Study Reveals 91% of UAE Companies Using AI in Cybersecurity Strategies
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity strategies has seen a significant surge among UAE organizations, according to a recent study conducted by Cisco. The study revealed that a staggering 91% of companies surveyed are incorporating AI technologies into their security defences, particularly in areas such as threat detection, response, and recovery.
In the 2024 Cisco Cybersecurity Readiness Index, which assessed the readiness of companies on key pillars such as Identity Intelligence, Network Resilience, Machine Trustworthiness, Cloud Reinforcement, and AI Fortification, it was found that despite facing a variety of cyber threats ranging from phishing to ransomware, companies are actively working to strengthen their defences.
Interestingly, 87% of companies expressed moderate to high confidence in their ability to defend against cyberattacks with their current infrastructure. This optimism reflects a proactive approach in addressing evolving threats and challenges head-on.
However, the study also highlighted some key findings, such as the expectation of future cyber incidents disrupting businesses, the overload of multiple point solutions slowing down incident response, the persistent cyber talent gap, and the increasing investments in cybersecurity measures.
Fady Younes, Managing Director for Cybersecurity at Cisco in the Middle East and Africa, emphasized the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity investments and embracing innovative solutions to mitigate risks. He stressed the need for organizations to foster a culture of cyber resilience to navigate the digital landscape confidently and safeguard operations against emerging threats.
Overall, the study underscores the critical role of AI technologies in enhancing cybersecurity strategies and the necessity for companies to ramp up their security measures, invest in innovative solutions, and bridge the cybersecurity skills gap to effectively combat evolving cyber threats.