• Crypto crimes rise in GCC amid digital currency boom

    The GCC is at a critical juncture, facing the dual challenge of embracing blockchain innovation while combating crypto crime, says Nicola Buonanno of Chainalysis.
  • Zero trust remains an ongoing cybersecurity evolution

    Achieving Zero Trust Data Resilience is not an overnight task but a journey requiring organizational alignment, continuous adaptation, and the implementation of robust backup and recovery practices to safeguard against modern cyber threats, adds Russell, the Vice President, Enterprise Strategy at Veeam.
  • Strengthen emotional security to thwart cyberattacks

    While love, loneliness, and excitement are easily exploitable emotions, any factor impacting someone’s emotional state can make them a target. Recently, criminals in the region have exploited the vulnerabilities of the unemployed, with an uptick in those posing as fake job recruiters or placing fraudulent ads online, he adds.
  • WEF24: Understanding regional nuances key to success

    Industries are increasingly investing in transformative technologies, including cybersecurity, sustainable solutions and AI, Sapthagiri Chapalapalli tells TRENDS in an interview.
  • Rise of GenAI boosts phishing threats during holidays

    The sophistication of GenAI-driven phishing attacks requires robust security, including advanced DDoS protection and proactive cyber resilience strategies, says an expert.
  • UAE leads in cybersecurity for unmanned systems

    "The digital transformation, which relies on artificial intelligence technologies, has touched all sectors and contributes to improving the quality of life and supporting businesses. This transformation promotes sustainable development toward a more advanced and prosperous future," Al Kuwaiti adds.
  • Threat of AI-powered phishing is on the rise

    "Technologies such as Generative AI presents new security challenges. The rise of automated spear phishing necessitates reevaluating our trust heuristics. Where once professionalism's appearance sufficed for trust, now more stringent communication verification protocols are needed," he adds.
  • Government, financial sectors top cyberattack targets

    The Middle East's oil and gas sector also stays on hit list of of cyberattackers, Trellix CEO Bryan Palma tells TRENDS, stressing the need for widespread cybersecurity investments.
  • GCC’s cybersecurity dynamics: The two sides of AI

    In the GCC's evolving cybersecurity realm, AI integration is crucial, driving economic growth and transforming defense strategies against complex cyber threats.
  • Rising threat of lookalike domains poses new challenge

    "Detecting these attacks and avoiding falling victim to them is vital, but the ability to take down lookalike domains is equally important. The increasing sophistication and prevalence of lookalike domain attacks necessitate specialized solutions like DNS security as an essential tool for all organizations," he adds.
  • 2024 set to see new era of digital transformation

    The GCC region is on the brink of a major tech revolution, led by advancements in AI, fintech, and sustainable technology, UAE-based tech expert Dua Al Toobi tells TRENDS.
  • GCC business landscape evolves with rising AI tide

    Companies in the region are leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and stay competitive in the dynamic marketplace.
  • GCC eyes economic upswing, business growth in 2024

    Despite last year's challenges, the region is set to see robust growth this year, led by the UAE, which is expected to top the economic performance with a 4% GDP growth.
  • GCC makes pivotal strides in development, diplomacy

    In 2023, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait collectively advanced in technology and sustainable development, achieving global integration.
  • Navigating the rising tide of cyber threats in GCC

    "Critical infrastructure organizations are distinct from other enterprises; their downfall could bring entire sectors of the economy down with them. It is hoped that in the coming year, the industrial control system's security will receive the comprehensive overhaul it so urgently requires," adds Selcuk.
  • NCSC seeks to regulate Jordan’s cybersecurity market

    AMMAN, JORDAN - National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) seeks to regulate the Kingdom's cybersecurity market by outlining and endorsing the related legislation.In a statement to "Petra," NCSC head, Bassam Maharmeh, said one of the center's key measures focuses on issuing Cybersecurity Services Licensing System, which would "effectively" contribute to strengthening...
  • Storm-1152: Vietnam-based creator of fake Microsoft accounts

    Seoul, South Korea - Microsoft has seized the websites of a Vietnam-based group it alleges sold millions of fake accounts to cybercriminals who used them for ransomware attacks, identity theft and other scams around the world. The group, identified by Microsoft as Storm-1152, developed sophisticated tools to defeat the US tech giant's...
  • Cloud security challenges haunt firms in UAE and KSA

