The third day of Black Hat Middle East and Africa (MEA) 2024 in Malham, north of Riyadh, saw the launch of several major cybersecurity initiatives, including a strategic SAR50 million investment from IMPACT46, announced by Cipher company for cybersecurity. The event, which runs from November 26 to 28, has become a key platform for unveiling cutting-edge solutions, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening its digital infrastructure and cybersecurity sector.
Context and Background
Black Hat MEA 2024, organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones and Tahaluf—a strategic joint venture between the federation, Informa PLC, and the Events Investment Fund—is being held at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center. The event serves as a global cybersecurity platform, focusing on technological solutions that contribute to the development of the sector and align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of technological advancement and digital transformation.
Key Details
Among the major announcements were the launch of the Saudi product “MetrasXDR” for extended detection and response by the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), emphasizing SITE’s commitment to localizing technologies and enhancing digital system protection. The event also saw the launch of “Athar,” a Saudi-developed data-leakage protection solution initiated by sirar by stc cybersecurity provider, and the introduction of Cyberani by Aramco Digital as the first cybersecurity operations center for operational technologies in the Kingdom. Cyberani also launched its cybersecurity products line “CyProducts” during the event. Additionally, Salam company unveiled “Siyaj,” the first Saudi next-generation firewall, utilizing artificial intelligence and the latest security methods to elevate security for individuals and small to medium-sized businesses.
International Impact
Global cybersecurity firms also made significant contributions. Trend Micro introduced cybersecurity solutions like ASRM to help security managers predict attack paths and assess risks, in addition to Trend Vision One – SPC for comprehensive threat insight and data storage in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Saudi DataLexing introduced a new generation of productive tools with innovative solutions including tables, automatically linked reports, and integrated surveys. These developments highlight the Kingdom’s role as a hub for international cybersecurity collaboration, attracting major global players and fostering knowledge exchange.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The initiatives announced at Black Hat MEA 2024 are a direct reflection of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions to build a diversified, technology-driven economy. By investing in local cybersecurity solutions, fostering public-private partnerships, and attracting global expertise, the Kingdom is reinforcing its position as a leader in digital security and innovation. These efforts are crucial for protecting critical infrastructure, supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises, and ensuring a secure digital future for the nation and the region.
20 Questions
Q1. What is Black Hat MEA 2024?
A1. Black Hat MEA 2024 is a major cybersecurity event held in Malham, north of Riyadh, from November 26 to 28, 2024, organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones and Tahaluf.
Q2. Who announced the SAR50 million investment at Black Hat MEA?
A2. The strategic SAR50 million investment was announced by Cipher company for cybersecurity, with funds from IMPACT46, a Saudi investment firm focusing on technology and cybersecurity.
Q3. What is MetrasXDR?
A3. MetrasXDR is a Saudi product for extended detection and response, launched by the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), aimed at localizing technologies and enhancing digital system protection.
Q4. What is Athar?
A4. Athar is a Saudi-developed data-leakage protection solution initiated by sirar by stc cybersecurity provider, designed to secure sensitive information and prevent data breaches.
Q5. What is Cyberani by Aramco Digital?
A5. Cyberani by Aramco Digital is the first cybersecurity operations center for operational technologies in the Kingdom, launched at Black Hat MEA, along with its product line CyProducts.
Q6. What is Siyaj?
A6. Siyaj is the first Saudi next-generation firewall, unveiled by Salam company at Black Hat MEA, using AI and advanced security methods to protect individuals and small to medium-sized businesses.
Q7. What solutions did Trend Micro introduce at Black Hat MEA?
A7. Trend Micro introduced ASRM to predict attack paths and assess risks, as well as Trend Vision One – SPC for comprehensive threat insight and data storage in Saudi Arabia.
Q8. What did Saudi DataLexing launch at the event?
A8. Saudi DataLexing introduced a new generation of productive tools with innovative solutions, including tables, automatically linked reports, and integrated surveys.
Q9. Who organizes Black Hat MEA?
A9. Black Hat MEA is organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones and Tahaluf, a joint venture between the federation, Informa PLC, and the Events Investment Fund.
Q10. Where is Black Hat MEA 2024 taking place?
A10. The event is taking place at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center in Malham, north of Riyadh, from November 26 to 28, 2024.
Q11. How does Black Hat MEA contribute to Saudi Arabia’s goals?
A11. Black Hat MEA serves as a global cybersecurity platform that aligns with Vision 2030 by fostering innovation, attracting investment, and enhancing digital security infrastructure in the Kingdom.
Q12. Why is the SAR50 million investment from IMPACT46 significant?
A12. The SAR50 million investment from IMPACT46 strengthens the cybersecurity ecosystem by funding innovative solutions and startups, supporting the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a leader in cybersecurity.
Q13. What is the role of SITE in the cybersecurity sector?
A13. SITE, or the Saudi Information Technology Company, focuses on localizing technology and enhancing digital system protection, as demonstrated by its launch of MetrasXDR at Black Hat MEA.
A14. What is the purpose of the Singaporean product?
Q14. What is the purpose of the Saudi firewall Siyaj?
A14. Siyaj aims to elevate security for individuals and small to medium-sized businesses by using artificial intelligence and advanced security methods to protect against cyber threats.
Q15. How does Trend Micro’s ASRM help organizations?
A15. ASRM helps security managers predict attack paths and assess risks, enabling proactive threat management and enhanced cybersecurity posture for organizations in Saudi Arabia.
Q16. What is the significance of Cyberani’s launch at Black Hat MEA?
A16. Cyberani’s launch as the first cybersecurity operations center for operational technologies in the Kingdom marks a milestone in protecting critical infrastructure, such as energy and industrial systems.
Q17. How does Black Hat MEA support international collaboration?
A17. The event attracts global cybersecurity firms like Trend Micro, fostering knowledge exchange and partnerships that enhance the Kingdom’s cybersecurity capabilities and global standing.
Q18. What types of cybersecurity solutions were highlighted at the event?
A18. Solutions included extended detection and response, data-leakage protection, next-generation firewalls, and operational technology security, reflecting a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity.
Q19. How do these initiatives benefit Saudi businesses?
A19. These initiatives provide advanced tools and investments to protect businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, from cyber threats, supporting economic growth and digital transformation.
Q20. What is the long-term impact of Black Hat MEA on Saudi Arabia’s tech sector?
A20. Black Hat MEA accelerates Saudi Arabia’s tech sector by showcasing innovations, attracting investments, and strengthening the cybersecurity workforce, all crucial for achieving Vision 2030 goals.
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