Dubai: Leveraging AI to help build secure and resilient infrastructures and redefining the future of the cybersecurity industry were among the key topics explored at GISEC Global 2025 as the world's third-largest cybersecurity event got underway. Held under the theme of 'Securing an AI-Powered Future,' the annual event has attracted more than 750 of the world's foremost cybersecurity companies, 450 global CISOs and futurists, and 25,000 visitors from over 160 countries.
According to Emirates News Agency, with the global cybersecurity market anticipated to be worth $298.5 billion by 2028, the 14th edition's opening day saw several panel discussions, workshops, and roundtables take place, focusing on the power of AI and how it's changing the cybersecurity landscape. Dr Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, delivered a speech on the importance of harnessing AI, navigating geopolitical tensions, and securing the Digital Future. He revealed that the UAE is facing more than 200,000 daily cyberattacks, with government entities being the most targeted. Dr Al-Kuwaiti emphasized the need for cybersecurity to evolve, particularly with the advent of the fifth industrial revolution, highlighting areas such as human-data interfaces, autonomous systems, and AI governance.
Renowned cybersecurity expert Eugene Kaspersky, CEO and founder of Kaspersky, addressed AI as a tool benefiting both cybercriminals and businesses, stressing the need for organizations to build a safe AI-driven future. He stated, "We are living in a world where it's very much AI vs AI - defence against attack." Kaspersky pointed out that while cybercrime poses challenges, cybersecurity companies are working on solutions to ensure future systems are secure.
Attendees also gained insights into Dubai's efforts to protect the emirate digitally as it aims to become a 'smart' city. Faisal Abdulaziz, Director of the Cybersecurity Threat Centre of Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC), discussed the center's role in embedding cybersecurity into Dubai's digital transformation, focusing on smart services, critical infrastructure, and talent development.
Aarti Borkar, CVP of Security, Customers Success and Incident Response at Microsoft, highlighted that 80 per cent of leaders are concerned about data leakage, while 88 per cent worry about indirect prompt injection attacks. She stressed that security should be a priority in AI development, recommending a strategic approach to building safe systems.
GISEC Global 2025, hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council and supported by DESC, the UAE Ministry of Interior, and Dubai Police, will continue with more panel discussions and debates on AI's pressing issues, including weaponised large language models and next-gen AI-powered defences.