CISOs Meet to Gain Insights into the Latest Cyber-Security Trends
Microsoft hosted today the third edition of its popular CISO Executive Series. This series brings together industry experts and Chief Information Security Officers to discuss and share current cybersecurity trends.
This edition was held at the Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai and was titled “Insights For The Progressive CISO”. It allowed security professionals in the region to have candid exchanges with some world-renowned experts in a day full of learning, networking, and insights.
Microsoft has released the 23rd edition its Security Intelligence Report. This bi-annual publication is created by Microsoft for customers, partners and the industry. It provides information about the current state and recommended best practices and solutions. Three key trends emerged from the analysis of threat intelligence collected from 100+ countries and millions computers. The first was the impact of Botnets and how they continue impacting millions of computers worldwide, infecting them using old and new forms malware. Hackers are using low-cost methods of attack to potentially increase their returns. This was the second most prominent trend. Ransomware is third and is still in fashion.
Microsoft conducted a live survey of UAE-based computers in the first quarter 2017. It found that 10.2% of them had malware, compared to a global average of 7.8%. Another survey was conducted in 2017 by chief information security officers from the Gulf region. It revealed that 60% of regional organizations still use usernames or passwords to authenticate users to corporate network. Only 30% of respondents use two-factor authentication (2FA), which is the combination of username and password with SMS or another form of mobile notification. About 5% of respondents used facial recognition.
Erdal Ozkaya, Cybersecurity Architect at Microsoft spoke about the urgent need for “Intelligent security” as GCC CISOs continue their fight against increasingly sophisticated threats.
Ozkaya stated that “an alarming number” of regional organisations continue to use outdated authentication models and strategies, despite international headlines continuing to highlight the intensity of the ongoing fight against bad actors. The good news is that the intelligent clouds are equipped with weapons that can match the sophistication and sophistication of the attacks. Microsoft will continue to enhance those capabilities for our customers as we move forward with forums such as The CISO Executive Series where security professionals can listen to seasoned White Hat experts.
CISO Summit in Burj Arab Dubai Megha Kumar, Research Director at IDC presented “The Evolving Security Landscape” and Sheikh Shadab (Associate Director, Head Cyber Security, KPMG) gave a talk about “Boardroom Engagement & Oversight in Cyber Security”.
Megha stated that “there are malicious parties out there, which seemingly never sleeps,” and that CISOs must take a 24-hour, 360-degree view to cyber security. “The challenge has always been finding a compromise between rigid IT policy and the flexibility required to be an agile, modern business.
“Cyber strategies must be holistic,” stated Mohammed Arif, Regional Director for Modern Workplace and Security at Microsoft Gulf. “You must consider that your security will be compromised. Then you have to think about what the next step is. What should you do? Who do you call? How can you get back on your feet again? Remember that business continuity is just as important as protecting intellectual property.
“Every employee, from the boardroom to the bottom, needs to be able to communicate effectively.
