26 Nov Rapid Growth in IT Poses Security Challenges for Middle Eastern Organizations by 2026
By Werno Gevers and Hany George at Mimecast, exploring the evolving cyber threat landscape in the Middle East as we approach 2026.
The increasing sophistication of cyberattacks powered by artificial intelligence, coupled with ‘click fix’ scams and the emergence of attack-as-a-service tools, is weaving a complex web of security challenges in the Middle East. This growing threat also includes dangers from deep fakes, synthetic identities, and potentially the impact of quantum computing, all contributing to heightened security concerns.
Investment in technology continues to surge across the region, driven by advancements in AI, intelligent automation, multi-cloud strategies, and overall cybersecurity initiatives. According to Gartner, IT spending in the MENA region is projected to hit $169 billion by 2026, reflecting an 8.9% increase from the preceding year. This growth signifies that the region is rapidly establishing itself as a tech hub, yet it simultaneously opens doors for malicious cyber actors.
The Appeal of the Middle East for Cybercriminals
The swift embrace of new technologies in the Middle East, along with a concentration of wealth and strict data residency regulations, makes it an enticing target for both opportunistic hackers and sophisticated nation-state actors. Key sectors such as financial services, critical infrastructure, government operations, and healthcare appear particularly vulnerable as attackers exploit the region’s unique technological landscape and regulatory intricacies.
AI as a Double-Edged Sword
As we head into 2026, artificial intelligence is poised to fundamentally alter both offensive and defensive cybersecurity measures in the region. Cybercriminals are expected to utilize generative AI and automated bots to streamline reconnaissance, enhance the effectiveness of phishing tactics, and orchestrate complex multi-vector attacks at unprecedented speeds and precision.
AI-driven attacks have evolved past the recognizable, low-level phishing emails of the past. Now, deep fakes and synthetic identities are set to empower these malicious strategies, making social engineering efforts significantly more effective and harder to detect.
Conversely, security teams are increasingly relying on AI technologies to enhance their threat detection capabilities, automate responses, and identify anomalies. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the overwhelming flood of emerging threats. However, as the landscape evolves, so do the skills required to combat these cyber challenges. As a result, proficiency in AI is becoming essential for analysts, strategists, and incident responders, leading to a significant rise in demand for experts in areas like AI, machine learning, cloud security, identity management, and data governance.
While the everyday threats may tend to consume attention, several emerging risks could easily catch security professionals off guard:
- Attack-as-a-Service (AaaS): The rise of platforms allowing even novice hackers to rent or procure attack campaigns has drastically decreased the barriers to entry for cybercrime.
- IoT Vulnerabilities: With the surge in IoT devices, the potential for massive coordinated attacks targeting vulnerable endpoints has increased exponentially.
- Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Cybercriminals are likely to exploit trusted brands and third-party relationships, making supply chain attacks a critical concern.
- AI Model Infiltration: Attacks that compromise AI and machine learning models threaten both data integrity and the reliability of systems.
- Quantum Computing Implications: While not an immediate threat, advancements in quantum technology could eventually undermine traditional cryptographic defenses, necessitating strategic planning, especially in sensitive sectors like finance and healthcare.
One trend that escalated in 2025 is the ‘click fix’ scam, which saw a staggering 500% increase. These sophisticated social engineering attacks mislead users into compromising their security, often involving actions as simple as pasting commands or downloading files from trusted sources.
The Human Element: The Feasible Weakness
People still constitute the biggest vulnerability in the cybersecurity landscape. Cyber attackers typically do not exploit systems; they exploit human behavior. Risks linked to social engineering and credential theft account for a large portion of breaches, particularly in rapidly evolving economies like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Here, the human component remains the most susceptible link in the security chain.
Despite heightened awareness of security issues, many organizations still approach security awareness as a mere compliance formality. This leaves serious gaps in preparedness. A shift toward a more integrated approach, focusing on human risk management through behavioral analysis, continuous education, and realistic threat simulations, is essential.
Furthermore, organizations need to allocate sufficient resources to address diverse risks. Traditionally, security budgets have focused on technology and perimeter defenses, but there’s a growing recognition that investments must also cover training and tools to navigate both technological and human aspects of security, all while ensuring demonstrable returns on investment.
In light of these evolving threats, security leaders in the Middle East are encouraged to incorporate human risk management into their strategic frameworks. This should accompany an emphasis on investing in AI-powered detection and automation technologies, as well as upskilling teams to adapt swiftly to technological advancements.
