Category: News

New dedicated track at Middle East and Africa’s largest cybersecurity event tackles AI-driven industrial threats, Zero Trust adoption and the $44.9B OT security boom

Dubai, UAE, 11th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, As operational technology (OT) cyberattacks skyrocketed 49% in 2024 – targeting power grids, oil & gas facilities, factories and transport systems – GISEC Global 2025 is responding with the launch of its pivotal new OT Security track at the Middle East and Africa’s largest cybersecurity event, currently taking place until 8th May at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The OT-focused conference on the second day of GISEC Global tackled evolving risks, system vulnerabilities and strategies for securing critical infrastructure. Other important considerations included AI in ICS/OT Security, Quantum Computing Threat, Protecting ICS and SCADA Systems & Digital Supply Chains in the presence of top CISOs, CIOs, OT security heads and policy-makers to fortify SCADA, ICS and digital supply chains.

The new addition arrives amid a perfect storm in the industry:

• The global OT security market is projected to double to $44.9 billion by 2029 (Markets and Markets). 
• According to research by IBM, the average cost of cyberattacks on organisations in the Middle East is $8.75 million, nearly double the global average.

Why OT Security? Why Now?

OT security encompasses advanced cybersecurity protocols designed to ensure the integrity, availability and safety of industrial control systems. As critical infrastructure faces escalating cyber threats, robust OT security is essential for maintaining continuity across the oil & gas, manufacturing, energy, transport and utility sectors. 

In late 2024, ransomware groups accelerated attacks on industrial sectors, with manufacturing, transportation and ICS operations prime targets. Only aggressive defence, intelligence sharing and cross-sector collaboration will safeguard critical infrastructure into 2025 and beyond.

On Wednesday, the audience heard from experts on the need for modern OT protection which delved into precision AI, leveraging machine learning, deep learning and large language models.

Discussing cybersecurity threats in the maritime industry, where ships can hold up to 10,000 passengers, are driven autonomously and each country has their own set of AI regulations, Simone Fortin, Global CISO Cruise Division at MSC Cruise Division, called for streamlined regulations that can be applied to all countries around the world.

He said: “For an industry like maritime, which is regulated by the UN, it is hard to interpret how to prevent AI threats for something critical like managing a ship. The UN gives the policy a broader scale, but then everything is regulated by bilateral agreements between the states and the regulators, and implemented by companies; but then, everything is defined by the fact that you could be in international waters. And ships can be owned by one entity, managed by another while sailing under a separate flag.”

Bridging the gap between AI-powered cyber defence and critical infrastructure resilience, the OT Security Track also put the spotlight the escalating IoT/IIoT threats in the oil & gas sector, featuring frontline insights from global CISOs defending the world’s most targeted industries.

Amal Krishna, Executive Director & CISO, ONGC, said: “To combat the surge in OT cyberattacks, businesses must prioritise asset visibility, network segmentation and secure remote access – but equally critical is breaking down silos between IT, OT and engineering teams. Cyber resilience in critical infrastructure isn’t just about technology, it’s about collaboration, continuous monitoring and a security-first culture.” 

Albert Vartic, Upstream OT Cybersecurity Officer, OMV Petrom, added: “Over the next five years, OT cybersecurity in the Middle East’s critical infrastructure will see significant evolution. The region’s rapid digitalisation has expanded the attack surface, making industrial systems more vulnerable – proactive measures like IEC 62443 adoption and cross-team collaboration will be essential to safeguard operational resilience.” 

Protect and plan against digital attacks

Exhibitors Ayman Al Issa (CPX) and Mohammed Mousa (CyberKnight) dissected the 49% surge in OT attacks, offering actionable defences for the energy, healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

Mousa, OT/xIoT Consultant at CyberKnight, warns that legacy OT systems weren’t built for today’s threats. 

He explained: “The escalation in intrusions is a consequence of accelerated digital transformation in industrial sectors. As organisations integrate IT and OT environments to improve efficiency and support the business, they inadvertently expand the threat surface. Furthermore, legacy systems remain in operation far beyond their intended lifespan and often lack native security controls. 

“Meanwhile, increased reliance on remote access, third-party integrations, and limited OT-specific cybersecurity governance heightens exposure. Simply put, organisations are moving faster than their security strategies are evolving.”

For businesses and governments to stay ahead of cyber criminals, Al Issa, Director – OT Cybersecurity at CPX, emphasised the importance of undertaking risk and threat assessments to understand what assets are at risk and how potential attackers might target them, sooner rather than later.

