Global Cybersecurity Forum to Push the Boundaries of Knowledge

Aimed at pushing the frontiers of knowledge on key cybersecurity topics, fostering investment, laying the foundation for global cooperation in cyberspace, and catalyzing socio-economic change, the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) is will be held in Riyadh.

The discussions and sessions of the forum, from February 1 to 2, 2022, will cover a range of sub-themes which include: the evolution of the international order in cyberspace, the current and future state of cybersecurity threats; future technologies as solutions to threats, the human dimensions of cybersecurity in the future of work, harnessing market forces and economic incentives, and building human-centric cybersecurity.

The National Cyber ​​Security Authority (NCA) will host the Forum under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The Forum will be held under the theme “Rethinking the Global Cyber ​​Order” and will engage distinguished speakers; including decision-makers and policy makers, executives and experts from international organizations, various government sectors, in addition to influential non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the most important international companies.

The 2022 version of the GCF builds on the success of its first virtual dialogue, which was held on April 7, 2021. The virtual dialogue attracted more than 250,000 people from over 100 countries. The first version of the Global Cybersecurity Forum was held in February 2020 during the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s G20 Presidency. In the first version, it was announced that His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has adopted two international initiatives. The first is to protect children in cyberspace, while the second is to empower women in cybersecurity.

The Saudi government has established the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) to be the government entity in charge of cybersecurity in the country, and it serves as the national authority over its affairs. The NCA was created in 2017 by a royal decree which links it directly to HM the King.

The ANC has both regulatory and operational functions related to cybersecurity and works closely with public and private entities to improve the country’s cybersecurity posture to protect its vital interests, national security, critical infrastructure, high priority sectors and government services. and activities aligned with Vision 2030.

According to the NCA’s official charter, cybersecurity is defined as “the protection of computer systems and networks and operating technology systems and components, including hardware and software, as well as the services provided and the data that are included, against illegal piracy. , obstruction, modification, access, use or exploitation”.

The ANC has a comprehensive national mandate which includes, but is not limited to, drafting the national cybersecurity strategy and overseeing its implementation; cybersecurity frameworks, controls and compliance; build and operate cybersecurity operations centers; develop human capacities in cybersecurity; raise awareness of cybersecurity; stimulate the growth of the cybersecurity sector and encourage innovation and investment in this sector; and establish links with similar agencies abroad and private entities for the mutual exchange of cybersecurity knowledge and expertise.

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Donald E. Patel