RIYAD: The @Hack conference, one of the world’s largest for cybersecurity, kicked off in Riyadh on November 28, with the participation of companies from around the world.

Ahmed Abdulkhaliq, central area manager of a security systems-related company, told Arab News that the conference is important for his work because it showcases cutting-edge developments in information and server security.
“I work in the maintenance and operation of security equipment field, and it is very important for us to know about new technologies in cybersecurity, because most of our work is related to government sectors,” Abdulkhaliq said. .
Usually hosted in the United States and now in the Kingdom, the three-day conference specializes in connecting cybersecurity enthusiasts and businesses.
@Hack presents all the news in the field and offers activities for visitors, including training, conferences and competitions. It aims to bring together major cybersecurity companies such as Kaspersky, IBM and Cisco.
Around 80 specialist training courses and workshops run by global cybersecurity experts are offered at the conference.
@Hack will also be hosting competitions, with a total prize of SR 1 million ($ 266,000) on offer. There is also an interactive space for exchanging technical opinions, networking and building professional relationships.
In the business hall, more than 170 companies showcased their services and latest innovations, including major international companies, local government and private sector organizations, and emerging technology companies.
The conference is being organized as part of the Riyadh 2021 season activities by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, in partnership with Blackhat and the General Entertainment Authority.
Reham Ahmed, a computer science student, said she had heard of @Hack from Blackhat and was interested in cybersecurity and digital forensics.
“This is my first time attending a cybersecurity related event, and I’ve seen a lot of big companies here like Starlink. When I heard that @Hack was not in Los Angeles this year but in Riyadh, I knew that this event would be important, and of course, because it is one of the activities of Riyadh Season, ”said Ahmed.
One of the most important strategic objectives of the conference is to improve the advanced cyber skills of young people in the region, to support them with technical skills for digital transformation, to attract business tourism and to attract technology companies to Riyadh and the Kingdom.