cyberattacks due to the region ’ s geopolitical importance and its role in finance , energy , and technology ,” says Ziad Nasr , General Manager at Acronis ME , a global leader in cyber protection .
According to our mid-year cyberthreat report , ransomware remains the dominant risk to businesses in the region , while data stealers – an emerging threat that leverages stolen credentials to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information – are gaining growing prominence .
“ However , while proficiency in mitigating cyber threats varies across organisations , the region has made significant strides in bolstering its cybersecurity posture . On its part , the UAE has made meaningful strides to mitigate existing and emerging cyber threats .”
One of those significant strides was the formation of the UAE Cybersecurity Council which has developed a cybersecurity strategy and built a secure cyber infrastructure by creating laws and regulations while also ensuring timely response capabilities to fight cybercrime .
In KSA , Saudi ’ s Vision 2030 embeds the concept of digital transformation via technology , with cybersecurity essential to that success .
Measures from governments will help to contain threats as more organisations integrate effective solutions and invest heavily in cyber protection strategies . And right now , they are investing in AI .
According to new research by Censuswide , commissioned by Palo Alto Networks , 95 % of UAE organisations plan to increase
investment in AI technologies to improve their cybersecurity strategy , with 81 % seeing AI as an important enabler for their organisation ’ s overall approach to cybersecurity .
“ By incorporating AI into their cybersecurity strategies , organisations in the UAE and regionally can improve their ability to defend against a wide range of cyber threats , reduce response times , and gain better visibility into their security posture – combined with other best cybersecurity practices such as employee training , strong policies , and a layered security approach ,” says Ercan Aydin , Regional Vice President at Palo Alto Networks , Middle East and Africa ( MEA ).
70 January 2024