Dubai Media Academy and DESC Launch Cybersecurity Media Forum

Dubai Media Academy, part of Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), has organised a Cybersecurity Media Forum in collaboration with the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) to strengthen cybersecurity awareness among media professionals and promote safer online practices.

Held at DMI’s headquarters in conjunction with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the forum supports the joint ‘Don’t Get Played’ campaign, which encourages people to verify suspicious content and requests before engaging with them.

The event brought together cybersecurity specialists, media professionals, government representatives and international technology companies to discuss emerging digital threats, information security and the role of media in building public awareness.

Three Sessions Focus on Cybersecurity Challenges

Muna Busamra, Director of Dubai Media Academy, inaugurated the forum with a welcome address, followed by remarks from Dr Bushra Al Blooshi, Executive Director of Cybersecurity Governance Risk Management at DESC. Both highlighted the importance of cybersecurity awareness and stronger institutional cooperation in addressing evolving digital risks.

The programme featured three sessions examining global cyber threats, the human role in digital security and ways to build cybersecurity awareness across generations.

The opening session, ‘The Shifting Battlefield,’ was moderated by media professional Osama Khamayseh. Titled ‘The Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape: Global and Regional Risks’, it examined changes in cyberattack techniques, targeting strategies and the increasingly complex digital security challenges facing countries worldwide.

The second session, ‘Weakest Link or Strongest Shield?,’ moderated by media professional Maitha Ebrahim, explored how human behaviour influences cybersecurity. Experts discussed individual vigilance, responsible online practices and the techniques cybercriminals use to exploit human vulnerabilities.

The final session, ‘Cyber-Smart at Every Age,’ was moderated by Asem Galal, Advisor at Dubai Media Academy. Discussions focused on developing a collaborative cybersecurity awareness strategy involving government entities, academic institutions and media organisations, with initiatives tailored to different age groups.

Online Fraud and Social Engineering Under Spotlight

The forum addressed practical cybersecurity concerns, including online fraud, social engineering, digital risk protection, incident response and the secure handling of information and data.

Participants also examined how media organisations can help counter misinformation, limit the spread of unreliable content and encourage the public to adopt safer digital habits.

Cybersecurity and technology companies participating in the forum included Proofpoint, Kaspersky, Dell Technologies, CyberKnight, Cisco and Techfirm, alongside other industry experts and organisations.

The participating specialists shared insights into emerging digital threats, methods for identifying suspicious activity and approaches to incident response and risk mitigation.

Dubai Media Academy Highlights Importance of Cyber Readiness

Muna Busamra said the forum reflects the Academy’s commitment to addressing rapid changes in the media landscape and helping professionals navigate an increasingly complex digital environment.

She emphasised that cybersecurity awareness has become essential for media professionals amid rising digital threats and increasingly sophisticated online fraud and cyberattacks.

Busamra said the partnership with DESC and joint efforts under the ‘Don’t Get Played’ campaign demonstrate the value of closer coordination between media and cybersecurity institutions. Such collaboration helps equip professionals with the knowledge to recognise threats and respond responsibly while strengthening their role in promoting public awareness.

She added that the Academy would continue to organise specialised programmes and forums addressing emerging challenges in the media industry. Preparing professionals, she noted, requires more than editorial and production expertise; it also involves understanding technological developments and their associated risks.

DESC Calls for Greater Public Awareness

Dr Bushra Al Blooshi said the media plays a pivotal role in raising public awareness as online fraud, social engineering and misinformation continue to evolve.

Through the ‘Don’t Get Played’ campaign, DESC is encouraging people to pause and verify before responding to suspicious content or requests. She described media professionals as important partners in communicating this message credibly and helping promote safer digital behaviour across society.

Al Blooshi added that DESC supports Dubai’s secure digital transformation through frameworks, policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening cyber readiness, developing capabilities and raising awareness of digital risks.

She stressed that building a secure cyberspace requires collective efforts from government, the private sector, media institutions and individuals.

Supporting Dubai’s Digital Transformation

The Cybersecurity Media Forum forms part of broader efforts to prepare media professionals for emerging technological challenges and strengthen cybersecurity awareness across society.

By bringing media and cybersecurity specialists together, the initiative seeks to encourage responsible online behaviour, improve digital resilience and support Dubai’s ambition to remain a secure, future-ready global centre for media, technology and innovation.