As generative AI technologies enable hyper-realistic phishing, voice cloning, and deepfakes, cybercriminals are launching increasingly convincing and scalable scams that evade traditional detection. Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) is at the forefront of regional efforts, offering a comprehensive Cybersecurity Toolkit to help public and private sectors bolster their defenses against evolving digital threats.
Zainab Alamin, Microsoft Arabia’s VP of National Digital Transformation, highlighted the rising risks: “AI-generated scams are more authentic, contextually accurate, and emotionally manipulative, making it difficult even for savvy users to detect fraud.” Microsoft’s AI-powered defenses have blocked $4 billion in fraud attempts from April 2024 to April 2025 and work closely with law enforcement to combat AI-driven cybercrime.
Saudi Arabia’s NCA also manages the HASEEN cybersecurity portal and the CyberIC program to nurture local expertise. The authority’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign aims to educate society on recognizing AI-powered scams—such as voice-cloned urgent fund requests, phishing emails with perfect branding, and deepfake hijacked video calls.
Investments in cybersecurity reached SR13.3 billion ($3.5 billion) in 2023, reflecting the Kingdom’s strong commitment to digital safety. Microsoft’s suite of tools, including Defender for Cloud, Entra, and Edge browser features like typo and domain impersonation protection, support Zero Trust principles and layered cyber resilience.
Experts emphasize vigilance, advising users to trust instincts, verify unusual communications through alternative channels, and avoid direct transfers lacking fraud protections. Gulf nations, including the UAE and Oman, are aligning their cybersecurity strategies with global standards to protect digital economies while fostering innovation.
The challenge remains balancing AI’s immense benefits with its potential misuse, underscoring that while AI itself lacks ethics, its users must act responsibly.
