There has been an unprecedented volume of malicious code and attacks - including many high profile incidents - in the Middle East during 2012. Attacks ranged from those performed by cyber criminals to hacktivists and in some cases reportedly nation-state actors. The Middle East also saw an increase in the amount of spam that was sent containing malicious code, believed to be due to a widespread bot network in the region.

Looking ahead though there is now great focus in the region on implementing best practices and enhancing skills to halt the torrent of attacks in the coming years.

As a result, The SANS Institute, information security training supplier, will be offering two intensive training courses at SANS Abu Dhabi in March 2013.

James Tarala will be teaching SEC566: Implementing and Auditing the Twenty Critical Security Controls – In Depth.

The Top 20 Security Controls are accepted as the highest priority list of what must be undertaken before anything else at nearly all security-conscious organisations.

Utilising the framework adopted by the US military and other government and private organisations such as the NSA, DHS as well as the UK's CPNI, alumni of the class will be able to work within their organisations to develop effective, standards-based controls to defeat attackers.

Also, Dr Johannes Ullrich will be teaching SEC503: Intrusion Detection In-Depth, essential learning for security professionals who are or who will become intrusion detection/prevention analysts.

Effective information security for the region requires world class skills. Many regions around the world now are suffering due to a deficit of talented cyber warriors and it is encouraging to see the Middle East taking on the challenge of protecting the region's digital infrastructure.

SANS is taking registrations now for SANS Abu Dhabi and offers discounts of up to $250 for students that register for either course by February the 6th.