Black Hat Abu Dhabi Showcases Vulnerabilities in Critical Infrastructure and Identity

ABU DHABI, UAE, November 14, 2010 - Black Hat Abu Dhabi concluded its activities today, after IT
security experts from all around the world gathered in Abu Dhabi to discuss
the latest in cyber security.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority represented by the
UAE Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT), in cooperation with Khalifa
University of Science and Technology with UBM have brought to the Middle East
Black Hat which brings together experts and companies in the IT security
field to discuss the latest in IT security issues, trends, and solutions. The
show took place in Emirates Palace from 8th - 11th November.

In a time where the U.A.E. is planning to introduce nuclear
power, it is increasingly important to maintain a safe energy infrastructure.
Jonathan Pollet, founder and Principal Consultant for Red Tiger Security
discussed SCADA systems which control power distribution generation in power
plants. He explained that while these systems used to be isolated in the
past, they are becoming increasingly more connected to external networks,
putting more and more at risk of being attacked. Identifying weaknesses in
these systems and countering them is therefore crucial for the national
security of all countries.

Another crucial topic to the U.A.E. is the use of RFID (Radio
Frequency Identification Devices) technology, which is heavily used these
days in various sectors from banking to travelling and official government
documents. Adam Laurie, a freelance security consultant working the in the
field of electronic communications explained that the improper installation
of RFID chips on cards and documents can lead to disastrous consequences
including identity theft and document forgery. Adam explains multiple methods
to ensure the proper installation and implementation of these cards. With the
biometrics attached to the U.A.E. National ID Card, SALIK toll gates and
e-Gate passes (which utilize RFID), it became increasingly important to
identify and counter these risks.

His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General
of the TRA comments "The digital world is evolving and changing at lightning
speed; it has become critically important for all of us to be aware of latest
updates and necessary procedures to protect our data. At a time where the UAE
is at the forefront of technology applications in all aspects of life, it is
now more important than ever to make sure that these applications are safe.
Technology isn't leisure any more, it's a necessity and it is important for
maintaining a functional society and a strong infrastructure. By bringing
Black Hat to Abu Dhabi, we have shared years of knowledge that the speakers
have accumulated in various fields and have shared it with every one for the
improvement of society and the economy."

Notes to Editors

For more information please see www.blackhat.com

Individuals, associations, government bodies, academic
institutions and companies interested in finding out more about Black Hat Abu
Dhabi should contact the organisers, UBM Middle East for information, on
+971-2-406-4471 or email becky.crayman@ubm.com

Black Hat briefings and training is the largest and most
important security conference series in the world. Black Hat Abu Dhabi is
organised by UBM Middle East on behalf of TechWeb, a division of United
Business Media.

For media information contact:

Abdul Karim Samaan, Grayling Momentum,
abdulkarim@graylingmomentum.com or +971-4-390-1630

Further information on UBM Middle East can be found at
www.ubmmiddleeast.com

For media information contact: Abdul Karim Samaan, Grayling Momentum, abdulkarim at graylingmomentum.com or +971-4-390-1630