The inaugural edition of @Hack will gather elite hackers and infosec superstars for one of the world's largest cybersecurity events

Dubai: @HACK, the largest dedicated cybersecurity event in the region is set to bring together the best minds in information security from around the world in Riyadh this November, to tackle the challenges of securing the digital world. The three-day @HACK event will define the future of cybersecurity in the region and help to ensure that the digital transformation in the Middle East and globally is able to continue at a rapid pace, while staying safe and secure from cybersecurity threats.

As the use of technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, almost every aspect of our lives, from banking and telecommunications to social media and entertainment has moved to the digital world.  This reliance on information technology has also seen an explosion in cybersecurity threats, as hackers and criminals continuously look to exploit vulnerabilities and attack IT systems and devices. @HACK is bringing together the world’s leading cybersecurity experts to find new ways to address the challenges of cybersecurity, and to encourage collaboration and knowledge transfer to better protect our critical digital assets.

@HACK is organised by the Saudi Federation of Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP) and the largest events company in the world, Informa Markets, in association with the renowned cybersecurity event Black Hat. The event is of global significance and will feature a range of different tracks including an Executive Summit, in-depth briefings, training sessions and hacking challenges.

“It gives us immense pleasure to launch @Hack, the region's largest hacking and infosec event, during Riyadh Season in November – three times larger than any cyber security event that has happened before in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.” said, Faisal Al-Khamisi, Chairman, SAFCSP. “Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid process of digital transformation in line with Vision 2030, and in this highly connected digital world, it is vitally important that we have the knowledge, skills and security tools to protect our critical systems and data. The Saudi Federation of Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP) is proud to be presenting @HACK, and we believe this event will become an essential platform for the global cybersecurity community to come together to share expertise and define the strategies that will ensure that Saudi Arabia, and the world, will be able to reap the benefits of the digital future while preventing cybersecurity threats.”

The Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones is responsible for developing skills and capabilities in the Saudi workforce in next-generation technology fields including cybersecurity, software development, drones and other advanced.

During @HACK, which runs from November 28 to 30, cybersecurity experts, ethical hackers, risk and IT professionals, government policy makers, researchers and academics, and other stakeholders in the security sphere will come together to discuss emerging security risks, policy and regulation, best practice and new solutions that will address the wide-ranging issues facing the global cybersecurity sector today.

@HACK will leverage Black Hat’s expertise in producing some of the best regarded programs in the global cybersecurity community, which include hacking challenges, presentations of the latest cutting-edge research, training and education sessions and other engaging events, to create a must-attend event for the region. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the current and future threats emerging from the fast-moving security landscape and explore the solutions that top professionals and security companies are developing to address these threats.

Among the speakers confirmed to be taking part @HACK are:

Jayson E. Street, VP of InfoSec, SphereNY, who is described by National Geographic as a “World Class Hacker” and author of ‘Dissecting the hack: Series’ who has successfully robbed banks, hotels, government facilities, Biochemical companies, on five continents.

Jenny Radcliffe, AKA The People Hacker, is a Social Engineer hired to bypass security systems. Jenny was recognised as one of the top 25 Women in Cyber in 2020 and won the Most Educational Security Blog 2020. She is also the host of the award-winning podcast “The Human Factor”, interviewing industry leaders, bloggers, experts, fellow social engineers and con-artists about all elements of security.

Bruce Schneier, dubbed ‘The Security Guru’ by The Economist is a candid security critic and commentator. His influential security newsletter ‘Crypto-Gram’ has over 250,000 readers, and he has authored over a dozen bestselling books on cyber security including ‘Applied Cryptography’.

Alongside of the global line up of speakers, @HACK will also feature the leading companies in the cybersecurity space in the Business Hall, including Fortinet, Kaspersky, Spire Solutions, IBM, Honeywell, Cisco, RSA, Qualys and Dragos. More exhibitors than any cybersecurity event in the Middle East, Africa and Asia will participate in the show, with demonstrations and product launches of the latest cutting-edge security solutions, from across all areas of the industry including software, services and training. The Business Hall will include Innovation City, a showcase of some of the most exciting and innovative cybersecurity startups from around the world, adding up to make the largest ever gathering of infosec vendors in the region.

With over 14,000 visitors expected, @HACK show will feature several different themes and tracks to cater to the diverse audience, including  

• The Executive Summit: The primary conference attracting CISO’s from powerhouse organisations
• Arsenal – Where developers submit projects and selected developers demonstrate open-source tools at an informal workshop
• Briefings – Where infosec experts present research on industry trends, hacking tools and security vulnerabilities.
• Trainings – 50 Black Hat approved trainers will conduct these technical sessions in a hands-on environment.
• Capture The Flag – a hacking tournament for 1,000+ (300 teams) participants to enhance their ethical hacking skills

The Training and technical courses that will on offer during @HACK will focus on topics such as offensive security, techniques in penetration testing, infrastructure hacking, mobile application security, and more.

“We are very excited to present @HACK in Saudi Arabia, a nation that is taking its place as the leading hub for advanced technology in the region,” said Mike Champion, Regional Executive Vice President of Informa Markets. “Saudi Arabia’s inspirational vision and their commitment to technological advancement makes the Kingdom an ideal destination for such mega events and we look forward to welcoming the global cybersecurity community to Riyadh.”

Registration for @HACK is now open and for more information on @Hack, please visit www.athack.com.

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About Athack

@Hack will be the largest cybersecurity event in the region and feature the most powerful speaker faculty of any technology show in its first edition. It is co-created between Informa and The Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones. Informa, itself the largest exhibitions company in the world, is responsible for delivering many of the most recognised brands in events, including Black Hat, Arab Health and hundreds more. 

About The Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones

‏A national institution that aims to empower the local workforce and enhance their capabilities in the fields of Cybersecurity, Software Development, Drones and Advanced Technologies based on the best international practices. Its vision is to have a programmer among every 100 Saudis by 2030, and its mission is to empower and build the next generation capabilities in the field of advanced technology.

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© Press Release 2021