Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Kuwait’s central bank has introduced a new cyber and operational resilience framework to protect banks from rising digital threats. The maturity-based model strengthens governance, third-party risk management, and incident response while aligning the sector with global security and technology standards.
Oman’s Hadatha Hackathon showcased strong national cybersecurity talent, delivering practical, telecom-focused solutions aligned with real industry needs. With support from regulators and operators, many projects demonstrated commercial potential, reinforcing the role of local innovation in strengthening Oman’s digital security ecosystem.
Group-IB and VAS Integrated Solutions have signed an MoU to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities across Saudi Arabia through channel-led expansion, joint market development, and partner enablement. The partnership will deliver advanced cyber threat and fraud intelligence, support awareness and training initiatives, and enhance national cybersecurity resilience in line with the Kingdom’s digital transformation goals.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is transforming both innovation and cyber threats, according to speakers at the Oman AI Security Conference (AISEC) 2025, held in Muscat and inaugurated by Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology Eng. Said bin Hamoud al Maawali. Participants stressed that while AI capabilities are accelerating, so too are the sophistication and speed of cyberattacks.
Security experts warn that AI-powered cyberattacks are accelerating, with breaches now occurring in minutes rather than weeks. Speaking at the Oman AI Security Conference, industry leaders highlighted risks from data governance gaps, skills shortages, and post-quantum threats, calling for stronger talent development and adaptive national cybersecurity frameworks.
Saudi Arabia has launched a digital crime investigation system in Jeddah’s Al-Husayniyah district to streamline evidence collection and improve coordination between police and authorities. The initiative combines real-time digital tools with new property documentation requirements, aiming to accelerate investigations, enhance data accuracy, and strengthen public safety as part of wider law enforcement modernization.
Cisco is supporting Saudi Arabia’s AI and cloud transformation through local data centers, AI-ready infrastructure, advanced cybersecurity platforms, and large-scale skills development. By combining secure-by-design architectures with workforce upskilling and strategic partnerships, Cisco aims to help the Kingdom scale AI adoption while managing rising cyber risks.
As Morocco hosts AFCON 2025, cybersecurity experts are warning of increased online scams, phishing attacks, and fake ticketing platforms targeting fans and institutions. Authorities have heightened vigilance, urging users to avoid suspicious links and protect financial data as cybercriminals exploit the surge in digital activity around the tournament.
Ooredoo has partnered with Darktrace to offer AI-driven cybersecurity services to businesses in Qatar. The collaboration provides access to the Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform, enabling real-time threat detection, autonomous response, and protection against emerging cyber risks, strengthening enterprise security and resilience.
Cyberattacks escalated sharply in 2025, hitting governments, corporations, and critical infrastructure worldwide. Repeated US federal breaches, major ransomware campaigns, and economically damaging attacks in the UK and Asia highlighted systemic vulnerabilities, weak detection, and the growing impact of state-linked cyber actors on global stability.