He said: “In today’s fast-shifting business landscape, organisations need to focus on identifying their most critical assets – those that are at the highest risk and that they care about the most, rather than trying to protect everything or plan for recovery across the entire business. As such, organisations should conduct in-depth threat and risk assessments specifically considering the unique characteristics of industrial control systems (ICS), including their physical consequences. 

“This involves mapping out interdependence, potential attack vectors and consequences of downtime. Using threat intelligence and aligning with frameworks like CIS ICS Controls can help organisations monitor suspicious activity, manage vulnerabilities and create tailored incident response plans. 

“Once this is clear, more targeted and practical defence measures can be put in place and continuously tested, using threat intelligence to stay ahead of evolving threats. Risk assessments should be continuous, evolving with technological changes and emerging threats and should be validated through regular penetration testing.”

Amr Elsayed, Regional OT/ICS Cybersecurity Specialist at CyberKnight, agrees, saying technology, collaboration and workforce training should be key priorities for businesses.

He said: “To enhance OT security resilience against rising cyber threats, businesses should adopt a Zero Trust approach, enforcing least-privilege access and micro-segmentation to limit breach impact. Advanced real-time monitoring and threat intelligence sharing (ISACs, public-private partnerships) are critical for proactive defences. 

“Additionally, maintaining accurate OT asset inventories, conducting OT-specific incident response drills and implementing risk-based vulnerability management (compensating controls, tailored patching) will strengthen security postures. Finally, OT-focused employee training ensures a security-aware workforce.

“By prioritising these measures – spanning technology, collaboration and workforce readiness – organisations can safeguard critical infrastructure, mitigate disruptions and build long-term cyber resilience in OT environments.”

Drafting the legislation playbook

With Middle East nations rapidly adopting digitisation into their day-to-day practices, the region is becoming a target for cyberattacks. However, the experts expect a number of measures to be put in place to protect cybersecurity infrastructure, and GISEC 2025 could be where policymakers and tech giants will draft the playbook.

Al Issa added: “Over the next five years, we can expect a major shift toward structured, regulation-driven cybersecurity approaches. AI-driven OT threat detection, the widespread adoption of Zero Trust principles and deeper integration of compliance frameworks will define the regional OT cybersecurity landscape. Stricter regulatory frameworks and compliance mandates region-wide will push for better security practices. 

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, GISEC Global 2025 is hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council under the theme of ‘Securing an AI-Powered Future’, and supported by Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), UAE Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police.

To learn more about GISEC Global 2025, visit www.gisec.ae. 

About GISEC Global

GISEC Global, Middle East & Africa’s largest and most impactful cybersecurity event, will return to Dubai World Trade Centre for its 14th edition taking place from 6th to 8th May 2025, under the overarching theme of “Securing an AI-Powered Future.” Following the monumental success of 2024, the super-connector event for the region’s cybersecurity industry will bring together over 25,000 attendees, 750 exhibiting brands and 350-plus speakers hailing from over 160 countries. GISEC Global stands as the unrivalled platform for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. More information: www.gisec.ae

About Dubai World Trade Centre

A global business facilitator since 1979, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is home to the region’s leading purpose-built convention and exhibition centre. DWTC provides a platform for connecting people, products, innovation and ideas from around the world through a dynamic calendar of international trade exhibitions and its own roster of sector leading mega events. As a designated free zone, complemented by award-winning commercial real estate, DWTC plays an integral role in Dubai and the region’s growth story. Since its inauguration, DWTC has hosted over 6,000 events, with an estimated economic output of AED 248 billion, attracting over 38 million business visitors to Dubai.

Building on this legacy, DWTC’s second flagship venue, the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), stands as a premier destination for prominent national and international mega events. Strategically aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, DEC’s recently announced AED 10 billion expansion is integral to Expo City Dubai’s vision of becoming a global business hub for exhibitions and events. 

Press information and photographic material: click here 

Media Contact:

Jane Oneill – PR Manager

[email protected] 

 

Ahmad Khalloudi – PR Manager

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Hashtag: #GISECGlobal

Dubai, UAE, 11th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, The highly anticipated School of Cyber Defense (CTF) competition, held as part of GISEC GLOBAL 2025, concluded with exceptional participation and fierce competition. On May 8, the Dubai World Trade Centre hosted the largest cybersecurity event in the Middle East, attracting participants across the UAE.

The Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), organized by TechFirm, launched this groundbreaking competition for the first time ever, drawing significant attention from the top universities in the UAE. Over 300 applications were submitted, with 130 participants selected to compete in the qualification rounds on May 6–8.

