4 Nov 2025
Mövenpick Hotel and Residences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
IDC CISO Roundtable 2025-small
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Securing the Future: Artificial Intelligence,Quantum Computing, and the Crisis-Ready Cyber Defense
Overview
Overview
Amid Saudi Arabia’s rapid digital transformation, cybersecurity has emerged as a cornerstone of national progress. The Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 agenda emphasizes the importance of a secure digital infrastructure to support its economic diversification and technological advancements. The Saudi government has launched several initiatives, such as the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) and the establishment of cybersecurity centers of excellence, to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure the protection of sensitive data. These efforts underscore the crucial role of cybersecurity in enabling a resilient and trustworthy digital ecosystem, essential for driving innovation and maintaining public confidence in the digital services that are integral to the nation’s future.
Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, while offering immense opportunities, also introduces significant cyberthreats that must be addressed. As the nation advances technologically, 59% of Saudi CISOs are preparing to increase their security budgets this year, with a particular focus on user identity management, reflecting its critical importance in safeguarding digital assets. Regulatory imperatives are the primary drivers of these security investments, underscoring the government’s commitment to a secure digital future. Despite these proactive measures, 53% of CISOs express concerns about their organization’s ability to detect and respond to insider threats in a timely manner. This highlights a crucial gap in current cybersecurity strategies, necessitating more robust and comprehensive approaches. To stay ahead of AI-driven threats, it is imperative for Saudi organizations to overhaul their cybersecurity strategies, integrating AI-driven technologies for enhanced threat detection, response, and prevention. By doing so, they can fortify their defenses, protect critical infrastructure, and support the nation’s ambitious digital transformation goals.
The Saudi Arabia edition of the IDC CISO Roundtable 2025 will bring together a distinguished group of cybersecurity experts, influential analysts, industry thought leaders, international speakers, and leading solution providers. This premier event will delve into the critical role of cybersecurity in securing enterprises across the region. Attendees will gain crucial insights into the latest cybersecurity trends, challenges, and innovations, learning how to adapt to an increasingly complex threat landscape by implementing advanced security measures.
Why Attend
- Networking with Local Experts & Peers: Connect with cybersecurity professionals and industry leaders within Saudi Arabia, fostering valuable local partnerships and knowledge exchange.
- Expert Guidance on Future-Proof Security Strategies: Gain actionable insights and strategic advice from leading cybersecurity experts on how to adapt and future-proof your organization’s defenses against evolving threats, including those related to AI and quantum computing.
- Understanding Regulatory Compliance: Learn about the latest cybersecurity regulations, frameworks, and compliance requirements specific to Saudi Arabia
- Access to Local Solution Providers: Discover and evaluate cybersecurity solutions and services offered by local and international vendors tailored to the needs of organizations operating in Saudi Arabia.
- Focus on Vision 2030 and Digital Transformation: Understand how cybersecurity plays a critical role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 and its rapid digital transformation initiatives, which present unique security considerations.
Agenda
Wednesday – October 15, 2025
IDC CISO Roundtable 2025
One day event
Registration, Tea/Coffee & Networking
Welcome Address
Shilpi Handa
Associate Research Director (META), IDC
Empowering CISOs: Trends in Saudi Arabia’s Cybersecurity Sector
Shilpi Handa
Associate Research Director (META), IDC
Securing Edge Devices in a Hybrid Work Environment
Focus on the security challenges posed by the proliferation of edge devices in hybrid work settings and explore strategies for securing these critical points in an organization’s infrastructure.
James Neilson
Senior Vice President, International, OPSWAT
Q&A (Ask Questions & Stand a Chance to Win a Raffle)
Harnessing AI to Strengthen Cybersecurity Defenses
Michael Byrnes
Director, Solutions Engineering, BeyondTrust
Q&A (Ask Questions & Stand a Chance to Win a Raffle)
Disruptive Technologies- Transforming CyberSecurity Landscape
Explore how emerging technologies are revolutionizing cybersecurity — challenging traditional approaches, empowering defenders with smarter tools, and creating both new opportunities and threats in the digital battlefield.
Mohammad Flaifel
Regional Sales Director, Group IB
Q&A (Ask Questions & Stand a Chance to Win a Raffle)
Cyber Resilience for OT Environments
Address the specific challenges of protecting critical infrastructure sectors, such as energy, healthcare, and transportation, from sophisticated cyber threats and attacks.
