Regional experts at the Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) conference urged UAE businesses to strengthen cybersecurity amid growing data breach costs and global cybercrime losses
Cybersecurity experts convened in Dubai this week for the “Shaping a Secure Enterprise” conference, addressing the urgent need to fortify digital defences amidst surging cybercrime costs and growing data breach incidents. Organised by the Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) in collaboration with cybersecurity firm Falcon Eye, the event aimed to provide actionable insights for businesses navigating an increasingly digital world.
The conference, the first in a three-part series under the Digital Armor initiative, underscored the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding its digital landscape. H.E. Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, former UAE Minister of Environment and Water, praised the IBPC for fostering dialogue on a critical issue, noting, “Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity.”
Global Cybercrime: A Growing Threat
Keynote speaker Sukiraman Manivannan, Practice Lead for Safe AI & Data Protection at CPX-G42, highlighted the alarming growth of cyber threats. With global cybercrime costs projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, Manivannan emphasized the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks. He also spotlighted the UAE’s leadership in AI governance, citing its Charter for the Development and Use of AI as a global model.
“Cybersecurity must evolve beyond compliance to become a competitive advantage and a corporate responsibility,” said Manivannan, urging businesses to integrate digital defences into their strategic planning.
Panel Discussions: Building Resilience
The conference also featured two insightful panel discussions:
How Tough is It to Build, Maintain & Operate a Digital Armor?
This session explored the technical challenges involved in constructing a robust digital defence system. Moderated by Mr. Sameer Makhija, Co-convener of the Technology & Telecom Focus Group, panellists including Mr. Hariprasad Chede, Chief Information Security Officer at National Bank of Fujairah, Dr. Narayanan Krishnan – CTO, Falcon Eye Cybersecurity, and Mr. Malek Abu Tayah – Group CIO, Al Batha Group. They shared real-world examples and best practices. Key takeaways included the need for resilience in the face of inevitable cyberattacks, a strong risk-based approach to budgeting for cybersecurity, and the importance of including cybersecurity in the agendas of CXOs and CEOs.
“Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity.”
— H.E. Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, former UAE minister
Perspectives for a ‘Digital Armor’ Around Your Business
This session focused on the strategic side of cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to securing business data. Panellists, including Mr. T.K Raman – Group CEO, Finance House PJSC, Mr. Saji Oommen, Group CIO at Al Batha Group and Mr. Evangelos Kaldelis, CEO MENA of 3S.Money, provided insights on creating a cybersecurity strategy that incorporates governance, monitoring, and continuous response mechanisms.
Collaboration: The Key to Digital Security
Dr. Sahitya K. Chaturvedi, Secretary General of IBPC, described the conference as a vital platform for knowledge-sharing. “Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and only a collaborative, proactive approach can secure our digital future,” he said.
The event marked the beginning of IBPC’s Digital Armor series, with future forums set to continue fostering dialogue and innovation in cybersecurity.
As the UAE positions itself as a global leader in digital innovation, the message from the conference was clear: businesses must act now to protect their assets, reputation, and customers in an interconnected world.
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