Latest news with #NCSC
Daily Tribune
10 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
DEF CON Villages Debut
TDT | Manama Bahrain is set to become the region's new epicentre for cybersecurity innovation, with the third Arab International Cybersecurity Conference & Exhibition (AICS 2025) unveiling the launch of the Arab world's first DEF CON Villages. The announcement was made yesterday at a press conference held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister. The event, scheduled for 5 to 6 November at Exhibition World Bahrain, is organised for the third consecutive year by Faalyat. DEF CON Villages debut The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), in collaboration with DEF CON, one of the world's most iconic hacker communities, confirmed that the Villages will focus on artificial intelligence, space, cloud security, and industrial control systems. Interactive Demo Labs will accompany the Villages, offering hands-on tech experiences to researchers, startups, and students. H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO of the NCSC, said the collaboration with DEF CON represented a leap forward in positioning Bahrain as a global cybersecurity hub. 'It's a platform to exchange global expertise, showcase innovation, and prepare the region for evolving cyber threats,' he said. Youth front and centre The event will include a youth empowerment programme, mentorship initiatives, and a Capture the Flag (CTF) cyber contest to spotlight local and international talent. The NCSC also announced a strategic partnership with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) to deliver specialised training for emerging cybersecurity professionals. A new local community initiative, DEF CON Group Bahrain, was also launched to unite experts, students, and enthusiasts focused on defensive cybersecurity practices and digital resilience. Building cyber leadership More than 10,000 participants from 50 countries are expected to attend, alongside 100 international speakers and experts. The programme includes pavilions, technical workshops, cyber competitions, and a global tech exhibition. H.E. Shaikh Salman praised the ongoing collaboration with Faalyat, which continues to bring world-class stakeholder engagement and experiential design to the region's most prominent cyber event. The third edition of AICS builds on Bahrain's commitment to secure digital transformation and cyber innovation, reinforcing its vision to lead the Arab world in shaping future cyber ecosystems.
Zawya
16 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
The NCSC announces the third edition of the Arab International Cybersecurity Conference & Exhibition 2025
On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, a press conference was held to officially announce the third edition of the Arab International Cybersecurity Conference & Exhibition (AICS). The conference will be held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister. The event is scheduled to take place from 5 to 6 November 2025 at the Exhibition World Bahrain. For the third consecutive year, the event is organized by Faalyat, a leading company specializing in international event management. His Excellency Sheikh Salman bin Mohammed AlKhalifa, CEO of the NCSC, affirmed in his statement during the conference that it is an honor to host the third edition of AICS, held under the esteemed patronage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister, and in continued collaboration with Faalyat, emphasizing the shared commitment to reinforcing the Kingdom of Bahrain's position as a leading global hub in the field of cybersecurity. In his statement during the conference, His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO of the NCSC, expressed his honor in hosting the third edition of AICS, under the esteemed patronage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister, reinforcing the continued commitment to positioning the Kingdom of Bahrain's as a leading global cybersecurity hub. His Excellency emphasized that the partnership between the NCSC and DEF CON provides a unique platform for exchanging international expertise and forging strategic partnerships. The event will showcase the latest solutions and technologies, in enhancing cybersecurity readiness and strengthening the cybersecurity ecosystem, both regionally and globally, against increasingly complex and evolving cyber threats. He also praised the ongoing collaboration between the National Cyber Security Centre and the main organizing company, Faalyat, which brings its deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, and experiential design reflecting a shared commitment to positioning Bahrain as a global leader in cybersecurity. The CEO highlighted the remarkable success of the previous two editions, reflected in the high participation levels and diverse training workshops and panel discussions led by cybersecurity experts worldwide. This success underscores Bahrain's growing positioning as a premier destination for specialized international technology events. The CEO added that the third edition of the conference builds upon the Center's vision to enable secure digital transformation and promote innovation. It also aims to develop future defense mechanisms to address escalating cyber threats and to strengthen regional and international cooperation to enhance Bahrain's cybersecurity ecosystem. During the press conference, the NCSC and DEF CON formally signed a partnership agreement at the press conference, announcing the regional launch of DEF CON Villages. These specialized villages will focus on artificial intelligence, space, cloud security, and industrial control systems, in addition to interactive Demo Labs that will offer innovative technical and hands-on experiences. The initiative aims to create opportunities for researchers, students, and startups to showcase their innovations and projects to a global group of experts in a dynamic, interactive environment. Additionally, the NCSC and the Bahrain Institution of Banking and Finance (BIBF) signed a cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing efforts and collaboration in cybersecurity capacity building. The agreement will facilitate the development of specialized training programs to equip current and future national talents for the upcoming conference. The press conference also unveiled DEF CON Group Bahrain, a community that unites leading experts, students, and those interested in digital safety and cyber resilience. The community focuses on discussing critical defensive cybersecurity practices within the Kingdom of Bahrain. The third edition of AICS is expected to attract over 10,000 participants from 50 countries to attend specialized panel discussions with more than 100 global cybersecurity experts. Additionally, it will include international pavilions and youth empowerment programs aimed at preparing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders through mentorship, training, and hands-on experiences. The conference will also host DEF CON Villages and interactive Demo Labs presented by a group of cybersecurity experts from around the world. Technical workshops and training programs designed to meet the needs of professionals and institutional entities will be offered, alongside an exciting Capture the Flag (CTF) competition and other cybersecurity contests. These activities aim to showcase local and international skills and talents in cybersecurity. Furthermore, the event will feature a technology exhibition showcasing the latest global solutions and innovations.
