Mideast Communication Systems (MCS), the regional distributor and advisory partner for IT solutions and cybersecurity technologies in Egypt and Africa, announced today the launch of the Cybersecurity Forum: Effective Insights and Strategies for Government Institutions. The event, organized in collaboration with the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), coincides with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which is observed globally in October each year. The forum featured participation from leading global companies, including F5, Palo Alto Networks, and Trellix, and hosted more than 120 experts in digital transformation and cybersecurity from various government institutions and organizations.

The forum aimed to raise awareness of the latest global developments in the cybersecurity for government entities. It provided an interactive platform for the exchange of information and expertise between government institutions and specialized experts. The event also supported the development of effective policies and procedures to address current threats, fostered collaboration among all stakeholders to improve digital security capabilities, and promoted the adoption of modern practices in training and development to equip human resources to analyze current and future cybersecurity threats. Additionally, it focused on developing effective response plans for cybersecurity incidents to minimize damage.

Commenting on the event, Dr. Ahmed Abdel Hafez, NTRA’s Vice President of Cybersecurity Affairs, said: “The Cybersecurity Forum for Government Entities serves as a genuine platform reflecting the significant national interest in the cybersecurity industry. Abdel Hafez explained that the digital transformation initiatives adopted by the Egyptian government have necessitated a strong focus on implementing global standards and digital protection mechanisms across various key sectors. In light of recent global changes, we now understand that cybersecurity has become a matter of national security. Therefore, this forum offers real added value to all participating parties by facilitating knowledge exchange, reviewing the latest developments, and enhancing Egypt’s position on the global cybersecurity landscape.”

Tarek Shabaka, CEO at MCS, added: “We are pleased to collaborate with NTRA in organizing this event, which highlights the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders to enhance safe practices within Egypt’s digital transformation framework. Shabaka noted that we are currently witnessing a significant shift in the recognition by government entities of the importance of staying updated on the rapid global developments and understanding the latest technical innovations and crisis management plans to address digital risks. This event aligns with MCS’s developmental strategy, which recognizes its role in ensuring safe digital development for various government bodies through a range of programs, initiatives, and interactive activities, in collaboration with our technology partners worldwide.”

The forum also hosted a panel discussion on new developments in cybersecurity and ways to prepare government institutions to tackle digital risks. The session was moderated by Ahmed Alaa Country Manager at TrendMicro, and included contributions from Ali Azzam, Vice President at MCS; Wassim Youssef, SE Senior Manager – Middle East and North Africa at Palo alto Networks; Bassem Saleh, sales country manager at F5; and Tarek Fouad, Enterprise sales manager – Egypt and Kuwait at Trellix. The event also featured multiple technical sessions to share modern technologies suited to the critical data needs of government institutions and highlight key digital risks and ways to address them.