Dubai, UAE – The second day of GISEC Global 2025, held on May 7, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, electrified attendees with a dynamic blend of cutting-edge hacking demonstrations, high-level government discussions, and practical solutions for today’s toughest cybersecurity challenges.
Ethical hackers, industry pioneers, and policymakers from around the world converged to tackle AI-driven threats, IoT vulnerabilities, and digital supply chain risks. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, day two showcased why Dubai is a global hub for cybersecurity excellence.
A Day Packed with Insights and Inspiration
Day two of GISEC Global 2025 buzzed with energy as thousands of attendees filled Halls 2, 4, and 7 for a lineup of sessions that ranged from heart-pounding live hacks to strategic panels. The event brought together voices from Greece, Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and beyond, offering a global perspective on securing the digital future. Whether it was a rapid-fire exploit demo or a discussion on national cybersecurity strategies, every session delivered practical takeaways for professionals, policymakers, and innovators.
What Stood Out on Day Two
- Thrilling Hacking Demos: Ethical hacker Harshad Shah revealed five critical exploits in a lightning-fast session, showing how quickly attackers can strike.
- Global Leadership: Panels with H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti and Yiannis Pavlosoglou outlined bold plans to counter AI-driven cyber threats.
- Protecting Critical Systems: Experts like Basim AlRuwaii and James Brake tackled vulnerabilities in oil and gas and digital supply chains.
- Fraud-as-a-Service Uncovered: Mishaal Khan and Javier Leiva exposed the alarming rise of online crime as a scalable service.
- Driving Innovation: Discussions highlighted how cybersecurity centers of excellence can foster resilience and collaboration.
Main Stage: Charting the Course for Global Cybersecurity
Government Leaders Unite for a Secure Future
The Main Stage in Hall 4 kicked off with a compelling panel, “Government Cybersecurity in the Intelligent Age: Next 12 Months,” moderated by Craig Jones, former Director of Cybercrime at Interpol. The session brought together a diverse group of global leaders to share their strategies for staying ahead of cyber threats.
Yiannis Pavlosoglou, Vice Governor of Greece’s National Cyber Security Authority, discussed how AI is reshaping the threat landscape and shared Greece’s plans to strengthen defenses. Phannarith Ou, from Cambodia’s Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, emphasized the importance of building cybersecurity capacity in developing nations. Nasser Matar Alneyadi from the UAE’s Ministry of Interior and Abdulla AlSuwaidi from the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) highlighted the UAE’s leadership, pointing to its investments in AI and cloud security as a model for others.
Eagle Wan, Chief Security Expert at Huawei Cloud, brought a private-sector perspective, focusing on secure enterprise digitalization. Dr. Ayodele Bakare from Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency called for stronger regional partnerships to combat cybercrime. The panel’s shared vision: global collaboration is essential to navigate the challenges of the intelligent age.
Innovation Excellence: Building Resilience Through Research
Another highlight on the Main Stage was the “Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence and Research” panel, moderated by Rauda Al Dhaheri from ADGM Academy. H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, led the charge, showcasing the UAE’s $2 billion investment in cybersecurity as a blueprint for innovation. Dr. Bushra AlBlooshi from DESC shared how robust governance and risk management drive resilience.
Ir. Dr. Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin, CEO of Malaysia’s National Cyber Security Agency, emphasized the role of research in staying ahead of threats. Yiannis Pavlosoglou returned to highlight Greece’s efforts in fostering cross-border collaboration, while Pei Ling Lee from Interpol and Dr. Ahmed Naufal Abdul Hadee from the Maldives National Cyber Security Agency advocated for global partnerships. The session inspired attendees to invest in research and collaboration to build a more secure digital world.
Dark Stage: Inside the World of Hackers and Cybercrime
Hack in a Minute: Five Exploits You Can’t Ignore
Hall 7’s Dark Stage came alive with Harshad Shah’s high-energy session, “Hack in a Minute: Five Rapid Exploits You Need to Know.” A renowned ethical hacker and global penetration tester, Shah demonstrated five critical vulnerabilities in a whirlwind 20-minute presentation. From exploiting misconfigured servers to bypassing authentication protocols, his demos showed how quickly attackers can compromise systems. Attendees left the session with a renewed sense of urgency to patch vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses.
