In 2024, cybersecurity remained central, addressing skill gaps and the impact of generative AI. A Strategic Cybersecurity Talent Framework offered solutions to workforce shortages, while reports underscored resilience against rising cyber risks. The global outage in July and ongoing cybercrime challenges reinforced the need for collaborative efforts to protect economies...

While AI accelerates the detection and management of threats, cybercriminals also leverage this technology for sophisticated attacks, says WEF's cybersecurity expert Filipe Beato.

"Threat actors can employ artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to identify vulnerabilities and adapt their tactics in real-time, making it difficult for conventional security measures to keep up." he adds.

During Ramadan, GCC residents are using digital tools that are enhancing the observance of this sacred month, offering new ways to connect, learn, and shop.

The GCC is at a critical juncture, facing the dual challenge of embracing blockchain innovation while combating crypto crime, says Nicola Buonanno of Chainalysis.

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.

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.

Industries are increasingly investing in transformative technologies, including cybersecurity, sustainable solutions and AI, Sapthagiri Chapalapalli tells TRENDS in an interview.

The sophistication of GenAI-driven phishing attacks requires robust security, including advanced DDoS protection and proactive cyber resilience strategies, says an expert.

"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.

"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.

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.

In the GCC's evolving cybersecurity realm, AI integration is crucial, driving economic growth and transforming defense strategies against complex cyber threats.

"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.

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.

Companies in the region are leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and stay competitive in the dynamic marketplace.

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.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait collectively advanced in technology and sustainable development, achieving global integration.

"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.

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...

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 security...

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.

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 reasons cited...

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...

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.

AI has emerged as a transformative force in various sectors, revolutionizing how businesses operate, make decisions, and secure their assets, says a study.

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 capital,...

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 from 70...

As GCC leads in digital innovations, there's an urgent need for strong cybersecurity to combat increasingly complex threats targeting governments, businesses, and individuals.

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.

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 mechanisms...

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.

Splunk is a software platform that uses AI to identify malware.

"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.

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.

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...

"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.

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...

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.

"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.

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.

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...

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, 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 their...

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,

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 by...

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.

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.

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.

Organizations across the Kingdom are witnessing major DX impact in customer satisfaction, cost efficiencies, and data-driven insights, an IDC executive tells TRENDS.