,800 start-ups start-up exhibitors this year to connect, inspire, and extend engagements in one of the world’s most innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystems. More than 1,000 investors from 70 countries with $1 trillion under management will also converge at the new Dubai Harbour venue, as they look to ramp up the momentum in start-up investment after a year of tepid achievements.

Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said, “Expand North Star is set to drive the next era of digital entrepreneurship and inspire the next generation of innovators and thinkers. This landmark event will serve as a strategic catalyst to expand the future of Dubai’s digital economy, creating an unrivalled platform to gather key stakeholders from the global start-up community here in the emirate.”

GITEX GLOBAL 2023 welcomes the biggest tech names delving into the latest trends, risks, challenges, and opportunities that are redefining entire industries, spearheaded by returning titans including Dell Technologies, e&, Google, Huawei, HP, IBM, Microsoft, and Tonomus. Among the debut exhibitors supercharging their international growth strategies and forging new connections are Salesforce, Broadcom, Beyon, and Deloitte.

Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy

Steven Yi, President of Huawei Middle East & Central Asia said: “At Huawei, GITEX GLOBAL continues to hold great importance to our business year after year.  This year, our theme, ‘Accelerate Intelligence,’ demonstrates our commitment to delve into the transformative power of AI, networks, and cloud technologies. Together, we will explore how these converging forces are reshaping our world and how we can unleash the full capabilities of AI-powered solutions to reshape industries worldwide with cyber security, privacy protection and safeguarding our customer’s digital transformation journey remaining our top priorities.”

More information is available at www.gitex.com and www.expandnorthstar.com