Latest news with #Cyberspace
Asharq Al-Awsat
3 days ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Highlights Global Leadership in Protecting Children in Cyberspace
As part of the global initiative 'Child Protection in Cyberspace' (CPC) launched by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the permanent mission of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations in Geneva organized a side event focused on enhancing capacity building to protect children in cyberspace as a shared global responsibility. The event was held on the sidelines of the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council in partnership with the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) and the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. The CPC initiative aims to provide a safe and empowering environment for children worldwide. The session, attended by the permanent representative of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations, Ambassador Abdulmohsen Majed bin Khothaila, featured participation from the GCF, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the WeProtect Global Alliance. The session highlighted Saudi Arabia's pioneering efforts in protecting children in cyberspace through a comprehensive and proactive approach that includes implementing national frameworks, developing educational programs, and enhancing international cooperation in the field. These efforts align with the objectives of Vision 2030, which places investment in human capital at the core of social and economic development. Meanwhile, the GCF launched a joint project with UNICEF aimed at training and preparing over 5 million parents and caregivers worldwide on best practices to protect children from cyber risks, along with providing specialized technical support to child helpline service providers in 30 countries. The session concluded with participants emphasizing the importance of building effective partnerships between countries, international organizations, and the private sector to implement comprehensive capacity-building programs and ensure the protection of children in cyberspace.
Trade Arabia
15-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Cyber resilience: challenges and opportunities
Technological advancements, international collaboration, and workforce transformation are key to ensuring global cyber resilience and a secure cyberspace, according to the latest insights report published by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF). 'Cybersecurity Frontiers: A Perspective on Securing the Future of Cyberspace' has been developed by GCF's 'Future of Cybersecurity' Knowledge Community, led by Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE). Combining global survey data with diverse, deep sector knowledge, the report offers a forward-looking perspective on emerging international cybersecurity trends amidst an evolving cyber threat landscape. Key global cybersecurity challenges and opportunities for 2025 highlighted in the report include: • Cybersecurity readiness: 95% of those surveyed recognise cybersecurity's potential as a competitive advantage, but 86% think organisations are not fully prepared for challenges • Technological acceleration and new risks: Emerging technologies are reshaping the threat landscape, with around 68% of surveyed experts citing AI threats as a concern. Other challenges include the rise of advanced threats (52%), escalating disinformation campaigns (43%), and increasing data privacy concerns (39%) • New opportunities for cyber defence: However, emerging technologies can offer cybersecurity opportunities. AI for cybersecurity (89%), IoT security (52%), and secure 5G connectivity (36%) are the most implemented solutions, with 76% reporting that AI has generated value for their organisations • Workforce transformation: More than 95% of respondents believe organizations face a cybersecurity skills gap, with 42% of them considering it significant The report draws on global expertise and original research to provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders, such as the MUST (Monitor, Understand, Strategize, and Transform) framework, and proposes a balanced approach toward investment and international collaboration to build resilience, mitigate risk, and secure Cyberspace for all. "Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that transcends sectors and borders," said Dr Hesham Altaleb, Chairman of the 'Future of Cybersecurity' Knowledge Community and Vice President of Research, Development & Innovation at SITE. "It is not just a technology issue; it is a strategic imperative that demands an adaptive approach, a diverse skilled workforce, and genuinely collaborative efforts to ensure a secure & resilient future. This report offers industry leaders insights to leverage both emerging technologies and unlock human capabilities for a more secure Cyberspace." The 'Cybersecurity Frontiers' report – accessible on GCF's Knowledge Hub – supports GCF's mission to enhance global cybersecurity resilience by pushing knowledge boundaries and fostering meaningful collaboration. Forming part of GCF's wider program of activities, including its flagship Annual Meeting, the report is authored by the 'Future of Cybersecurity' Knowledge Community – a platform that brings together global industry leaders with an interest in exploring and acting on the future of cybersecurity.
Zawya
19-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
USTTI partners with GCF to advance women's leadership in cybersecurity globally
The United States Telecommunications Training Institute (USTTI) and the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) have announced a partnership to deliver the 'Empowering Women to Leadership in Cyber' program, aimed at advancing women to cybersecurity leadership positions The joint program will train and provide emerging female cybersecurity leaders with the skills required to reduce barriers for women at the various stages of their cybersecurity careers, with sessions delivered in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia NEW YORK – The Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) and the United States Telecommunications Training Institute (USTTI) have established a joint program aimed at increasing representation of women in cybersecurity leadership positions globally. The announcement was made during Meet GCF New York, held on February 18 at the United Nations Headquarters, at which GCF convened international leaders and diplomats to hear thought-provoking insights on addressing key opportunities and challenges in Cyberspace. According to GCF's 2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Report, there is a shortage of 2.8 million cybersecurity professionals and women account for only 24% of the workforce. GCF's research, Empowering Women to Work in Cybersecurity is a Win-Win, has also found that 22% of female STEM students could be drawn to a career in cybersecurity if provided with sufficient information and training, but a lack of female mentors and sponsors remains a key barrier to entry. Under the 'Empowering Women to Leadership in Cyber' program announced today, USTTI, GCF, and partners from industry, civil society, and academia will deliver high-impact in-person global training programs for emerging female leaders in cybersecurity from across the world. The sessions will be held in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. These efforts will contribute to fostering a culture of cybersecurity while building a supportive community of professionals who inspire more women to enter the sector. The 'Empowering Women to Leadership in Cyber' program supports the objectives of the Women Empowerment in Cybersecurity (WEC) initiative, instated by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which seeks to strengthen global cyber resilience, addressing the shortage of cybersecurity professionals worldwide through efforts to empower more women in the sector. "Our partnership with GCF aims to empower talented female professionals in advancing their careers and driving innovation in cybersecurity leadership roles. Through our world-class training, participants will gain the skills and expertise to advance their careers and inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals,' said Jim O'Connor, Chairman and CEO of USTTI. 'We welcome this global partnership, uniting GCF with USTTI to advance women's leadership in cybersecurity, foster cross-border knowledge sharing, and increase cyber resilience worldwide. Empowering women's leadership in cyber is essential to addressing the global cybersecurity workforce shortage—where women remain significantly underrepresented—and to strengthening cyber resilience for all,' commented Alaa M. Alfaadhel, Head of Program and Initiatives at GCF. About USTTI The USTTI is a nonprofit, government-industry joint venture designed to meet the ICT training needs of the women and men who design, regulate and oversee the communications infrastructures of the world. Since 1982, the USTTI has graduated over 10,000 communications officials, regulators and entrepreneurs from 177 developing countries including all 54 in Africa. About GCF The Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) is a global, non-profit organization that seeks to strengthen global cyber resilience by advancing international collaboration, purposeful dialogue, and impactful initiatives. It serves as a platform where the world's cybersecurity stakeholders exchange knowledge and collaborate in tackling critical issues regarding Cyberspace. By uniting decision makers and thought leaders from around the world, GCF aligns with international efforts to build a more secure Cyberspace that enables prosperity for all nations and communities.
