Four years after the 2021 Pegasus spyware scandal, cyberattacks continue to plague the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, exposing the region’s weak cyberattack protection, with major incidents unfolding, reported in Morocco and Iran.
In Morocco, different types of cyberattacks have jeopardized sensitive data, exposing through hacks delving into private-sector employee incomes, pensions, and benefits. Even the salaries of political and business leaders were leaked and posted on Telegram.
Iran, for its part, remains under constant cyber assault, following grave disruptions to its national fuel network in 2021 and a steel mill in 2022.
Protection against cyberattacks is still relatively weak in the MENA region, which is why in 2024, 27.5% of cyberattacks were linked to state-sponsored espionage. Nearly 17% of total global hacktivist activity also originated from this region, reflecting heightened digital tensions amid political instability.
AI Protection Against Cyberattacks
As Middle Eastern countries move forward with digitalization embracing AI, fintech, and e-government services their cyberattack protection infrastructure hasn’t kept up to the evolving pace. Outdated infrastructure, insufficient local talent, and a shortage of trained professionals are leaving critical systems vulnerable.
“In an era defined by AI and advanced digital technologies, cyberattacks highlight the dark side of the technological revolution,” said analyst Zaid M. Belbagi.
The enraged pace of digital growth has outpaced the ability of some states to protect their information and is an easy target for low-cost, high-return lateral movement tactics in cyberattacks sabotage. Cyberwar is a hip weapon of choice for both nation-state and non-state actors who wish to sabotage or destabilize rivals without a trace.
Cyberattack stages can do more than exposing and hacking of information, they can disrupt critical services, including energy, communications, and transportation eroding public confidence and exacerbating political polarization
Cooperation and Investment for Resilience
To resist, countries are seeking to strengthen their defense against cyberattacks. Among the front-running Arab countries advancing in this field, according to the Global Cybersecurity Index, are Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and Oman. Among the initiatives of cyberattack protection taken are Morocco’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority, and the UAE’s Cybersecurity Council.
But specialists hold that no country alone can face this threat. Cyber threats have no borders, so regional cooperation is the only possible solution. The Arab Cybersecurity Strategy 2023–2027 aims at uniting states in knowledge-exchange and harmonized responses.
To keep up with emerging threats, regional cyberattacks will have come to an end. For this to happen the region must invest in education in cyberattack protection, employ competent personnel, and modernize defense infrastructure. Otherwise, developments in cyberspace may come at a cost.
Inside Telecom provides you with an extensive list of content covering all aspects of the tech industry. Keep an eye on our Cybersecurity sections to stay informed and up-to-date with our daily articles.