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With the world going inherently digital, the need for education and awareness of cybersecurity is paramount. The Black Hat MEA 2023 was held in Riyadh from 14 – 16 November 2023, with this as its primary purpose, bringing together professionals and enthusiasts in this sphere to share ideas and innovations. The event is set to return in November 2024.

Keep reading as Wego delves into the details of this futuristic event.

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Black Hat MEA 2024

The Black Hat Middle East and Africa (MEA) is a premier cybersecurity conference and exhibition spanning three days, which promises an immersive experience where the global cybersecurity community converges to share, learn, and explore the ever-evolving information technology and cybersecurity industry. The 2023 event welcomed over 40,000 information security professionals, over 300 exhibitors, and more than 300 world-renowned speakers from more than 120 countries. With an exhaustive lineup, the event allows you to gain firsthand insights from global Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and information security executives.

With more than 40,000 industry pioneers in attendance, Black Hat MEA is a networking paradise. The event offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and forge professional and personal collaborations with high-ranked executives and investors.

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What to expect at Black Hat MEA 2024?

Black Hat MEA is designed to be a comprehensive experience, offering attendees a condensed yet impactful three-day journey into the latest trends, tactics, and technologies in cybersecurity. Specific details about activities at the Black Hat MEA 2024 are yet to be announced. Keep an eye on this space as we will update this article as they get announced.

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are the most notable features and attractions at the Black Hat MEA 2023.

Events

A key highlight of the event is the chance to explore open-source hacking tools and techniques that define the forefront of cybersecurity. Attendees can engage with live hacking stations in the activity zone, providing a hands-on experience with the latest advancements in the field.

Some of the major events are as follows.

Executive Summit

The Black Hat MEA Executive Summit 2023 invites 100 top executives managing security for the world’s largest organizations. This exclusive event offers three days of coaching, presentations, and networking, providing a unique platform for senior infosec leaders to share insights, experiences, and solutions to common challenges.

Capture the Flag

Black Hat MEA, in partnership with SAFCSP, will host a Capture The Flag Tournament with over 1,000 participants competing at amateur, intermediate, and expert levels. The second-year competition features a jeopardy-style format across categories like Web, PWN, Forensics, Reverse Engineering, and Crypto. Approximately 250 teams will battle over three days for cash prizes and the prestigious tournament title.

Black Hat MEA Arsenal

Black Hat MEA Arsenal is a space for developers to showcase the latest open-source tools and products with fellow attendees. Demonstrations are held in an open, conversational environment, enabling presenters to interact with attendees and provide a hands-on experience.

Exhibitors

Boasting a remarkable showcase with over 300 exhibitors, Black Hat MEA provides a glimpse into the latest cybersecurity solutions, innovations, and products. The exhibition floor is set to be a bustling marketplace where attendees can connect with industry pioneers, witness live demonstrations, and explore groundbreaking technologies shaping the future of cybersecurity.

Speakers

Black Hat MEA 2023 will witness over 200 global Infosec influencers, including 50 Black Hat trainers and hundreds of ethical hackers flying in from across the world to tell their stories and provide tuition on how to stay ahead of the dark criminal networks seeking to devastate critical infrastructure.

Some of the big names who will be addressing the audience here are:

Camille Vasquez, Partner at Brown Rudnick
Latha Maripuri, Chief Information Security Officer, Uber
Vitaly Gudanets, Chief Information Security Officer, Netflix
Daniel Maloney, SVP and Chief Security Officer, Verizon

Cybersecurity courses & training

Black Hat MEA will host over 30 world-class hackers and trainers in Saudi, delivering specialized training to the Black Hat standard. All trainers are pre-approved by Black Hat, offering attendees deeply technical, hands-on courses covering offensive security, penetration testing, infrastructure hacking, mobile application security, automotive electrical systems analysis, and more. Led by sought-after global experts, these training sessions aimed to elevate the capabilities of all participants.

Black Hat MEA 2024 location & timing

The highly anticipated Black Hat MEA 2024 is set to take place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC) in Saudi Arabia. The schedule and timings will be announced closer to the event.