Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The GCC ministerial committee for cybersecurity held a meeting in Kuwait to advance regional cooperation on digital security. Member states reviewed joint efforts against cyber threats, discussed critical infrastructure protection, and planned future strategies to build expertise and safeguard the Gulf’s shared digital interests.
King Mohammed VI has appointed General Abdellah Boutrik as head of Morocco’s DGSSI, strengthening the nation’s cyber defence capabilities. The move underscores digital security as a top national priority, with Boutrik tasked to lead an updated cybersecurity strategy amid rising attacks and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
The UAE’s Technology Innovation Institute, VentureOne, and e& have launched QuantumConnect, a quantum key distribution-based encryption solution. Developed locally, it embeds hardware on fibre networks to deliver future-proof protection against quantum threats, ensuring compliance with UAE cryptography regulations and enhancing data security across regulated industries like finance and healthcare.
With cyberattacks in the UAE now reaching nearly 200,000 a day, the Cybersecurity Council has issued an urgent warning against downloading unverified apps. Citizens are advised to use only official stores, review app permissions, and stay updated, as part of the UAE’s broader cybersecurity strategy to protect digital life.
Nepal Telecom is close to awarding Huawei its billing system contract, despite prior warnings over monopoly risks, data security, and conflicts of interest. Critics say revised tender terms favor Huawei’s older hardware, potentially giving it near-total control of the operator’s core infrastructure.
The University of Rabat and Cisco have launched a local Incubation Centre to advance AI and cybersecurity. The partnership includes the Cisco Networking Academy, offering ICT and advanced tech training as part of Cisco’s global Country Digital Acceleration program to support Morocco’s digital transformation.
SonicWall’s Generation 8 launch delivers nine new firewalls combining unified management, embedded Zero Trust, co-managed services, and a $200K cyber warranty.
Telenor Pakistan secured top PTA cybersecurity award for the second year, recognised for leading compliance with CTDISR and industry-best cyber defence.
PlayPraetor Android malware infects 11,000+ devices worldwide via targeted MaaS campaigns, exploiting accessibility features and disguised apps. Cybersecurity experts urge vigilance against unknown apps amid growing mobile threats.
Kuwait arrests an international gang behind cyberattacks on telecom and banks, seizing advanced hacking equipment. Separately, 178 violators of residence and labor laws were detained in a nationwide security operation.