Biz Bahrain
18 hours ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
NCSC announces third edition of Arab International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition (AICS 2025)
On Tuesday morning, a press conference was held to announce the launch of the third edition of the Arab International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition (AICS 2025), under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister. The event is scheduled to take place from November 5 to 6 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, officially organised by Faalyat, a leading company in international event management. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will host the third edition of the conference and exhibition in collaboration with the global DEF CON conference, one of the most prominent and specialised cybersecurity conferences worldwide. His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of the NCSC, expressed pride in hosting the third edition of AICS under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, which reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain's continued commitment to consolidating its position as a leading global centre in the field of cybersecurity. HE emphasised that the partnership between the NCSC and DEF CON provides an opportunity for exchanging international expertise and establishing strategic partnerships, in addition to showcasing the latest solutions and technologies that play a pivotal role in enhancing cybersecurity readiness both regionally and internationally to address escalating and evolving cyber threats. HE also commended the ongoing cooperation with the official organising company, Faalyat, recognising its deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, and experiential design, which reflects a shared commitment to positioning Bahrain as a global leader in cybersecurity. The CEO pointed out that the previous two editions achieved remarkable success in terms of participation numbers and the diversity and richness of training workshops and panel discussions led by distinguished cybersecurity experts from the region and worldwide, reflecting growing regional and international confidence in Bahrain's ability to host and organise specialised international technology events. HE added that the third edition aligns with the NCSC's vision to enable secure digital transformation, foster innovation, develop future defence mechanisms against rising cyber threats, and strengthen regional and international cooperation to enhance Bahrain's cybersecurity ecosystem. During the press conference, a partnership agreement was signed between the National Cyber Security Centre and the global DEF CON conference, announcing the regional launch of the specialised DEF CON Villages focusing on artificial intelligence, space, cloud security, and industrial control systems, alongside interactive Demo Labs offering innovative technical and practical experiences. This initiative aims to provide researchers, students, and startups with opportunities to showcase their innovations and projects before a global group of experts in an engaging environment. Additionally, a cooperation agreement was signed between the NCSC and the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) to enhance efforts and collaboration in cybersecurity capacity building through specialised training programmes to prepare current and future national talents for the upcoming conference. The press conference also announced the formation of DEF CON Group Bahrain, a community bringing together leading experts, students, and those interested in digital safety and cyber resilience, focusing on discussing key defensive cybersecurity practices within Bahrain. It is expected that the third edition of AICS will attract over 10,000 participants from 50 countries to attend specialised panel discussions featuring more than 100 global cybersecurity experts. The event will also include international pavilions and youth empowerment programmes aimed at preparing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders through mentorship, training, and practical experience. The conference will include DEF CON Villages and interactive Demo Labs presented by distinguished cybersecurity experts from around the world, technical workshops, and training programmes tailored to the needs of professionals and institutions. Furthermore, it will feature a Capture the Flag (CTF) competition and other exciting cybersecurity contests designed to showcase local and international cybersecurity skills and talents. The event will also host a technology exhibition displaying the latest global solutions and innovations. BNA(R)
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Simple ways employees can prevent cyber attacks
The scale and complexity of cyber threats facing large organisations today have never been greater. From targeted ransomware attacks to internal data leaks, the risk landscape is evolving rapidly. For large enterprises, which often hold vast quantities of sensitive data and critical infrastructure, robust cyber security measures are no longer optional—they're essential for resilience, reputation, and regulatory compliance. Effective cyber security strategy requires a layered, proactive approach. While technology plays a significant role, success depends just as much on leadership, policy, and staff behaviour. This article outlines key cyber security advice for large organisations, using guidance from trusted sources like the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and highlights best practices that will remain relevant as threats evolve. Build a strong governance framework For any organisation with complex systems and a large workforce, cyber security governance is the foundation on which all