Fraud as a Service: The Dark Side of Cybercrime
Mishaal Khan, the “Hacker CISO” and OSINT enthusiast, joined forces with Javier Leiva, host of PRETƎND, for a riveting session on “Fraud as a Service (FaaS).” The duo traced the evolution of online crime, revealing how cybercriminals now offer fraud as a scalable, accessible service. From phishing kits sold on the dark web to ransomware-as-a-service, Khan and Leiva painted a stark picture of how low the barrier has become for attackers. Their engaging mix of technical insights and real-world examples urged organizations to rethink their strategies for combating organized cybercrime.
IoT and IIoT Security: A Crisis in Oil and Gas
A panel moderated by Alexandra Topalian, titled “IoT, IIoT Security Crisis in Oil & Gas: 2025 & Beyond,” tackled one of the most pressing issues in critical infrastructure. Basim AlRuwaii, Vice President of Cybersecurity at Saudi Aramco, shared how the energy giant secures its sprawling operations. Cem Dursun, CISO at Enerjisa, and Albert Vartic from OMV Petrom discussed the unique challenges of securing industrial IoT systems, while Amal Krishna, Executive Director and CISO at India’s ONGC, called for standardized security protocols.
Kris Voorspoels from OPSWAT showcased innovative tools for protecting critical infrastructure, emphasizing the need for proactive measures. The panel highlighted the growing risks to the oil and gas sector, from unsecured IoT devices to sophisticated cyberattacks, and urged immediate action to safeguard these vital systems.
Securing Digital Supply Chains: A Global Challenge
Another standout session, moderated by Ahmed Al Saleh from Saudi Aramco, focused on “Securing Digital Supply Chains & Third-Party Risks.” James Brake, Director of OT Cybersecurity Services at the Lower Colorado River Authority, shared practical lessons from securing operational technology. Abdulhakeem Al Alawi from Oman LNG LLC and Naveen Chanthiran from Air Liquide discussed strategies for managing third-party risks, while Sergio Trindade, CISO at Águas do Tejo Atlântico, highlighted vulnerabilities in utility supply chains.
Srijith Nair, Group CISO at Beyond ONE, and Dr. Reem AlShammari, a cybersecurity thought leader from Kuwait’s energy sector, offered actionable frameworks for building resilience. The panel underscored the interconnected nature of modern supply chains and the critical need for comprehensive security measures to protect them.
Critical Infrastructure Stage: Safeguarding Essential Systems
Hall 2’s Critical Infrastructure Stage kept the focus on protecting the systems that power society. While the schedule didn’t detail specific sessions for this stage, the day’s broader emphasis on IoT, industrial systems, and supply chain security resonated strongly. Experts like Amal Krishna and Albert Vartic reinforced the need for innovative solutions to secure cyber-physical infrastructure, from oil rigs to power grids. Discussions highlighted the growing sophistication of threats and the importance of collaboration between industries and governments.
Why Day Two of GISEC 2025 Was a Game-Changer
Day two of GISEC Global 2025 delivered a powerful mix of technical expertise, strategic vision, and real-world solutions. Harshad Shah’s rapid-fire exploits and Mishaal Khan’s deep dive into fraud-as-a-service revealed the speed and scale of modern cyber threats. At the same time, government leaders like H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti and Yiannis Pavlosoglou outlined bold strategies to stay one step ahead.
The focus on IoT, industrial systems, and digital supply chains addressed vulnerabilities in the industries that keep the world running. Panels emphasized the power of collaboration—between governments, industries, and researchers—to build resilience in the face of evolving threats. For attendees, the day offered a wealth of practical tools, from exploit mitigation techniques to governance frameworks, to navigate the challenges of the intelligent age.
A Glimpse of Dubai’s Cybersecurity Leadership
The UAE’s leadership shone brightly on day two, with H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti and representatives from DESC showcasing the nation’s $2 billion investment in cybersecurity. Dubai’s role as a global hub for innovation was evident in every session, from the cutting-edge solutions presented by industry leaders to the collaborative spirit of the government panels. GISEC Global 2025 is not just an event—it’s a platform for shaping the future of digital security.
What’s Next for GISEC 2025
As GISEC Global 2025 heads into its final day, the excitement is palpable. With more groundbreaking sessions, live demos, and networking opportunities on the horizon, the event continues to set the standard for cybersecurity excellence. Day two’s blend of innovation, expertise, and collaboration has raised the bar, leaving attendees eager to see what’s in store at the Dubai World Trade Centre.