The Saudi Federation for Cyber Security, Programming and Drones (SFCPD) was launched at the end of 2017, and since then, the kingdom’s technology geeks have felt they have been given a platform to utilize their expertise.
The SFPCD has created the most perfect environment in which those who take an interest in the tech circuit can discuss and put into practice, ideas that may benefit both the public and private sectors.
In order to spread awareness, the SFCPD has set up a Cyber Tent in Jeddah at the King Abdullah Sports City, presenting thought provoking and beneficial activities and seminars, free of charge, with both male and female attendees from a variety of backgrounds.
The goal is to raise awareness about programming and cybersecurity and with much of our personal data being used via social media to sell products, or lead us to other web services – the event aims to educate people on how to exercise cybersecurity in daily tech-related activities.
Expert programmer and entrepreneur, Saud Bawazeer, who presented a lecture at the event, told Arab News, “The creation of SFCPD and this forum is amazing for us as a technology community…We are calling out to all tech nerds: come and join us, share your expertise. We are shouting for all entrepreneurs to use this as their platform and work with us. Believe it or not, we are no different from Silicon Valley. We can create our own Riyadh or Sahara Valley if we work together.”
The SFPCD is also advocating gender equality as its board of directors has also appointed its first CEO, an exceptionally talented woman, Dr. Nouf Al-Rakan.
Attending the event was also Dr Fatmah Y. Assiri, who spoke about the increase of women in the work force and how Saudi women are finally being recognized for their intelligence and professional contributions, “I see the authorities have noticed the remarkable talents that Saudi females possess.
Females are trustworthy and their contribution has enabled them to win lots of competitions over male candidates. Now, with the new guidance of the crown prince to prioritize the equality of gender workers, I believe females will have better chances in all areas, especially in this field, as I have noticed their skills.”
Jeddah’s Cyber Tent has also piqued the interest of many new graduates who are feeling positive about Saudi’s latest tech security developments and excited to learn more. Miznah Albahri said, “I have enjoyed my time at the Cyber Tent. I came here because I am interested in building up applications to help me, even though I thought it would be more technical. But it was shocking in a very nice way as the lectures have covered the basics that any beginner needs to cover. I came to learn and enjoy my time, and that is actually is happening. I would come again for such events.”
In 2018 alone, Saudi Arabia has been one of the top three countries in the world that has been targeted by cyberattacks, hence the cultivation of the SFCPD, in order to protect public and private organizations in the kingdom. Cyber-attacks have been said to be more dangerous than weapons. An engineer and information systems analyst at King Abdulaziz University told Arab News, “In order to adjust with the new stage of technology, it is essential to have a defense line to protect your data. It is similar to having a defense line to protect your territories. You are required to have the same defense for your data. The sharing of information between developers is the key to build better security, and this is what this event is designed for: the sharing of knowledge.”
