GISSEC Global 2025
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend GISEC Global 2025 in Dubai, a flagship event fast becoming one of the premier gatherings for cybersecurity professionals worldwide. What made this year even more special was representing Insight on the Microsoft Stand.
And let me tell you, GISEC didn’t disappoint!
Standing with Microsoft, Leading with Insight
As part of the Microsoft Stand, I had the chance to engage with organisations across industries who are actively transforming their cybersecurity postures. From Zero Trust architecture conversations to how organisations can implement Purview, Entra ID, and Microsoft Defender XDR, it was clear that businesses are no longer asking if they need to modernise their defences but how fast they can do it.
Our discussions weren’t just technical; they were strategic. Many leaders I spoke to wanted to understand how cybersecurity can align with business goals to help deliver cybersecurity initiatives, rather than just a compliance checkbox. And that’s where Insight and Microsoft together delivered real value—showcasing solutions that not only strengthen security but also streamline operations and reduce costs.
Thought Leadership That Hit the Mark
One standout theme this year was the rise of AI-driven cyber resilience. It’s no secret that AI is disrupting both sides of the cyber battlefield, defenders and attackers alike. Whether agentic AI assists defenders to speed up workflows or attackers using it to decieve and exploit for financial gain. One thing is clear, its clear that AI is here to stay.
There was also healthy debate around the practical steps to implement cloud-native security architectures. While the concept isn’t new, many organisations are still grappling with how to operationalise cloud security without adding complexity.
The UAE Cyber Security Council: Crime Doesn’t Stand a Chance
One of the most inspiring moments of the event came during a keynote hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council. Their message was clear and powerful—cyber criminals are being actively tracked, hunted, and brought to justice.
Hearing real-world case studies about how the UAE is using advanced analytics, international intelligence sharing, and public-private partnerships to disrupt cybercriminal networks was nothing short of impressive. In a world where attackers often operate with impunity, the UAE is sending a clear signal: Not here. Not on our watch.
Final Thoughts
GISEC 2025 was more than just another industry event. It was a clear reminder that cybersecurity is now a global, collaborative effort, blending technology innovation with policy enforcement and on-the-ground action.
Representing Insight alongside Microsoft was a great privilege and extremely lucky to have been able to undertake such a trip. And if GISEC 2025 showed me anything, it’s that with the right tools, partnerships, and a proactive mindset, we’re more than ready to take the fight against those who threaten our digital way of life.
I’m super lucky to have got in some sightseeing at night to the Burj Khalifa and genuinely the picture doesn’t do it justice!