After the intense challenges, the top 50 scorers advanced to the final stage on May 8, where they formed 10 Incident Response Teams. These teams tackled high-pressure cybersecurity scenarios in real time, demonstrating not only their technical mastery but also their ability to collaborate, analyze rapidly, and adapt under pressure. The competition simulated real-world challenges such as network defense, threat management, system security, and incident response, with participants’ actions evaluated through an advanced scoring platform.

The Winners of the School of Cyber Defense (CTF) Competition:

• 1st Place: ScriptKiddies (Al Ain University)
• 2nd Place: Rage Quitters (University of Dubai)
• 3rd Place: Hungry Sharks (Abu Dhabi University)

The event, with a prize pool valued at over AED 130,000, has further solidified the importance of nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity experts. The competition’s success was driven by the support of leading industry partners, including Spire Solutions, Huawei, HPE Networking, HONOR, Circularo, Great List and RAS Infotech, all of whom are committed to empowering young talents and advancing cybersecurity expertise. All competition infrastructure was powered by servers based on AMD EPYC™ processors, providing participants with industry-leading performance and advanced security features.

This competition is a key milestone in building a resilient digital future and highlights the increasing role of cybersecurity in shaping tomorrow’s technology landscape.

For more information, please contact:
+971522707567
[email protected]
https://techfirm.ae/ctf/

Brandon, MB, 11th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, QuickBooks is a widely used accounting software that helps businesses manage their financial operations. However, like any software that handles sensitive information, ensuring the security of your QuickBooks account is crucial. One of the key components of securing your QuickBooks data is managing your passwords effectively. 

A strong, unique password is essential for protecting your QuickBooks account from unauthorized access. Ensure your password combines Uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters

Avoid common passwords or easily guessable sequences, like “123456” or “password.”

If you’ve forgotten your password, go to the QuickBooks Online sign-in page, click “I forgot my user ID or password,” and enter your email address. You’ll receive a link to reset your password.

Two-Step Verification: If you’ve enabled two-step verification, you’ll need to access the verification code sent to your registered email or phone. 

QuickBooks Desktop has a built-in tool to help reset passwords for administrator accounts. To use this, go to “Help” > “Password Reset” and follow the instructions.

If you remember the administrator credentials, you can log in and reset passwords for other users from within the software.

If you’re unable to reset the password using the above methods, you may need to contact QuickBooks customer support. They can guide you through additional recovery steps or verify your identity to help regain access.

If you find yourself unable to recover your QuickBooks password using the standard methods provided by QuickBooks, professional third-party services can assist in regaining access to your account. These services are especially helpful when traditional recovery techniques do not work or if you’re unable to verify your identity. Visit https://e-tech.ca/Quickbooks-Password-Recovery.aspx for more information.

About E-Tech

Founded in 2001, E-Tech is the leading file repair, data recovery, and data conversion services provider in the United States and Canada. The company works to stay up to date on the latest technology news, reviews, and more for their customers.

For media inquiries regarding E-Tech, individuals are encouraged to contact Media Relations Director, Melanie Ann via email at [email protected]. 

To learn more about the company, visit: www.e-tech.ca

Brandon, MB, 11th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Sage 50 Quantum is a robust accounting solution tailored for larger businesses with intricate financial needs. However, for some organizations, downgrading to a simpler version like Sage 50 Premium or Pro can offer significant advantages. 

Sage 50 Quantum comes with a higher price tag due to its advanced features and multi-user capabilities. For businesses that don’t fully utilize these capabilities, downgrading to a lower-tier Sage version can save significant costs without sacrificing essential accounting functions

The advanced features of Sage Quantum can make the software more difficult to navigate. By downgrading to a simpler solution, businesses benefit from an easier user experience. Programs like Sage 50 Premium or Pro offer a more intuitive interface, which can save time and reduce errors in everyday tasks like invoicing and reporting. 

If your business no longer requires as many users or has simplified its operations, the multi-user capacity of Sage Quantum might be unnecessary. Downgrading to a smaller version or another software that supports fewer users will better align with your current needs and reduce costs associated with maintaining extra licenses. 

Sage Quantum’s robust features can also make the software more difficult to navigate. By downgrading to a simpler solution, businesses benefit from an easier user experience. Programs like Sage 50 Premium or Pro offer a more intuitive interface, which can save time and reduce errors in everyday tasks like invoicing and reporting. 

While Sage Quantum offers strong on-premise capabilities, businesses looking for better cloud integration and mobile access may find that downgrading to a simpler version or switching to cloud-based software like QuickBooks Online offers greater flexibility and access to real-time data. 

Downgrading from Sage Quantum can lead to cost savings, a more user-friendly experience, and better alignment with current business needs, especially for smaller or scaling-down businesses. However, it’s essential to assess your specific requirements before making the transition

Visit https://e-tech.ca/Sage-50-Quantum-Downgrade-Service.aspx for more information.