defences rest. Clear governance ensures that security responsibilities are defined at every level, from board members to frontline staff. Start by establishing a formal cyber security strategy aligned with your wider business objectives. The board should have visibility of cyber risks, supported by senior leaders with appropriate expertise, such as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Risk ownership must be assigned, and accountability built into every level of the organisation. The NCSC recommends adopting frameworks such as the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF), which helps assess your organisation's ability to manage cyber risks to essential services. Implement regular audits and maturity assessments to identify gaps and ensure continuous improvement. Risk management should extend beyond the organisation's boundaries. Third-party vendors, contractors, and supply chains are common entry points for attackers. Ensure that partners adhere to comparable security standards and include cyber clauses in all contracts. Carrying out regular supplier risk assessments can significantly reduce exposure. Invest in layered technical defences Large organisations typically manage a diverse mix of legacy systems, cloud services, and mobile infrastructure—all of which can introduce vulnerabilities. Implementing a layered, defence-in-depth approach can prevent a single point of failure from compromising your entire network. At the perimeter, firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and secure gateways can help block unauthorised traffic. Within the network, segment systems by function or sensitivity to limit the impact of a breach. For instance, sensitive HR data should never reside on the same network as public-facing services. Endpoint protection should include next-generation anti-virus software, real-time monitoring, and automated incident response capabilities. Ensuring that systems are regularly patched is vital; unpatched software remains one of the most exploited weaknesses. Cloud security requires its own set of controls. Apply the principle of least privilege to user accounts, enforce strong authentication (ideally multi-factor authentication), and monitor usage through centralised dashboards. Encrypt data both in transit and at rest to safeguard against interception or theft. Backup strategies are equally critical. Maintain secure, off-site backups of all essential data and test your recovery processes regularly. Many ransomware attacks attempt to corrupt backups first, so isolating them from the main network is best practice. Prioritise staff awareness and secure behaviours While sophisticated malware grabs headlines, many breaches result from simple human error—phishing emails, weak passwords, or misconfigured permissions. Cultivating a culture of security awareness is therefore one of the most cost-effective defences an organisation can implement. Regular training should cover not just technical knowledge, but also behavioural aspects. Teach employees how to spot suspicious messages, how to handle sensitive data, and the importance of reporting incidents quickly. Cyber security awareness should be embedded into onboarding processes, and updated through ongoing campaigns or simulated phishing exercises. Adopt strong access control policies across the organisation. Encourage the use of password managers and enforce minimum standards such as length, complexity, and uniqueness. Where possible, use biometric or multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of credential theft. Set clear policies for remote work, device use, and data sharing. As hybrid and mobile working becomes the norm, organisations must secure both corporate and personal devices. Deploy mobile device management (MDM) solutions and ensure secure virtual private network (VPN) access for all remote users. Incident response plans should be tested regularly so staff know how to act quickly and effectively during a breach. Knowing who to contact, what evidence to preserve, and how to contain the incident can dramatically reduce the impact of an attack. The takeaway Cyber security for large organisations is not a single solution but a continuous process. It combines governance, technology, and people in a coordinated effort to reduce risk and increase resilience. By implementing strong governance structures, maintaining layered technical defences, and promoting a culture of cyber awareness, organisations can better prepare for the threats of today—and those yet to come. As cyber attackers grow more sophisticated, the importance of forward-thinking, holistic strategies cannot be overstated. Large organisations must remain agile, informed, and committed to continuous improvement in their security posture. By doing so, they protect not only their data and systems but also the trust of customers, partners, and the public at large. "Simple ways employees can prevent cyber attacks" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Britain's NCSC detects 'limited number' of UK victims in Microsoft hack campaign
Microsoft on Saturday issued an alert about "active attacks" on SharePoint servers used within organisations. It said that SharePoint Online in Microsoft 365, which is in the cloud, was not hit by the exploit, also known as a "zero day". Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Britain's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said on Monday it had detected a "limited number" of UK-based victims in an ongoing hacking campaign that has affected servers using Microsoft 's SharePoint on Saturday issued an alert about "active attacks" on SharePoint servers used within organisations. It said that SharePoint Online in Microsoft 365, which is in the cloud, was not hit by the exploit, also known as a "zero day".