Q&A (Ask Questions & Stand a Chance to Win a Raffle)
Tea/Coffee & Networking
CISO Panel Discussion: Building Robust and Adaptable Cybersecurity Frameworks
This panel will explore strategies for designing and evolving cybersecurity frameworks that can withstand today’s dynamic digital landscape. CISOs will discuss best practices for aligning security architecture with business objectives, integrating risk management, and ensuring frameworks remain resilient amid technological change and emerging challenges. The session will highlight real-world examples of adaptive frameworks that support both operational continuity and innovation.
Panel Discussion: Leveraging AI and Automation to Support Secure Business Growth
Security vendors will examine how AI and automation are transforming cybersecurity solutions and enabling organizations to scale securely. The panel will cover the latest advancements in AI-driven threat detection, automated incident response, and intelligent risk analytics. Vendors will share case studies on how their technologies help clients accelerate digital transformation while maintaining robust security postures.
Niraj Mathur
Managing Director, Protiviti Middle East Member Firm
Panel Discussion: Developing and Empowering the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals
This session will address the critical role security vendors play in talent development and workforce empowerment. Panelists will discuss innovative training programs, partnerships with educational institutions, and the integration of upskilling initiatives into their service offerings. The conversation will highlight how vendors can help bridge the cybersecurity skills gap and support clients in building sustainable, future-ready security teams.
CISO Panel Discussion: Navigating Regulatory Compliance with Confidence
This discussion will focus on how CISOs can effectively manage the complexities of regulatory compliance in a rapidly changing environment. Panelists will share insights on interpreting new regulations, implementing compliance controls, and fostering a culture of accountability. The session will also address the role of automation and continuous monitoring in maintaining compliance, and how to prepare for audits and regulatory reviews with confidence.
Workshop: Back to the Future – Time Travelling CISO
Step into the shoes of a time-traveling CISO as we simulate the challenge of managing cybersecurity budgets in 2010 vs. 2025. This interactive session explores how evolving threat landscapes, regulatory pressures, and business priorities have reshaped security decision-making. Participants will experience the stark contrast between the reactive, perimeter-focused spending of 2010 and today’s complex mix of cloud security, AI-driven threats, zero trust, and compliance mandates.
Through real-world scenarios, the session highlights how modern CISOs must juggle risk, regulation, and resilience—balancing innovation with fiscal discipline in an era where every dollar must defend digital trust.
Shilpi Handa
Associate Research Director (META), IDC
Dinner & Networking
Speakers
Shilpi Handa
Associate Research Director (META)
IDC
Read Bio
Shilpi Handa
Event Sessions
Wednesday, November 12 2025 8:50 pm | Location:
Workshop: Back to the Future – Time Travelling CISO
Step into the shoes of a time-traveling CISO as we simulate the challenge of managing cybersecurity budgets in 2010 vs. 2025. This interactive session explores how evolving threat landscapes, regulatory pressures, and business priorities have reshaped security decision-making. Participants will experience the stark contrast between the reactive, perimeter-focused spending of 2010 and today’s complex mix of cloud security, AI-driven threats, zero trust, and compliance mandates.
Through real-world scenarios, the session highlights how modern CISOs must juggle risk, regulation, and resilience—balancing innovation with fiscal discipline in an era where every dollar must defend digital trust.
Wednesday, November 12 2025 4:35 pm | Location:
Empowering CISOs: Trends in Saudi Arabia’s Cybersecurity Sector
Wednesday, November 12 2025 4:30 pm | Location:
Welcome Address
Partners
Opswat
For the past 20 years, OPSWAT has been a global leader in cybersecurity, specializing in IT, operational technology, and critical infrastructure protection. Through continuous innovation, OPSWAT has developed a comprehensive end-to-end solutions platform that provides public and private sector organizations with the critical tools needed to safeguard complex networks, ensure compliance, and secure files. OPSWAT’s solutions are designed to safeguard critical infrastructure, protect valuable digital assets, and preserve the continuity of operations across diverse industries.
BeyondTrust
Venue
Mövenpick Hotel and Residences Riyadh District, 3478 North Ring Road Exit 4 Al Ghadeer, Riyadh
A premium five-star property in Al Ghadeer, offering upscale accommodations, dining, and wellness facilities. Ideally situated near King Abdullah Financial District with convenient access to King Khalid International Airport.
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