Could your next cybersecurity vendor be from Saudi Arabia?

Dr. Leila Taghizadeh (Global Head of Cyber Risk at Allianz) leads cybersecurity operations on a global scale. She came to Black Hat MEA 2024 to discover new vendors and potential partners, and immerse herself in the fast-paced cybersecurity market in Saudi Arabia. 

We caught up with her on the exhibition floor to talk about her experience at the event. Her biggest take-away? The discovery that local Saudi Arabia cybersecurity vendors have the tools, skills, and global understanding to be potential future partners. 

Here’s what Dr. Taghizadeh said. 

Why is Black Hat MEA an important event for the cybersecurity community? 

“In general, giving the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape, corporates like us need to know about vendors and we need to learn about our peers. And I think vendors need to understand our needs as well, so they can innovate and build more structure.

“Black Hat MEA is like fast matchmaking for all of us…we come here and in just a few days we can see what’s happening in the market. 

“Knowing the experience of Black Hat in different regions I think what the event brings to the table is definitely a vast geographical diversity as well, because you learn from one region and you bring that to another…and for us, we come from a different region but we operate globally, so we are always interested in global events.” 

What’s been your biggest highlight at BHMEA 2024?

“The diversity of the participants that I see from different sectors and backgrounds; and also seeing so many local vendors here. It’s my first time in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia, and I was not familiar with the local market here – it’s quite impressive, I have to say.” 

How do you think Saudi Arabia is playing a part in the future of cybersecurity? 

“It’s a new market, and whenever we have a fresh breath in any domain there’s always innovation. New ways of bringing products to the market. So the development of cybersecurity here will be unique – because it’s a new footprint in the Middle East and it’s also a new way of looking at the cyber domain.” 

What advice would you give to cybersecurity practitioners right now?

“Watch what’s happening in the market. Maybe today you’re not planning to buy a product or change your job or find a new client – but just talk to people. Because cybersecurity is changing and it’s changing every day, and it’s impossible to learn these things only by reading the news or going to university. You need to come here and you need to speak to everyone. Maybe you and me will never have a transactional business together, but we’ll only learn from one another by speaking to each other.”

What’s one thing you’re taking away from the conversations you’ve had at Black Hat this year?

“I’ve had so many insightful conversations so it’s difficult to wrap it up in only one point! But the biggest takeaway…the eagerness of the skilled young population I’ve seen here and their understanding of the market, including the European market. 

“And this is a lesson learnt for us – that now we know there are people here who could be our future vendors or future partners.”

What’s your experience in Riyadh been like? 

“My experience in Riyadh has been really overwhelmingly positive. I’ve been amazed. The organisation of the event is outstanding compared to any other big event I’ve seen, and the hospitality in general – I think this is a cultural point here – it’s been really amazing. And this is a huge event. I’m happy I took the decision to come here.” 

Register now to attend Black Hat MEA 2025. Like Dr. Taghizadeh, you’ll connect with vendors and partners who could strengthen your cybersecurity business in the future.