Riyadh is set to become the epicenter of cybersecurity as Black Hat MEA 2024 kicks off on November 26. The three-day event will bring together global cybersecurity leaders, innovators, and businesses to showcase cutting-edge technologies and discuss strategies to combat evolving cyber threats. With Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation and Vision 2030 initiatives driving significant advancements in ICT and cybersecurity, the event promises a dynamic platform for networking and innovation.
Among the key participants are global heavyweights like Forcepoint, CyberArk, Infoblox, OPSWAT, and Cisco, all of which are leveraging the event to deepen their roots in the Kingdom’s burgeoning cybersecurity market. Here’s an in-depth look at their perspectives, plans, and contributions.
Anas Shunnag, Regional Director, Forcepoint Arabia (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman) emphasizes the Kingdom’s pivotal role in the company’s Middle East growth strategy. “Saudi Arabia is increasingly becoming a central hub for our business, reflecting the Kingdom’s emphasis on digital infrastructure and data security,” he says. Forcepoint’s “data security everywhere” approach aligns seamlessly with Saudi Vision 2030’s focus on secure digital transformation.
At Black Hat MEA, Forcepoint will showcase its GenAI Security solution, combining AI-powered Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) with the Forcepoint ONE Data Security platform. The demos will highlight real-time threat detection, secure AI usage, and comprehensive data control across websites, cloud, endpoints, and email.
“Our commitment is to support high-need sectors like banking, oil and gas, and government with tailored solutions,” Shunnag adds. By leveraging the platform provided by Black Hat MEA, Forcepoint aims to strengthen its connections with key decision-makers in the Kingdom and drive robust growth over the next 18 months.
According to Tom Lowndes, Regional Director for the Middle East, Saudi Arabia contributes significantly to CyberArk’s Middle East operations, accounting for 40% of its regional business. “Saudi Arabia’s rapid digital growth, especially in sectors like finance, government, and manufacturing, has driven a 25% year-on-year growth for CyberArk in the region,” Lowndes notes.
At Black Hat MEA, CyberArk will highlight recently acquired solutions like Cora AI, Secrets Management, and machine identity tools from Venafi. These solutions address challenges posed by the growing number of human and machine identities that expand attack surfaces.
CyberArk’s roadmap for Saudi Arabia includes enabling its full platform locally within the next 18 months, offering end-to-end identity services while helping clients reduce complexity and cyber debt. The company’s goal of doubling its Saudi business within two years underscores its confidence in the market and its belief in Black Hat MEA as a critical platform for growth.
For Infoblox, Saudi Arabia represents a cornerstone of its Middle East strategy. As the Kingdom accelerates its digital transformation under Vision 2030, Mohammed Al-Moneer, Senior Regional Director for META, sees a growing demand for advanced cybersecurity solutions. “Infoblox remains committed to supporting this evolution with tailored, regulatory-compliant solutions for both government and enterprise sectors,” Al-Moneer says.
At the event, Infoblox will highlight its Threat Intel solutions, which focus on DNS as a critical cybersecurity pillar. By analyzing 70 billion DNS events daily, Infoblox detects 60% of threats before the first query, ensuring proactive protection against evasive cyberattacks.
Infoblox’s roadmap includes expanding its local presence with a new Riyadh office and cloud-based solutions tailored to the needs of high-priority sectors like energy and finance. Al-Moneer views Black Hat MEA as a valuable opportunity to refine Infoblox’s approach and accelerate market expansion in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia leads OPSWAT’s growth in the Middle East, ranking first in new business and second globally in total business. According to Sertan Selcuk, VP for METAP & CIS, OPSWAT collaborates with key players in sectors like government, utilities, oil and gas, and banking.
At Black Hat MEA, OPSWAT will unveil its unified cybersecurity platform, showcasing interactive digital demos that address IT and OT security needs. Daily sessions at their stand will focus on emerging threats and advanced defense strategies tailored to critical infrastructure protection.
“Over the next 12-24 months, we aim to open an office, expand our team, and strengthen partnerships in the Kingdom,” Selcuk says. Black Hat MEA serves as a vital launchpad for these initiatives, enabling OPSWAT to engage with stakeholders and enhance its role in securing Saudi Arabia’s digital future.
With over 25 years of presence in the Kingdom, Cisco remains a vital partner in Saudi Arabia’s digital journey. Salman Faqeeh, Managing Director of Cisco Saudi Arabia, says the Kingdom’s ICT sector, valued at $40.9 billion, is central to Cisco’s regional strategy.
At Black Hat MEA, Cisco will unveil its latest innovations under the theme “Innovating a New Era of Security.” These solutions focus on combating identity-based and ransomware threats while enhancing organizations’ digital resilience.
“Our strategy involves investing in local talent and infrastructure to align with Vision 2030 objectives,” Faqeeh explains. Cisco’s roadmap includes local data centers and partnerships across the government and private sectors. By participating in events like Black Hat MEA, Cisco solidifies its commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia’s tech landscape.
As Saudi Arabia accelerates its transformation into a global digital hub, Black Hat MEA provides a timely platform for cybersecurity companies to showcase innovations, build partnerships, and align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. The event highlights the rising importance of cybersecurity in securing critical infrastructure, protecting sensitive data, and enabling digital resilience.
With companies like Forcepoint, CyberArk, Infoblox, OPSWAT, and Cisco driving advancements in the region, Black Hat MEA promises to be a landmark event, catalyzing growth and innovation in Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity sector. The future of cybersecurity in the Middle East is being shaped in Riyadh, and the world is watching.