Critical infrastructure security, AI-powered cybersecurity and the growing geopolitical dimensions of cyber conflict dominated the second day of GISEC Global 2026, as government officials and industry experts examined the changing risks facing connected digital environments.
Held at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, the 15th edition of GISEC is running under the theme ‘Cyber First: The New Digital Order’.
The event is hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council, with the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) serving as the official Government Cybersecurity Partner. It is also supported by the Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police.
GISEC Global 2026 has brought together cybersecurity leaders, government representatives, enterprise CISOs, technology companies and ethical hackers from 182 countries.
Critical infrastructure risks move beyond cyberspace
Day 2 opened with discussions on real-world incidents involving industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT).
Experts examined vulnerabilities affecting human-machine interfaces, programmable logic controllers, safety systems and other components of critical infrastructure, highlighting how cyber incidents can have consequences for physical operations.
The discussions focused on moving beyond traditional perimeter-based security towards risk-based resilience, with organisations urged to assess cyber vulnerabilities according to their potential impact on essential services.
Digital twins face emerging cyber threats
Demonstrations at the event examined vulnerabilities in digital twins, including manipulated sensor inputs, compromised data feeds and poisoned models.
Such attacks can distort digital representations of physical assets and potentially affect decision-making across sectors such as energy, oil and gas and other critical industries.
Dubai's own critical infrastructure security framework was also discussed, with DESC representatives highlighting measures aimed at strengthening cyber resilience across the emirate's increasingly digital economy.
As a Diamond Sponsor, du Tech also highlighted the growing connection between cybersecurity, cloud computing, connectivity and artificial intelligence in protecting critical infrastructure and digital operations.
AI brings cybersecurity to machine speed
AI-powered security operations emerged as another major theme on the second day.
Sessions explored the development of AI-powered autonomous security operations centres (SOCs), combining telemetry, threat intelligence, automated triage and AI-guided response within integrated detection and response systems.
A live scenario also demonstrated how specialised AI agents could reconstruct an intrusion moving from traditional IT environments into OT systems.
Fady Younes, Managing Director for Cybersecurity at Cisco METAC, said organisations need to secure AI agents with the same level of rigour applied to people and applications while using AI-powered defence systems to respond to increasingly automated threats.
Enterprise AI agents require human oversight
A separate workshop examined the security challenges associated with the growing use of autonomous AI agents in enterprises.
Discussions covered identity controls, runtime monitoring, anomaly detection and autonomous containment as organisations increasingly deploy AI systems capable of carrying out tasks with limited human intervention.
The increasing role of AI also raised questions about the future cybersecurity workforce.
Alex Attumalil, Global Chief Information Security Officer at Under Armour, said AI could automate repetitive security tasks and allow specialists to focus on more complex decisions, while stressing the continuing importance of human oversight.
Cybersecurity takes on geopolitical importance
Day 2 also examined cybersecurity as an increasingly important issue in international relations.
Government and cybersecurity leaders discussed cyber norms, trust and attribution, particularly as cyber incidents increasingly cross national borders.
Sessions also considered how GCC countries could strengthen cooperation and develop a more coordinated role in global discussions on cyber governance.
The discussions highlighted a broader shift in cybersecurity, with AI increasingly being used across both offensive and defensive operations while human expertise remains important for governance, judgement and complex decision-making.
GISEC Global 2026 continues through September 18
The 15th edition of GISEC Global will continue until September 18 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai.
The final-day programme is expected to bring together international cybersecurity decision-makers and specialists to examine emerging threats, technologies and capabilities shaping the next generation of digital defence.
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