The security landscape is fast evolving and transforming with the growing adoption of GenAI models and systems. If reports are to be believed by 2026, close to 30 per cent of enterprises will no longer consider face biometrics and other such identity verification and authentication solutions reliable in isolation due to Deepfakes.
According to Gartner VP Analyst Akif Khan, the past decade has seen several inflexion points in the fields of AI, which in turn allow for the creation of synthetic images. As the security teams fight and battle against bad actors using different technologies and vulnerabilities, it becomes important to recognise the leaders who work behind the scenes to guard the digital world around us.
The edge Security Leadership Awards shines a spotlight on industry visionaries who are redefining industry standards, demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication in the realm of cybersecurity.
From CISOs shaping robust defence strategies to security technology innovators pioneering advanced solutions, these awards honour the architects of digital fortresses.
It will celebrate the accomplishments of forward-thinking security leaders and innovators whose products, solutions, and initiatives have made a significant impact in advancing the cybersecurity industry. Their exceptional contributions inspire cyber resilience in the face of an ever-expanding threat landscape.
This year’s awards event, scheduled to take place on the 24th of April 2024 at the
Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is set against the backdrop of GISEC Global, one of the largest and most eagerly anticipated events in the security industry.
This alignment creates a unique opportunity for thought leaders, decision-makers, and cybersecurity and technology enthusiasts to gather in one place and celebrate the outstanding achievements that continue to shape our digital world.
With a comprehensive judging process in place, the ‘edge Security Leadership Awards’ will feature 12 categories, each representing a different facet of the dynamic regional security landscape in the Middle East.
Here is the shortlist for the ‘edge Security Leadership Awards,’ representing the best and brightest in the Middle East’s tech industry. These individuals, businesses, and vendors have not only embraced technology but have also exemplified excellence in their respective fields. Their names are synonymous with innovation, resilience, and leadership in a rapidly changing world.
| End-user Categories | |
| Category | Shortlist |
| CISO of the Year | Abubakar Mohd, Beyon Cypher |
| Sarith Bhavan, Mubadala Investment Company | |
| Mohammed Faisal Idais, IT Integrated Solutions, Ontegra | |
| Mohannad Hennawi, NAFFCO | |
| Ronald D’sa, OSN | |
| Tushar, RakBank | |
| Mohammed Feroz Khan, Total Energies | |
| Innovative Security Project | Al Ghurair Group |
| Gulftainer Company | |
| Jeddah Central Development Company | |
| Sharjah Customs | |
| Rising Security Leader of the Year | Binesh Balan, Gulftainer Company |
| Ali Al Kaf Alhashmi, Mubadala Investment Company  | |
| Muhamed Noufel, Royal Continental Hotels & Suites | |
| Security Innovation Categories | |
| Category | Shortlist |
| AI Security Innovator of the Year | Check Point Software Technologies |
| CPX | |
| Nasser Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Centre | |
| Cloud Security Innovator of the Year | Botguard |
| Huawei | |
| Qualys | |
| Cybersecurity VAD of the Year | Amiviz |
| Mindware | |
| Ingram | |
| Data Protection Innovator of the Year | Anxinsec Technology |
| Cloudflare | |
| Huawei | |
| Emerging Security Vendor of the Year | Anxinsec Technology |
| CyberX platform | |
| Identity and Access Management Innovator of the Year | Delinea |
| ManageEngine | |
| WSO2 | |
| Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) of the Year | CPX |
| Cipher | |
| Cloud4c | |
| ManageEngine | |
| Gulf Business Machines | |
| Security Innovation Leader of the Year (Personality) | Roger Wang, Anxinsec Technology |
| Firas Jadalla, Regional Director – Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META), Genetec | |
| Arijana Trkulja, Ingram Micro | |
| Genie Sugene Gan, Kaspersky | |
| Evgeniya Popova, Positive Technologies | |
| Network Security Innovator of the Year | Huawei |
| NETSCOUT Middle East | |
