“Data is the new oil, everybody will use it and try and exploit it. They will [cybercriminals] use the regulatory system here to their benefit,” Steve Foster, head of Solutions Engineering at Netskope, told Arabian Business on the latest episode of AB Majlis.
Cybersecurity took center stage as the episode delved into the pressing topic and its impact on society, particularly in the UAE.
The conversation began with an exploration of the increasing prevalence of cybersecurity threats worldwide and their profound impact on individuals and businesses.
Foster emphasized that cyber threats range from mildly embarrassing incidents, such as sharing sensitive information inadvertently, to devastating scenarios where individuals lose life savings due to sophisticated cybercrimes.
“It can be devastating at all levels in society,” Foster said.
From a business perspective, innocent-looking emails or documents can lead to catastrophic consequences, including financial losses and compromised credentials. Foster highlighted the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, who leverage seemingly harmless information to conduct reconnaissance and launch more targeted attacks on high-profile individuals or organisations.
“The UAE, I suspect is targeted for a number of reasons. Externally, the society looks very attractive, full of influencers, high profile businesses,” he explained.
The conversation shifted to the importance of cybersecurity for both organisations and individuals. Foster likened cybersecurity to personal health, emphasizing the need for constant awareness, education, and staying ahead of evolving technologies to mitigate risks.
The pandemic-induced shift to hybrid working has expanded the cyber threat perimeter, making cybersecurity even more critical.
“If you imagine you’re an insurance company or a bank or health provider, if nobody trusts that you can keep their data safe, do you think you’re going to be in business for much longer?” he asked.
Regarding unique challenges or trends in the UAE’s cybercrime landscape, Foster pointed out that the diversity of businesses, society, and cultural backgrounds makes the UAE susceptible to a wide range of cyber threats.
He emphasised that the cybersecurity needs of the UAE align with those of any developed nation.
Discussing the awareness and investment in cybersecurity, Foster acknowledged the UAE government’s efforts in educating the population and implementing regulations.
However, he stressed that education is an ongoing process, given the evolving nature of technology and cyber threats.
“Even though the regulations are there, and there’s systems there to try and encourage companies to be as cyber safe and secure as possible, it does not prevent them being a target or necessarily being exploited,” Foster explained.
As the conversation delved into the future of cybersecurity, Foster predicted “The cloud is making things easier to consume, it’s making things easier to create. And it’s making things a bit easier to exploit from a cyber criminal perspective.”
He emphasised the importance of a zero-trust approach in a world where deepfake technologies and artificial intelligence could pose new challenges, even imitating voices for malicious purposes.
Foster advised individuals and organisations to adopt a mindset of “never trust, always verify.” He highlighted the significance of strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and maintaining a high level of education and awareness to counter evolving cyber threats.
In conclusion, Foster stressed the paramount importance of protecting data as the primary target for cybercriminals. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures, including multiple layers of detection and evasion, organisations can safeguard their data and prevent disruptive events.
Listeners were left with a clear message: in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, constant vigilance, education, and innovative solutions are the keys to staying ahead of malicious actors and safeguarding personal and organisational assets.
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