Informative workshops, a four-hour hackathon and awareness raising about information security topics.

MITA is organising the first Information Security Expo with the aim of raising awareness about information security topics that affect us all in our professional and private lives. This was announced earlier today by Dr. José Herrera, Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth.

The MITA Information Security Expo will be held on Saturday 11th October at SmartCity Malta and will be spread over three areas.

Area 1: Security Talk’s – brief talks and workshops by information security experts on various related topics. An exclusive workshop by David Kennedy – founder of the internationally acclaimed information security company TrustedSec, LLC – will kick-off proceedings.

Area 2: Hackathon – the Security Hackathon (Capture the Flag) targets ICT professionals, enthusiasts and students. Participants can take on the challenge individually or in groups of maximum 3 people.

Area 3: Awareness – multiple companies and entities will be raising awareness about various information security topics. As part of the EU-wide Code Week, eSkills Malta Foundation will be holding various hands-on coding workshops for everyone.

MITA’s executive chairman, Mr. Tony Sultana, explained how the increase in the profile of ICT makes it more of a prized target for the underworld. “Over the last years MITA has been actively working with industry not only to better protect the Maltese Government ICT systems but also to promote ICT security on our island.”

He mentioned that since MITA was accredited with the ISO27001 security standard, the Agency has been providing local institutions and companies with related information and guidance.

For the Security Hackathon, MITA partnered with TrustedSec, LLC and its founder, Mr. David Kennedy, said that the hackathon should attract ICT professionals and students from different sectors as the ultimate goal is learning and exchanging knowledge and experiences.

Participants attending the security hackathon will have four hours to find a number of ‘flags/vulnerabilities/strategic points’ in a specially setup environment by TrustedSec. Mr. David Kennedy will be also delivering a one hour practical session on Social Engineering. Proceeds from the Security Hackathon will go towards the MITA CSR Committee.

Dr. Herrera said that it is necessary that as a nation we continue enhancing our digital asset portfolio – that we continue rolling out new eGovernment services, that we continue making the interaction between citizens, businesses and Government easier through electronic forms (eForms).

“In such a context, MITA’s role becomes vital in ensuring that all the interaction with Government is taking place on a secure environment. Rolling out new services is good but getting people to trust in using such services is even more important. We must therefore continuously invest in the information security systems in place and also in the skills of Malta’s human capital,” explained Dr. Herrera.

The Information Security Expo is sponsored by 6PM plc, eSkills Malta Foundation, Institute of Computer Education (ICE), LogicPass, Mediterranean Insurance Brokers (MIB) and TrustedSec.

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