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Contents 6 FROM THE EDITOR
The Middle East: A Rising Star in Global Cybersecurity
10 VIEWPOINT Building a Cyber-Resilient Organization Strategies and Best Practices
14 TRENDS Navigating The Storm: Geopolitical Cyber Security Tension in Today’s World
20 CYBERVILLE Strengthening The Shield: Cybersecurity Strategies For SMEs
26 REGISTER AI and Misinformation Warfare: How Tech is Shaping the Geopolitical Landscape
30 PERSPECTIVES Building a Culture of Cybersecurity: Why Awareness and Training Matter
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36 THE COVER Achieving Cybersecurity Goals Through GRC Approach
46 DIGEST Dubai’s Strategic Integration Of Cybersecurity In Renewable Energy
52 HOT SEAT 7 Ways META Governments Are Boosting Cybersecurity
58 BOTTOMLINE Building a Secure OT Network: A Four-Phase Approach for the META Region
64 NUGGETS Promising Cybersecurity Trends in the META Region
70 INSIDER A Comparative Look at CYBERSECURITY Regulations Across the META Region
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Editorial
Management
Augustin Kurian
Rajashakher Intha
Editor-in-Chief editor@thecyberexpress.com
Director of Marketing And Product Management raj@thecyberexpress.com
Avantika Chopra Associate Editor avantika@thecyberexpress.com
Krishna Murthy Deputy Editor krishna.murthy@thecyberexpress.com
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*Responsible for selection of news under PRB Act. Printed & Published by Augustin Kurian, The Cyber Express LLC., The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors & omissions contained in this publication, howsoever caused. The opinion & views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on the information contained in the publication which is provided for general use & may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. The ownership of trade marks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing.
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From The Editor’s DESK Augustin Kurian Editor-in-Chief
Dear Readers, This edition of The Cyber Express focuses on the dynamic cybersecurity landscape of the Middle East—a region that has become a focal point for some of the world’s most sophisticated cyber operations. In recent years, the Middle East has witnessed a significant increase in cyber threats, ranging from statesponsored attacks to financial frauds, threatening the stability and security of its vast infrastructures. However, the response to this menace has been equally strong. The region has not only embraced advanced technological capabilities but has also fostered a culture of cyber awareness and stringent governance, setting a commendable standard for cybersecurity worldwide.
defenses. These tools are not just shields but also swords, providing the proactive capabilities needed to predict, prevent, and counter attacks before they inflict harm. Awareness is the next layer of our focus. The Middle East has made significant strides in educating its populace about the dangers lurking in the cyber realm. From national cyber awareness campaigns to mandatory cybersecurity education in schools and universities, the drive to equip every citizen with the knowledge and tools to safeguard themselves is a testament to the region’s commitment to cyber resilience.
Our journey into the heart of Middle Eastern cyber defense starts with the advanced capabilities now at the region’s disposal.
Governance, however, is what ties the region’s efforts together. Through rigorous legislative frameworks and compliance regulations, the Middle East has established a structured approach to cybersecurity, which ensures that both public and private sectors adhere to high standards of cyber hygiene.
Governments and private sectors alike have invested heavily in state-ofthe-art technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain to fortify their cyber
These laws are not static; they evolve as quickly as the threats they aim to neutralize, ensuring that the region remains a tough nut to crack for cyber adversaries.
In this edition, we explore these themes through authored articles by leading cybersecurity experts, in-depth analyses of recent cyber incidents, and discussions on the future trajectory of cyber defense strategies in the Middle East. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive view of how this vibrant region is securing its digital boundaries. As we navigate through these complex topics, we invite you to reflect on the lessons that can be drawn and the measures that can be implemented within your own spheres of influence. The battle against cyber threats is relentless, but with advanced capabilities, heightened awareness, and strong governance, the Middle East is setting a standard we can all aspire to. We welcome your feedback at editorial@thecyberexpress.com. Stay Informed, Stay Secure. Augustin Kurian Editor-in-Chief The Cyber Express
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ADVISORY BOARD
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David B. Cross
Jo Mikleus
Senior Vice President and CISO, Oracle
Advisory Board Convenor, The Cyber Express
Chuck Brooks President, Brooks Consulting International
Celia Mantshiyane CISO, MTN South Africa
Jane Teh SEA Cybersecurity Director - Risk Advisory, Public Speaker & Educator Deloitte
Holly Foxcroft Head of Neurodiversity, Cyber Research and Consulting, Stott and May Consulting
Lanx Goh Senior Director & Global Head of Privacy, Prudential plc
Ankur Ahuja Senior Vice President, CISO, Billtrust
Jennifer Cox Director for Ireland, Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) UK & Ireland
Asmae E. CISRCO, HPS
Kaustubh Medhe Vice President, Research and Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cyble Inc
Pooja Shimpi Founder, SyberNow
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VIEWPOINT
Building a Cyber-Resilient Organization Strategies and Best Practices
- By Eng. Dina Al-Salamen VP, Head of Cyber and Information Security Department at Bank ABC
In today’s interconnected digital landscape, cyber threats pose significant risks to organizations of all sizes and industries. From data breaches to ransomware attacks, the consequences of cyber incidents can be severe, including financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory
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penalties. To effectively mitigate these risks and safeguard their operations, organizations must prioritize building cyber resilience. In this article, we’ll explore strategies and best practices for building a cyber-resilient organization.
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