Yasser Alswailem

​In December 2024, the UAE and Saudi Arabia took a significant step towards regional cybersecurity collaboration by participating in the inaugural Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council meeting in Riyadh. This event, under the Arab League's auspices, aimed to enhance joint Arab action in cybersecurity, focusing on information exchange regarding cyber threats, developing unified strategies, and establishing a shared system to counter cyberattacks. Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, emphasized the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity for a secure and sustainable digital future in the Arab region. He highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to build shared capabilities and protect national and Arab interests. The meeting marked a significant step toward establishing an Arab Cybersecurity Alliance to address growing digital challenges through joint collaboration. This collaboration between the UAE and Saudi Arabia underscores their commitment to strengthening cybersecurity resilience and fostering a secure digital environment across the Arab region. #cybersecurity #uae #ksa

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٢ تعليق

This week I had the opportunity to attend a hands-on OT Cyber Security Drill at the MEICA EXPO 2025 in Abu Dhabi, hosted by the Cyber Security Council. The drill, hosted by Shieldworkz, was a hands-on simulation tailored to a real-world industrial environment and highlighted the unique challenges in securing OT systems, particularly within critical infrastructure. 🔹 Legacy ICS/SCADA environments with limited security controls 🔹 High availability and safety demands — no room for (unplanned) downtime 🔹 Protocols and assets often invisible to traditional IT security tools 🔹 The need for context-aware detection and response across all Purdue levels but specifically levels 0–3 for OT. Such drills are essential for testing not just technology, but also incident response coordination across OT, IT, Physical Security, Legal, HR, Comms, Crisis Management, and Leadership. Thanks to Shieldworkz for the invite and continued efforts in advancing OT cyber resilience. #OTSecurity #IndustrialCyberSecurity #OperationalResilience #MEICA2025 #CyberSecurityCouncil #Shieldworkz #AbuDhabi #ICS #SCADA #CyberDrill #CriticalInfrastructure #SOC #DigitalResilience

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The evolving digital landscape presents unprecedented opportunities but also immense challenges. Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Strategy sets a remarkable example by linking cybersecurity to economic growth, innovation, and societal well-being. It’s a framework that resonates far beyond borders, offering valuable takeaways for professionals, businesses, and policymakers worldwide. Key takeaways from this strategy that inspire action: • Unified Governance: Establishing clear roles and responsibilities while ensuring coordination across sectors is essential for any national or organizational cybersecurity strategy. • Adaptive Risk Management: Prioritizing efforts based on dynamic risk landscapes ensures resources are directed where they matter most. • Building Capacity: Investing in talent and fostering a culture of innovation empowers not only resilience but also growth in the cybersecurity ecosystem. • Strengthening Collaboration: Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Partnerships across public and private sectors and globally are vital to addressing cross-border threats. • Driving Trust: Confidence in secure digital ecosystems attracts investment, fosters innovation, and ultimately fuels prosperity. These principles serve as a reminder that cybersecurity is no longer just about defense it’s a strategic enabler of growth and trust. It challenges professionals worldwide to rethink their approach to digital resilience and innovation.

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