Cairo: In support of the government’s strategic vision towards digital transformation, Tritech Advanced Solutions announced leading a coalition of private sector entities to host the first-of-its-kind event; Cybersecurity and Defense Intelligence Systems (CDIS-EGYPT). The 3-day cybersecurity and defense intelligence systems exhibition and conference will shed light on the status quo and future of cybersecurity in Egypt, MENA and worldwide over the course of 3 days from 16-18 May 2023 where local, regional, and international companies will showcase their state-of-the-art technology and capabilities. A conference will take place on the sidelines of the exhibition where international, regional and local speakers will discuss and share their knowledge and expertise with attendees.

The announcement came in a press conference in the presence of high-level representatives from the relevant ministries, as well as decision makers and executives from local and international tech companies.

Egypt Cyber Security & Defense Intelligence Systems (CDIS-EGYPT) is held under the auspices of Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and is officially supported by Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ministry of Finance, The Egyptian Supreme Cybersecurity Council (ESCC), National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), National Authority for Management and Investment, Egyptian Computer Emergency Readiness Team (EG-CERT), and Helwan University.

Dr. Ahmed Abdel-Hafez, Vice President for Cyber Security Affairs, National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (NTRA), stated “This momentous exhibition is immensely significant for molding the destiny of cybersecurity and intelligence in Egypt and the area. Cybersecurity is a key part of the economic system and national security of the Egyptian state. As part of Egypt Vision 2030 and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s policy on digital transformation, this exhibition will bring together subject-matter experts to showcase the best practices, views and efforts on one of the most essential matters that affects the region and the world, which is how to procure a secure and sound cyberspace.”

As the worldwide shift to digital economy, cyberattacks have become progressively more intricate and damaging; it is essential that we anticipate these cyber dangers in order to build a newer digital reality.

“The Egyptian government is purposely undergoing changes to adopt a digital transformation, which encompasses improving and digitalizing its services, raising the performance of the state, and constructing projects that foster the upgrading of its information infrastructure. This is all part of an inclusive plan aimed at implementing digital transformation, improving access to information and sustain the quality of services provided to Egyptians,” Abdel-Hafez went on to say, adding that the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) and the Cyber Security Prosecution collaborate around the clock to provide defense for national information infrastructure and to foresee and handle risks concerning cybersecurity, formulate frameworks and regulatory systems to protect data and digital assets. The Egyptian Computer Emergency Readiness Team (EG-CERT) offers the necessary tests to find out cyberattacks and proactive measures to face any issues. “Alongside supporting various industries in responding to and overcoming cyber threats, and minimizing any destruction and harm caused, we also offer digital forensic examination services and security awareness programs that can help the average person to stand up to cybercrime,” Abdel-Hafez mentioned.

Commenting on the announcement, Mohamed El Saidy, Managing Director and CEO of Tritech Advanced Solutions, said “Under H.E President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s guidance, Egypt is boldly working towards digital transformation. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has made impressive strides in building a digital framework for Egypt, while the government and its related agencies are working hard to ensure information safety and national security.”

El Saidy added that in continuation of these efforts, CDIS-EGYPT was launched to promote cybersecurity and information protection. “This will help the nation keep up-to-date with digital security and advanced defense systems in this rapidly evolving era. The move comes in line with Egypt Vision 2030 and the government's initiatives to make Egypt a major gateway for African and Middle Eastern markets.”

El Saidy strongly emphasized the importance of the private sector being a strategic partner in the execution of these aims, “We believe in the necessity of a strong collaboration between the private sector and the government in order to cultivate the government's objectives. Development requires significant participation from the private sector and that the government's objectives cannot be achieved without substantial input from the private sector. As a result, Tritech is leading an alliance of partners to organize a world-class event in cybersecurity.”

Simone Vernacchia, Senior Equity Partner in PwC Middle East, and the Cyber Security and Digital Infrastructure lead for the Middle East and North Africa region, commented: “Cyber risks remain as one of the significant areas of concern for the regional CEOs as per the Middle East findings of our latest 26th CEO survey.

These challenges call for a strategic coordination between the private and the public sectors to raise awareness and boost competencies in the cybersecurity sector and execute joint actions in case of crisis. All this also in consideration of the fast and pervasive digitization ignited by the past pandemics and the increasing geopolitical risk insisting on the region. We are delighted to be part of the Egypt Cybersecurity and Defense Intelligence Systems Conference & EXPO to contribute in exploring sustained solutions and cyber transformation strategies to the most pressing cybersecurity issues.”

Walid ElSayed, Partner and Egypt Consulting Leader at PwC Middle East, commented: “We’re thrilled to be the “knowledge partner” to one of the most prestigious cybersecurity and defense intelligence systems conferences in the region. Our contribution reinforces our commitment towards supporting the national cybersecurity efforts and exploring opportunities to strengthen cybersecurity in Egypt. Currently, we’re witnessing an inclusive digital transformation in Egypt. With the benefits offered by this digital transformation comes the cybersecurity challenges and threats as important risks to factor in. At PwC Middle East, we help businesses embrace the ongoing transformation to support organizations to be future-proof.”

Maged Ezzeldeen, Country Senior Partner and Deals Leader in Egypt, PwC Middle East, said: I am really optimistic about our partnership with the Cybersecurity and Defense Intelligence Systems Conference to complement our digital capabilities in Egypt and strengthen our commitment towards solving our region’s pressing challenges. At PwC Middle East, we work as a community of solvers to help entities stay ahead of the curve. We bring an innovative combination of industry expertise powered by technologies to build trust and create sustained outcomes for our clients.”

Hassan Bakr, Managing Director of Arabian World Events (A.W.E.), expressed his pleasure on the formation of this distinctive coalition, as cybersecurity is of great magnitude to states, industries, and individuals. He commented, "This move is a further step in A.W.E's endeavors and commitment to run global gatherings in major sectors in Egypt. We started with Egypt Defence Expo – EDEX, and building on this success, A.W.E is now an Advisory Partner in the Cybersecurity and Defense Intelligence Systems Conference and Exhibition (CDIS-EGYPT).”

“This event will serve as a significant opportunity to spotlight Egypt on the world stage; both in its capacity to arrange international exhibitions and also to affirm its leading position in the international cybersecurity market," Bakr explained.

CDIS-EGYPT is organized by a consortium of private entities, led by Tritech Advanced Solutions. The consortium comprises Arabian World Events (AWE), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as the Knowledge Partner, Event House, Berries Communications, and Brandit Cairo.

The event targets government officials and decision makers, cybersecurity and intelligence industry leaders and experts, decision makers and executive leaderships in private sector, technology startups, students and graduates. The event will also launch a Hackathon for university students and technology entrepreneurs, with valuable prizes for the top 3 winning teams. The Hackathon – which will run alongside the 3-day Cyber Security & Defense Intelligence Systems (CDIS-EGYPT) Conference and Exhibition - aims to link students and entrepreneurs with technology leaders as well as introducing local talent to the workforce market.

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