GISEC Global Examines Critical Infrastructure and AI Security
Dubai, September 17, 2026
The second day of GISEC Global 2026 delved into critical infrastructure protection, AI-driven security operations, and the geopolitical aspects of cybersecurity. The event brought together government leaders, experts, and specialists from diverse sectors.
Key Discussion Points:
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Digital Environments and National Risks: Participants analyzed how interconnected digital environments are transforming national and industrial risks. They explored ways to enhance cyber resilience in energy, industry, and critical infrastructure sectors.
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Critical Infrastructure Security: The event focused on Dubai's critical infrastructure security ecosystem and strategies for strengthening cyber resilience amidst the digital economy's rapid growth.
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Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT): Sessions addressed vulnerabilities in ICS and OT, including human-machine interfaces, programmable logic controllers, and industrial safety systems, and their potential operational impacts.
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Risk-Based Cybersecurity: Experts emphasized transitioning from traditional perimeter security to risk-based approaches that assess cyber threats based on their potential consequences for essential operations.
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Digital Twins and Manipulated Data: The sessions also discussed risks associated with digital twins, such as manipulated sensor inputs and compromised models, which can distort virtual representations of physical assets in energy, oil, and gas sectors.
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AI's Role in Cybersecurity: There was a significant discussion on artificial intelligence's role in both cyberattacks and defensive operations. Fady Younes, Managing Director for Cybersecurity at Cisco METAC, stated that organizations must secure AI agents rigorously and utilize AI-driven defense to combat threats operating at machine speed.
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AI Agents and Enterprise Security: Workshops explored the enterprise use of AI agents for identity controls, runtime monitoring, anomaly detection, and autonomous containment. Alex Attumalil, Global Chief Information Security Officer at Under Armour, highlighted that while AI can automate tasks, human oversight remains crucial.
GISEC Global, hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council, continues until September 18th with sessions on emerging threats and capabilities in artificial intelligence.