Computer users in the Middle East at all levels – from home consumers through to the largest corporations – are under increased pressure from web-based threats, according to some of the world’s leading experts in security technology.
A security leader, Trend Micro witnessed a dramatic increase in Web threat activity during the first half of 2008. Web threats peaked in March to 50 million from approximately 15 million in December 2007.
Such is the level of threat that security has now become a major area of investment, with research group IDC estimating that the total value of ICT security spending for the region will touch US$9.3 million by 2009, with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain the top five investors.
The threat to a company’s network will dominate discussions at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, which takes place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), 19-23 October 2008.
Major security and networking companies participating in GITEX Business Solutions include Alcatel, Avaya, Bluecoat, Cisco Linksys, D-Link, Mitel, SecureWay, Sonic Wall, Symantec and Trend Micro.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser said: “Security is becoming a bigger concern for companies and individual users as the level of threats increases and the range of methods to breach security becomes more sophisticated. Because GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK brings together a critical mass of international security experts, we aim to use the event to focus upon the specific challenges facing the region.”
Reflecting the comprehensive nature of the web threat landscapes, network security experts from around the world will be present at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK.
New research from one of the security leaders Trend Micro confirms that large corporate websites were heavily targeted by hackers in the early part of 2008.
Cyber criminals launched SQL injection attacks on thousands of web pages belonging to some of the largest companies, as well as government agencies, educational institutions, and well known sites that experience heavy traffic.
“Criminals are keeping pace with technology and becoming more ambitious in selecting targets. Increasingly, they are trying to target the specific individuals within a business who can provide access to lucrative financial details and log-in credentials across the whole organization,” said Justin Doo, Managing Director of Trend Micro Middle East and North Africa.
In March, Trend Micro discovered that over 400 phishing kits designed to generate phishing sites were targeting top Web 2.0 sites (i.e. social networking, video sharing and VoIP sites), free email service providers, banks and popular e-Commerce Web sites.
Given the changing threat, time has become the critical element for enterprises in preventing malware and insider threats from damaging productivity, customer, supplier and partner relationships, and corporate reputation.
In the GITEX Business Solutions stream, world-leading Internet security companies will be demonstrating how changing user behaviour is increasing the range of threats facing organisations in the Middle East. Changes in the way end users access information and corporate databases – using devices like laptops and pen drives – and the increasing exchange of digital data, such as video and photo sharing, are all expanding the threat landscape facing companies in the Middle East.
This year’s GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will incorporate a powerful week of dedicated trade events, including GITEX Business Solutions, GULFCOMMS and Consumer Electronics, as well as targeted networking initiatives designed to ensure the event covers the entire technology spectrum.
The show also incorporates the GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK Global Conference, one of the region’s largest and most high-profile IT forums. Senior CIOs from some of the Middle East’s most dynamic business and government organisations, as well as developers from the world’s leading IT companies will be speaking about the current issues facing the industry.
Dubai World Trade Centre will organise three major components of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, designed to maximise the value for business visitors and exhibitors.
• GITEX Business Solutions – The Leading International IT Trade Event for Enterprise and SMBs for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
• GULFCOMMS – The Largest International Telecommunications Trade Event for Mobile, Fixed, IP and Satellite for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
• Consumer Electronics - The Premier International Trade Event for Consumer Electronics, IT Systems, Components and Peripherals for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
Incorporating the following targeted events:
GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK Global Conference - This key networking platform brings together the crème de la crème of industry experts and ICT professionals under one roof and will feature an unparalleled series of strategic keynotes, seminars and dynamic networking sessions. The event gives delegates a priceless opportunity to learn from, debate with and exchange views with some of the leading experts within the ICT industry.
GITEX Majlis - This executive business programme for CEOs and other top level executive attendees, is designed to ensure that they enjoy a hassle-free experience at the show. Keeping their busy schedules in mind, members can enjoy easy pre-completed registration, advance issuance and delivery of the GITEX Majlis Badge and Executive Lounge facilities. These are just a few of the benefits offered to GITEX Majlis members.
Gadget Glam - This exciting showcase presents a fascinating mix of innovations in consumer technology and promises to attract even those with an interest in technology, not to mention gadget lovers who want a sneak preview of the latest in the market before anyone else. The event consists of a catwalk and showcase area featuring everything from mobiles to mp3 players and HD Cameras to LCDs. A fantastic innovative way to present new launches this event delivers one of the fastest, most lucrative markets in the world, at the largest show of its kind in the region.
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
Website: www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, Dubai World Trade Centre offers over 29 years’ experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 15 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region.
Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.
