75% of UAE residents have fallen victim to cyber crime over the last year
Middle East market for IT security software expected to grow at CAGR of over 34% from 2010-2013
With cyber crime increasingly raising its ugly head around the region, there is a growing need being expressed across the security community for greater awareness about the threat as well as for more stringent measures to control this dangerous trend.
Countering cyber crime and the growing demand for enhanced cyber security measures is expected to be one of the areas of interest at the upcoming regional safety, security and policing trade show and conference – Intersec 2012, taking place in Dubai in January. The event, organised by Epoc Messe Frankfurt is the region’s premier networking, trade and discussion forum for the regional security community and reflects the concerns and issues being felt around the Middle East.
Recent estimates by industry experts reveal that cyber crime has reached alarming proportions, with at least 75% of UAE residents being victims of cyber crime in one form or the other in the last year. The report released by security firm Symantec, reveals that a majority of these incidents remain unreported, with victims not realising the seriousness of the threat posed by viruses, phishing and other online scams.
The report reveals that only 2 in 10 victims of cyber crime ever report it to the authorities and only 53% of the online community have up-to-date security software on their machines. Mobile users, who with the onset of smartphones are increasingly being targeted by cyber criminals, are even more lax in securing their devices with only an estimated 8% taking any sort of security precautions.*
“With cyber crime reaching such alarming levels it is imperative that the online community realises the potential dangers posed by security lapses,” said Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. “With more and more of us increasingly using the internet to conduct all sorts of banking and business transactions – UAE residents spend approximately 31 hours a week online – the potential of large scale fraud is on the increase. At Intersec, we aim to spread awareness of the threats posed by cyber criminals to the wider online community in the region and present the latest security measures to counter these,” he added.
With recent reports indicating that the Middle East market for IT security software is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 34% from 2010 to 2013**, interest in the regional market among international manufacturers and suppliers continues to be high and is expected to be reflected at the upcoming Intersec.
In the UK Pavilion at Intersec, Christie EMEA will be bringing their expertise in surveillance and security systems, data centre and network operation centre solutions to Intersec. “Security of information is vital for any business operating today, our innovative control and display solutions offer companies and organisations in the region a reliable means to achieve that assurance,” said David Griffiths, Market Development Manager, Control Rooms, Christie EMEA.
Exhibiting its range of transmission solutions for analogue, IP and high definition CCTV systems is KBC Networks. “We provide secure and ruggedized transmission solutions with broad operating temperature ranges and hardened casings,” said Owen Price of KBC Networks. “With a product range that covers fibre optic, wireless, Ethernet and digital video transmission, we’re able to offer our customers the best technologies to fit their system requirements.” At Intersec KBC will be promoting its fibre optic range, its latest range of wireless products and its industrial Ethernet range of media converters and switches.
The upcoming Intersec 2012 in January is going to have a dedicated Information Security pavilion for the first time in the history of the event.
*Symantec Research from Norton by Semantec
** RNCOS research
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Intersec has played a major role in the last 14 years in reflecting the security industry worldwide. The exhibition and conference combines a strong international profile, with a huge regional impact.
Intersec 2012 will showcase the latest technologies and apparatus in Commercial Security & Information Security, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire & Rescue and Safety & Health.
The next edition of Intersec will take place from 15 – 17 January 2012, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Show website: www.intersecexpo.com