About E-Tech

Founded in 2001, E-Tech is the leading file repair, data recovery, and data conversion services provider in the United States and Canada. The company works to stay up to date on the latest technology news, reviews, and more for their customers.

For media inquiries regarding E-Tech, individuals are encouraged to contact Media Relations Director, Melanie Ann via email at [email protected]. 

To learn more about the company, visit: www.e-tech.ca

Brandon, MB, 11th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, When selecting accounting software for your business, two long-standing contenders often come up: QuickBooks and Peachtree (now known as Sage 50). While both offer essential bookkeeping features, QuickBooks is generally favored by small and medium-sized businesses due to its user-friendly interface, broader integrations, and superior support ecosystem.

QuickBooks is designed with non-accountants in mind. Its intuitive dashboard and simple navigation allow business owners to manage their finances without needing deep accounting knowledge. Peachtree, in contrast, tends to have a steeper learning curve, making it less accessible to those new to accounting software.

QuickBooks integrates seamlessly with a wide range of third-party apps, such as PayPal, Shopify, and CRM tools. This allows businesses to automate workflows and centralize their operations. Peachtree supports fewer integrations and tends to be more rigid in its compatibility.

QuickBooks Online provides full cloud functionality, enabling users to access their books from anywhere. While Sage 50 does offer some cloud-connected features, its core product is desktop-based, which can limit flexibility and real-time collaboration.

With a larger user base, QuickBooks offers more robust community support, online tutorials, and certified professionals. This makes it easier for businesses to get help when they need it.

In summary, QuickBooks stands out for its usability, flexibility, and support network—making it a preferred choice for growing businesses looking for reliable and accessible financial management tools.

About E-Tech

Founded in 2001, E-Tech is the leading file repair, data recovery, and data conversion services provider in the United States and Canada. The company works to stay up to date on the latest technology news, reviews, and more for their customers.

For media inquiries regarding E-Tech, individuals are encouraged to contact Media Relations Director, Melanie Ann via email at [email protected]. 

To learn more about the company, visit: www.e-tech.ca

Brandon, MB, 11th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, The world of accounting software has evolved significantly in recent years, with businesses increasingly seeking solutions that are intuitive, comprehensive, and scalable. Among the most popular choices in Canada are Simply Accounting (now known as Sage 50) and QuickBooks. While Simply Accounting has been a trusted option for many Canadian businesses for years, QuickBooks Canada offers numerous advantages that make it a compelling option for both small and medium-sized enterprises and larger organizations. 

One of the most significant advantages of QuickBooks Canada is its user-friendly interface. The software is designed with small and medium-sized business owners in mind, meaning that users do not need an accounting background to get started. QuickBooks Canada streamlines tasks such as invoicing, payroll, and expense tracking, making it accessible for people with varying levels of accounting knowledge.

In contrast, Simply Accounting (Sage 50) can be more complex and less intuitive for non-accountants, particularly when navigating through its various features and reports. QuickBooks’ simple, clean interface allows users to focus on running their business rather than getting bogged down by complicated accounting tasks.

QuickBooks Canada offers cloud-based solutions, meaning that users can access their accounting data from anywhere, on any device with internet access. This is especially beneficial for businesses with remote teams or those that need to stay connected while traveling. With cloud storage, you also have automatic backups, reducing the risk of data loss due to hardware failure.

Simply Accounting, on the other hand, primarily offers desktop software, though it has some cloud-based options through third-party integrations. The limited cloud functionality of Simply Accounting means less flexibility, especially as businesses scale and require remote access.

Simply Accounting (Sage 50) also offers scalable options but tends to become more cumbersome and costly as businesses expand. The software’s architecture can become less efficient, requiring more manual interventions as the volume of transactions increases. In contrast, QuickBooks allows for a smoother transition as your business grows.

QuickBooks Canada boasts seamless integration with hundreds of third-party applications that enhance functionality. From payment processors like PayPal and Stripe to customer relationship management (CRM) tools, QuickBooks has an extensive ecosystem of apps that integrate directly with your accounting system. This provides users with a more complete solution for managing all aspects of their business.

While Simply Accounting offers some integrations, the options are fewer, and the process for linking with other software can be more tedious. This can limit a business’s ability to streamline operations and achieve better data flow across departments.

QuickBooks Canada provides powerful reporting tools that offer deeper insights into your financial data. You can easily generate customized financial reports such as balance sheets, profit and loss statements, cash flow statements, and more. These reports are designed to be accessible for non-finance professionals, enabling business owners to make informed decisions.

