Dubai, UAE: Growing concerns over cyber-crimes in the Middle East and the need to keep sensitive information secure from sophisticated hackers and commercial espionage is guiding the regional cyber security sector into a US$10 billion market, say analysts.
Worth US$5.17 billion in 2014, the Middle East cyber security market will nearly double in value over the next four years according to global research firm Frost & Sullivan.
The surge in demand for information security-related products in the Middle East has drawn the attention of international providers, many of which will be out in full force at Intersec 2016, the world’s leading trade show for security, safety, and fire protection.
Information Security is the fastest-growing section at Intersec, which takes place for the 18th time from 17-19 January 2016 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The new section was introduced in 2015 by organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East in response to nearly half of the 27,000 trade buyers throughout the wider region requesting to see more information security companies at the three-day event.
In response, major names such as American-based Dell Software, Infosec from France, and German players Antago, Rittal, and G Data Software are among dozens of companies in 2016 that will ensure the section will double in size over the previous year.
“Government and private institutions alike understand that security is no longer just about buying decent locks, installing CCTV, and ensuring confidential papers aren’t left in company photocopiers,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East.
“Investments in smart devices, cloud computing, and network connectivity, along with the increasing trend toward the Internet of Things (IoT) make organisations highly susceptible to cyber-attacks, leading them to boost spending on cyber security infrastructure.
“Cyber-attacks are harder to defend against than physical break-ins, and can do far more damage, whether stealing intellectual property, leaving an organisation’s reputation in tatters, or effecting its ability to serve its customers – all of which have a big impact on the bottom line,” Pauwels added.
G Data, one of the world’s oldest antivirus software providers is a debut exhibitor at Intersec 2016, and will showcase its full range of enterprise products, including Antivirus Business, Client Security Business, End Point Protections, and Patch Management.
Zein Saeima, International Sales Manager at G Data Software, highlighted the importance for Middle East organisations to safeguard against the growing threat of cyber-crimes, with mobile computing becoming a target for malicious hackers.
“Mobile computing is growing day after day and mobile security is becoming a need,” said Saeima. “This is why lately we focused on developing our products to deliver reliable and high security levels for mobile devices both on the individual and enterprise level.
“Our Enterprise solutions provide free Mobile Device Management modules that provide security and application control for both Android and iOS devices. We’ve also recently released the ‘Secure Chatting’ App which provides end-to-end encrypted messaging with many other features such as self-destructing messages.”
Elsewhere, Rittal, a leading manufacturer of IT networking and Data Centre Physical Infrastructure solutions, will be at Intersec 2016 showcasing its Physical Security solutions for Data Centres.
Rittal will display its modular Micro Data Centre – a system tested security safe that offers protection against potential physical threats for critical IT equipment. Also at display will be an IT Security Room that offers enhanced physical security protection for the entire Data Centre.
“Exposing IT equipment and data centres to potential physical threats pose a great danger to data and the critical business continuity linked to it,” said Joseph Najjar, Managing Director at Rittal Middle East.
“Physical threats such as fire, explosion, vandalism, toxic gases, unauthorised access, electromagnetic interference, sprinkling water and falling debris can affect IT infrastructure. With internal security gaining more prominence in the Middle East and Africa, private and government organisations need to gear up to protect their IT & DC infrastructure against such threats, which are critical for their business continuity and sustenance.”
Other sections at Intersec 2016 include Commercial Security; Fire & Rescue; Safety & Health; Homeland Security & Policing; and for the first time in 2016, Smart Home and Building Automation. The dedicated annual showpiece will feature more than 1,300 exhibitors from 52 countries, spanning over 50,000sqm at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
New features for 2016 include a Safety Design in Buildings Pavilion at the Fire & Rescue Section, and a Jobs and Careers Pavilion, bringing thousands of safety and security professionals in touch with the right career opportunities.
Intersec 2016 will also feature a two-day Fire and Safety Conference on 18-19 January, held in partnership with the Dubai Civil Defence, while Critical Infrastructure Conference, and Health & Safety Conference are also set to take place.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Intersec is the flagship event of Messe Frankfurt’s global network of security and safety exhibitions, which include Secutech India, Secutech Taiwan, Secutech Thailand, Intersec Buenos Aires, Secutech Vietnam and Seguriexpo Buenos Aires.
More information is available at: www.intersecexpo.com