    Rapid cloud adoption in the two GCC countries is accompanied by increased security risks, leading to costly data breaches, reveals a latest study by Illumio.
  • 58% of firms in Saudi Arabia plan to outsource cybersecurity

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Company bosses are boosting their cybersecurity following an alarming increase in cyberattacks, a new study commissioned by Kaspersky has found. The data shows that 71 percent of companies in Saudi Arabia suffered at least one cyber incident over the last two years. One of the main...
  • Denmark, Netherlands top destinations for remote working: Report

    Davos, Switzerland -- Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany have emerged as the leading countries for remote working, offering the best combination of cybersecurity, economic stability, infrastructure, and social safety, the latest Global Remote Work Index 2023 said. The index, which evaluates 108 countries, is a crucial tool for remote workers...
  • Urgent need for container-specific data protection

    With cyber-attacks up to 85% from 76% last year, organizations must prioritize proven backup and recovery plans to stay ahead of threats, even if it means redesigning containerized environments to avoid being caught off-guard by ransomware, Cade adds.
  • 81% UAE companies plan to use AI for cybersecurity

    AI has emerged as a transformative force in various sectors, revolutionizing how businesses operate, make decisions, and secure their assets, says a study.
  • FII7 sees $17.9 billion in investments, summit on AI

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The three day 7th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII7)  which ended on October 24 saw $17.9 billion in investments across multiple sectors. FII7 focused on the latest trends in technology and investment, delving into areas such as space and aviation, biotechnology, cybersecurity, robotics, venture...
  • UAE to hold ‘Regional Cybersecurity Week’ to brainstorm plans to combat threats

    Abu Dhabi, UAE--The UAE Cybersecurity Council will organise the Regional Cybersecurity Week 2023 from October 8-12, under the title "Cybersecurity Innovation and Industry Development." The event will be held in cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Arab Regional Cybersecurity Centre (ARCC). More than 100 experts and speakers...
  • GCC’s digital leadership puts focus on cybersecurity

    As GCC leads in digital innovations, there's an urgent need for strong cybersecurity to combat increasingly complex threats targeting governments, businesses, and individuals.
  • Growing IT outlays intensify MENA’s transformation

    The region's IT spending is set to rise by 4% to $183.8 billion in 2024, with software and IT services witnessing double-digit growth, and device spending recovering post-2023 decline.
  • UAE Council review cybersecurity in Jordan summit

    Amman, Jordan - The UAE Cyber Security Council discussed cybersecurity in the inaugural Jordan Cyber Security Summit 2023, known as DOT Cyber Summit 2023. The DOT Cyber Summit 2023 explored issues related to cyber policies and strategies, international issues related to cyber risks and threats faced by countries. This includes...
  • Growing IT outlays intensify MENA’s transformation

    The region's IT spending is set to rise by 4% to $183.8 billion in 2024, with software and IT services witnessing double-digit growth, and device spending recovering post-2023 decline.
  • Cisco buys Splunk for US$28bn

    Splunk is a software platform that uses AI to identify malware.
  • Cybersecurity vital for UAE’s banking, customer trust

    "The banking and financial sector, being a prime target for cybercriminals, necessitates evolving solutions and strategies for protection. Regulatory compliance is vital, and stakeholders recognize that it extends beyond legalities to ensure adherence to top-tier cybersecurity standards," he adds.
  • Norms may make it easy to navigate ethical maze of AI

    While speaking at the International Government Communication Forum in Sharjah, he emphasized that it's essential to regulate technology and overall policies to ensure cybersecurity and ethical AI use, stressing the necessity of local regulations in addition to international standards.
  • How cyber scammers are trying to make AI tools pay

    The two worlds of artificial intelligence and cybercrime are starting to collide, with cybercriminals trading tips in online forums on the best ways to get chatbots to generate phishing emails. The big players block users from generating these kinds of emails, so developers have designed programs aimed at creating phishing...
  • ‘Saudi Arabia emerges as a leader in digital economy’

    "Today, the Kingdom takes pride in its advanced technological sector, which has solidified its regional and global position as a leading tech hub. With national digital capabilities boasting global qualifications and enabling digital infrastructure, these collective advancements get reflected in international indices and reports," he adds.
  • Half of large Swiss firms have faced cyberattacks: study

    The study showed a correlation between the size of a company and the risk of cyberattacks. Based on a survey of 400 board members from both larger, listed companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the study found that only 18 percent of firms with under 50 employees had faced...
  • Rising data breach hits Middle East’s financial sector