Simply Accounting also offers reporting features but can sometimes lack the depth and flexibility of QuickBooks’ advanced reporting tools. QuickBooks gives users the ability to create detailed, tailored reports, which is especially important for businesses needing specific financial insights to guide strategic decisions.

QuickBooks has a reputation for its excellent customer support. Intuit, the company behind QuickBooks, offers various customer service channels, including phone, chat, and email support. Additionally, the QuickBooks community and a wealth of online resources (tutorials, webinars, forums) make it easier for users to find help when needed.

Simply Accounting (Sage 50) has support options as well, but the quality and responsiveness can vary. In some cases, users may find the help documentation less comprehensive, which can lead to frustration, particularly for those not familiar with accounting concepts.

QuickBooks offers several pricing plans that can cater to businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a freelancer needing the basics or a growing company requiring advanced features, QuickBooks has a solution for you. The subscription-based model for QuickBooks Online means lower upfront costs, with the flexibility to scale as your business needs evolve.

In comparison, Simply Accounting (Sage 50) tends to have a higher initial cost for its desktop version and also requires ongoing maintenance fees for updates. The subscription-based model for Sage 50 is available but can still be more expensive overall when considering both the software and the need for third-party services to enable cloud functionality.

While Simply Accounting (Sage 50) has served many businesses well in the past, QuickBooks Canada stands out as the more modern, user-friendly, and scalable solution. Whether you’re looking for an intuitive interface, cloud-based accessibility, or advanced reporting, QuickBooks provides a more comprehensive suite of features that can help your business thrive.

The ability to scale, access the software from anywhere, and integrate with a wide range of third-party applications makes QuickBooks the superior choice for Canadian businesses. For companies seeking an all-in-one accounting solution that grows with them, QuickBooks is undoubtedly the better option. Transitioning from Simply Accounting to QuickBooks Canada is a smart decision that will ultimately save time, improve efficiency, and support the long-term success of your business.

Visit https://quickbooksrepairpro.com/Sage-50-Canada-to-Quickbooks.aspx for more information.

About QuickBooks Repair Pro

QuickBooksRepairpro.com is a leading QuickBooks File Repair and Data Recovery, QuickBooks Conversion, QuickBooks Mac Repair, and QuickBooks SDK programming services provider in North America, serving thousands of business users all over the world. With over 20 years of experience with Intuit QuickBooks, QuickBooksRepairpro.com assists QuickBooks users and small businesses with a variety of services and work with the US, UK, Canadian, Australian (Reckon Accounts), and New Zealand versions of QuickBooks (PC and Mac platforms).

For more information, visit https://quickbooksrepairpro.com/

Brandon, MB, 11th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE,  As businesses grow, they often manage multiple company files in QuickBooks—whether due to separate locations, departments, or historical data kept in distinct files. Over time, this can create inefficiencies and confusion. Merging QuickBooks files into a single, unified company file can provide major benefits in terms of accuracy, reporting, and workflow.

Merging files gives businesses a single source of truth. Instead of toggling between multiple company files to track income, expenses, or liabilities, all data is consolidated in one place. This leads to more consistent financial reporting and easier tax preparation.

With merged files, business owners can generate comprehensive reports across all operations. This allows for better decision-making, trend analysis, and performance tracking—something that’s difficult when data is fragmented.

Using one file reduces the need to maintain duplicate lists for customers, vendors, items, and employees. This saves time, minimizes entry errors, and enhances the accuracy of transactions and reconciliation.

Managing backups, user permissions, and accountant access is simpler with a single company file. It reduces the risk of version confusion or lost data when sharing with third parties like bookkeepers or CPAs.

Fewer files mean less time spent switching contexts, training staff on multiple files, and paying for separate file-specific services. In the long run, this translates to cost savings.

While merging QuickBooks files must be done carefully—often requiring professional tools or support—the benefits of consolidation far outweigh the temporary complexity. For many businesses, it’s a smart step toward scalable, streamlined financial management.

https://quickbooksrepairpro.com/Quickbooks-File-Merge-Service.aspx

About QuickBooks Repair Pro

QuickBooksRepairpro.com is a leading QuickBooks File Repair and Data Recovery, QuickBooks Conversion, QuickBooks Mac Repair, and QuickBooks SDK programming services provider in North America, serving thousands of business users all over the world. With over 20 years of experience with Intuit QuickBooks, QuickBooksRepairpro.com assists QuickBooks users and small businesses with a variety of services and work with the US, UK, Canadian, Australian (Reckon Accounts), and New Zealand versions of QuickBooks (PC and Mac platforms).

For more information, visit https://quickbooksrepairpro.com/