Fortinet and Oman Data Park Host Oman’s First-Ever ‘Flag the Hack 2025,’ Advancing Cybersecurity Excellence

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Oman Data Park (ODP), a leading provider of managed IT and cybersecurity services in the Sultanate, acted as the exclusive sponsor of Oman’s first-ever edition of the premier cybersecurity event, Flag the Hack 2025, held on 17 February at the Mandarin Oriental, Muscat. Conducted by Fortinet, this landmark event brought together eminent industry leaders and seasoned security professionals to address real-world cybersecurity challenges through innovative competitions, dynamic knowledge-sharing, and collaborative learning.

Flag the Hack has earned a distinguished reputation as a pivotal platform for fostering expert-led discussions, hands-on technical engagement, and the development of advanced competencies necessary to address the shifting cyber threat landscape. By championing such initiatives, ODP reinforces its position as a leader in driving technological innovation and equipping businesses and individuals to navigate the challenges of an increasingly interconnected digital world.

Eng. Maqbool Al Wahaibi, CEO of Oman Data Park, underscored the significance of the event, stating, “Cybersecurity is no longer a specialized concern; it is a universal imperative for governments, businesses, and individuals. Flag the Hack serves as a vital conduit for promoting a culture of readiness and innovation in addressing emerging cyber threats. By supporting transformative events like these, we aim to cultivate a society that is not only vigilant but also well-prepared to counter sophisticated security challenges. These initiatives bridge the divide between theoretical knowledge and practical application, providing participants with actionable insights and critical skills to tackle real-world scenarios. In a digital age defined by rapid transformation, fostering resilience and maintaining a secure cyber environment are crucial. Moreover, such events align with our mission to fortify the nation’s digital infrastructure and nurture a forward-looking cybersecurity ecosystem.”

The agenda also featured a series of compelling sessions, including Fortinet’s SecOps strategy briefing and an in-depth presentation from FortiGuard Labs on navigating the ever-changing cyber threat landscape. These expert discussions delved into pressing topics such as current threats and vulnerabilities, the tactics of nation-state and non-state actors, emerging technologies, common attack vectors, and defensive strategies. Participants gained actionable insights into incident response best practices and effective approaches to fortify organizational defenses. The event culminated in the ‘Flag the Hack’ challenge, which combined strategic decision-making with hands-on activities, including elements such as ‘purple team exercises.’ These exercises allowed participants to navigate realistic scenarios, honing their investigative and forensic skills while fostering innovative problem-solving approaches. By working in diverse, randomly

assigned teams, attendees gained fresh perspectives and enhanced collaboration, mirroring the multifaceted challenges faced by organizations in today’s cybersecurity landscape.

ODP’s active involvement in the event further emphasized its unwavering commitment to cultivating a culture of cooperation and knowledge-sharing within Oman’s IT and cybersecurity sectors. By facilitating engagement with industry leaders and providing access to advanced tools and methodologies, ODP continues to drive technological innovation. Through initiatives like these, the company reaffirms its dedication to enhancing resilience, forging strategic partnerships, exchanging transformative ideas, and advocating for a secure and progressive digital future for Oman.