    In 2023, data breach costs in the Middle East soared to $8 million, marking a 155.9% rise over a decade, with the financial sector bearing the brunt, a report points out.
  • Generative AI brings challenges and opportunities

    "New technologies like generative AI bring both opportunities and risks. A holistic AI strategy ensures privacy, security, and compliance, considering beneficial AI use cases, resources, governance framework, and evaluating artificial intelligence's impact on employees and customers," she adds.
  • Comprehensive data protection strategies are crucial

    A solid Data Protection and Ransomware Recovery strategy includes several components, such as Data Identification and Flow Management, Data Risk Management, Cybersecurity Management, and real-time Monitoring and Review. Thus, a comprehensive strategy ensures that you’re protected, and resilient in the event of a ransomware attack, he adds.
  • Tech titans promise watermarks to expose AI creations

    Representatives from Amazon, Anthropic, Google, Inflection, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI were to join US President Joe Biden later Friday to announce the commitments, which include developing "robust technical mechanisms" such as watermarking systems to ensure that users know when content is AI-generated, according to a White House official. Worry that...
  • Chinese hackers breach mail accounts of US agencies: Microsoft

    Microsoft did not identify the targets but a US State Department spokesperson said the department had "detected anomalous activity" and had taken "immediate steps to secure our systems."
  • Dubai Chamber, Mastercard unveil cyber security program for companies

    Dubai, UAE - A program that enables companies to access innovative and affordable cybersecurity solutions was introduced at a workshop on cyber security organized by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. The special one-year package, jointly developed by Dubai Chambers and Mastercard, is designed to support companies in evaluating and improving...
  • Tech-driven sustainability focus of banks

    Financial institutions in the Gulf region are also focusing on sustainable practices like renewable energy investments, reducing their carbon footprint, and supporting sustainable businesses, say experts,
  • Middle East, Turkiye, Africa among top-3 regions prone to mobile financial scam

    Dubai, UAE - Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) region ranks among the top three regions most prone to mobile financial scams, a recent report by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has revealed.  The study indicates that 14 percent of installations of potentially unwanted mobile financial apps on Android phones were made...
  • Break the cycle of cybercrime, don’t pay ransomware

    Government bodies are now working towards finding solutions to the problem but businesses, beside devising strong backup strategies, need to invest in ransomware prevention to protect themselves from huge financial damage and the possibility of financing further crime, adds Weijdema.
  • The devastating impact of online identity theft

    While companies with robust defense measures witness decreased attack volumes as criminals target easier targets, account takeovers have a profound human impact, eroding trust and causing emotional trauma. "Prevention of fraud is not just about financial savings; it is essential for a safe and secure digital future," he adds.
  • The Chief Zero Trust Officer: A new role for a new era of cybersecurity

    With remote or hybrid work now the norm and cyber-attacks continuing to escalate, businesses realize they must take a fundamentally different approach to security. But as with any significant shift in strategy, implementation can be challenging, and efforts can sometimes stall.
  • Priorities set to spur Saudi digital transformation

    Organizations across the Kingdom are witnessing major DX impact in customer satisfaction, cost efficiencies, and data-driven insights, an IDC executive tells TRENDS.
  • Improving ICT infrastructure and digital skills to bolster tourism in Emerging Asian economies

    The pandemic changed tourist preferences, with greater interest in local travel, nature destinations, and wellness tourism. It also heightened awareness of environmental issues, which is an opportunity to enhance sustainable tourism, adds Cormann.
  • Dubai Chamber reviews software development, Artificial Intelligence sector

    DUBAI, UAE - Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy highlighted software development and artificial intelligence (AI) industry in its 10th session of regular digital industry workshops here. Top executives, business leaders, experts and entrepreneurs discussed the challenges and opportunities in the industry, local media reports said. UAE Minister of State for...
  • AI partnership to boost Abu Dhabi sustainability efforts

    Abu Dhabi, UAE - The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) said Monday its AI and Digital Science Research Center (AIDRC) has partnered with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) to accelerate the emirate's goal of becoming a smart and sustainable city by 2030 by enhancing its capabilities in AI...
  • An effective governance, risk and compliance system need of the hour, says UAE’s cybersecurity head

    There is a close link between cybersecurity and GRC and innovation plays a key role in governance systems. Organizations must first establish a GRC system in order to achieve cybersecurity objectives and create a secure working environment, he said while addressing the Dubai's GPRC Summit 2023.