Riyadh, November 28, 2024 – The second day of the Black Hat Middle East and Africa (MEA) 2024, one of the region's most prestigious cybersecurity events, witnessed a massive turnout at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center. Organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP) in partnership with Tahaluf, a joint venture between SAFCSP, Informa PLC, and the Events Investment Fund (EIF), the event continues to solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a global leader in cybersecurity and technological innovation.
This year’s event featured 10 dynamic activity zones, each designed to provide attendees with a diverse set of challenges and competitions aimed at enhancing their cybersecurity skills and fostering a deeper understanding of the evolving threats facing the digital world. These hands-on activities were integral to the event's goal of promoting innovation, education, and collaboration within the cybersecurity community.
One of the most highly anticipated events of the day was the Bug Bounty Cup, which drew over 300 Saudi security researchers eager to showcase their expertise. In this competition, participants were tasked with identifying and exploiting security vulnerabilities in websites and applications provided by participating companies. The competition not only encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also offered an impressive SAR 300,000 prize pool, motivating participants to test and refine their knowledge while contributing to the cybersecurity ecosystem.
In addition to the Bug Bounty Cup, the event also spotlighted several cutting-edge cybersecurity issues through targeted activity zones. One of the key highlights was the medical device hacking challenge, where participants focused on identifying vulnerabilities in smart networks used by medical devices. This segment aimed to raise awareness about the potential exploitation of these devices, which could have serious implications for healthcare systems and patient safety. Similarly, the smart home hacking demonstration showcased how cyberattacks could target household devices, such as cameras and smartphones, to infiltrate home networks, underscoring the importance of securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices in daily life.
The diversity of these challenges and demonstrations reflected Black Hat MEA’s broader objective: to provide a platform for cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts to share knowledge, identify emerging threats, and develop solutions to protect against them. By presenting real-world scenarios that simulate actual cyber threats, the event aimed not only to enhance participants' technical capabilities but also to elevate national cybersecurity standards.
Moreover, the interactive format of the event played a crucial role in facilitating a hands-on learning experience, catering to both seasoned professionals and aspiring cybersecurity experts. Attendees were able to engage with cutting-edge technologies, learn from global thought leaders, and gain practical experience in tackling cybersecurity challenges.
In line with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals outlined in Vision 2030, Black Hat MEA serves as an important initiative to advance the Kingdom's digital transformation, strengthen its cyber defense capabilities, and foster youth empowerment in the field of cybersecurity. By hosting such impactful events, the Kingdom continues to position itself as a global hub for innovation in technology and cybersecurity, helping to secure not only national but also international digital infrastructures against the rapidly evolving cyber threats of today and the future.
The success of the second day of Black Hat MEA 2024 highlights Saudi Arabia's growing role as a leader in cybersecurity innovation, ensuring that the Kingdom remains at the forefront of the global digital security landscape.