Manama: The National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) and the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) organised a joint specialised cyber security awareness event for professionals in the financial services sector, titled "Securing Financial Services Data in the AI Era." The event was held as part of the ongoing collaboration between the two entities to raise awareness and enhance cyber security readiness in the sector, thereby promoting secure practices and effectively addressing growing cyber security risks and challenges.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Jawaher Jasim Al Khaja, Director of Cyber Awareness and Training at NCSC, stated in her opening remarks that the NCSC is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance cyber awareness and readiness across vital sectors, including financial services, due to its pivotal role in the national system. She highlighted that coordination with the CBB underscores the significance of integrating national efforts and developing further awareness initiatives tailored to the nature and environment of each sector to address associated cyber challenges and risks.
She further remarked that the rapid advances in artificial intelligence technologies and evolving cyber threats necessitate the enhancement of awareness and the promotion of responsible use of emerging technologies.
Amina Yousef Al Madani, Director of Communications and International Relations at the CBB, emphasized that the CBB prioritizes enhancing cyber awareness across the financial services sector, especially amid the continued evolution of digital services and technologies, along with the emerging risks and challenges they present.
She noted that the CBB's collaboration with the NCSC reflects its dedication to strengthening knowledge of cyber risks and secure practices, as well as enhancing preparedness among employees at all levels to efficiently and responsibly address technological changes.
The event focused on raising awareness of significant cybersecurity risks and challenges associated with the financial services sector and its digital environment, considering the rapid advancement of modern technologies and artificial intelligence. It also aimed at supporting the adoption of secure cybersecurity practices and strengthening the role of the human element in protecting data and systems.
The event featured two specialised awareness-raising lectures. The first lecture, presented by Ali Beshara, a cyber security consultant, addressed the role of the human element in strengthening cyber security in the digital era. The second lecture, delivered by Ameen Altajer, CEO of Infiniteware, focused on the role of artificial intelligence and related modern trends in the field of cyber security.
This initiative highlights the importance of coordinated efforts between national entities and the financial services sector in establishing a sustainable cyber security culture. It fosters shared responsibility in addressing evolving digital challenges, thereby supporting the continuity and development of the sector in the Kingdom within a more secure and trusted digital environment.