MENA - Cyber threats beyond traditional attacks

AI-generated deepfakes, social media disinformation, and IoT-based attacks are among evolving cyber threats facing Mena organisations, according to Booz Allen Hamilton.

As technology development and deployment continues throughout the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, cyber threats are also evolving, moving beyond attacks such as phishing, denial-of-service, and credential compromise to encompass new threats that are challenging companies and organizations.
To combat these threats, entities need to shift cybersecurity approaches away from simply focusing on security compliance to developing a holistic culture of proactive security across the broader enterprise, Booz Allen Hamilton noted in its “2019 MENA Cyber Threat Outlook Report”.

The report highlighted key threat trends that organizations in the region need to be aware of to help prevent cybersecurity incidents, avoid reputational damage and financial losses stemming from breaches, and stay security-conscious in an ever-shifting threat environment.

Ziad Nasrallah (pictured), Principal at Booz Allen Hamilton, said: “The region’s cyber defenders increasingly must anticipate and plan for cyber attacks resulting from emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Understanding industry best practices and internal mitigation strategies are invaluable to combating cyber attacks. This includes proactive planning, integrating intelligence-driven threat detection, securing networks and databases, and conducting regular vulnerability scans.”

Jay Townsend, Principal at Booz Allen Hamilton, added: “Even small cyber incidents can cause major economic and reputational damage. Mena organizations should consider more advanced defense measures, including moving away from traditional security operations center constructs, and instead, investing in a Cyber Fusion Center (CFC).

The CFC model is threat-focused, driven by a real-time threat intelligence process that informs detection and hunting activities and facilitates rapid tactical coordination. Rather than be completely reliant on tools, CFCs leverage cutting-edge technologies to further strengthen the human element through the automation and orchestration of cybersecurity processes. Moreover, it fosters a culture of collaboration, continuous testing, and learning across teams both inside and outside the Center.”

Booz Allen Hamilton outlinesthe following cyber threat trends and recommendations for proactive defense: Stay a step ahead in the AI game, Be aware of ecommerce risks, Invest in strengthening critical infrastructure , Prepare for increasing disinformation on social media; and be vigilant of the risks associated with IoT.

As Booz Allen and others have often observed, mobile apps,digital payments, and ecommerce platforms are expanding rapidly in the Mena region. In parallel, cybercriminal organizations are constantly looking for new ways to monetize the theft of sensitive information belonging to private sector companies and customers.


Source: The Peninsula