Amid the proliferation of advanced cybersecurity solutions across the GCC, the Help AG 2025 report highlights the imperative to focus on AI-driven protection and preparedness for the quantum revolution amid rising attacks and diversifying methods.
Article contents:
- Escalating attacks and the scale of damages
- Artificial intelligence in countering threats
- The evolution of intrusion methods
- Preparing for quantum computing
- Cyber resilience as a priority
- Shifting from automation to autonomy
- Managing cloud security posture
- Rising investments and long-term plans
- Enhancing resilience to face the future
- Frequently asked questions
Escalating attacks and the scale of damages
The “State of the Market 2025” report issued by Help AG, the cybersecurity arm of e& enterprise, revealed a sharp increase in distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks in the UAE, surging from 38,797 attacks in 2019 to 373,429 attacks in 2024—an 862.45% increase. This hazardous escalation in the volume of attacks reflects the urgent need for organizations to adopt advanced security solutions capable of mitigating cyber risks and their financial and operational fallout.
Artificial intelligence in countering threats
The Help AG report underscores that AI-powered technologies will reshape the cybersecurity equation through their ability to combat attacks in real time. Thanks to cyber autonomy systems, it has become possible to detect advanced threats utilizing stealthier and more persistent tactics early on. Experts believe the future belongs to organizations that build smart infrastructures capable of ultra-fast data analysis and immediate responses to intrusion attempts.
The evolution of intrusion methods
Help AG notes that phishing attacks and credential-based breaches continue to dominate the landscape, accounting for 45% of reported cases. Developments did not stop there; ransomware witnessed a massive leap, impacting 66% of organizations in the Arab Gulf region in 2024 and posing a genuine threat to data integrity and business continuity.
Preparing for quantum computing
Quantum computing is no longer a theoretical concept; it represents a potential threat to current encryption systems. The report warns of the risks of continuing to rely on traditional encryption protocols, which could expose long-term data to the risk of exposure. Hence lies the importance of adopting new measures, most notably post-quantum encryption, alongside contingency plans to manage potential risks.
Cyber resilience as a priority
Amidst this complex landscape, relying on fragmented security solutions is insufficient. Organizations increasingly need to integrate cyber resilience concepts into their comprehensive strategies to contain attacks and recover rapidly. Stephan Berner, CEO of Help AG, emphasizes the necessity of moving toward cyber autonomy, where systems do not merely engage in passive defense, but rather analyze data, make decisions, and execute actions almost autonomously.
Shifting from automation to autonomy
Experts indicate that the next step involves transitioning from mere security operations automation to establishing autonomous systems capable of learning and adapting to new threats. The report highlights User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) and Network Detection and Response (NDR) solutions as advanced tools capable of detecting abnormal behavioral patterns in real time.
Managing cloud security posture
With the extensive expansion in cloud service usage, human error and misconfiguration of cloud systems emerge as prominent risks. Help AG recommends that organizations adopt Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) as a proactive solution that enables the identification of vulnerabilities and the prioritization of remediation across multi-cloud environments.
Rising investments and long-term plans
The region witnessed a 236% year-on-year increase in the adoption of security services as a service, alongside a growing trend toward unified platforms that integrate detection, response, and threat intelligence. This trend serves as an indicator of corporate awareness regarding the importance of transitioning toward comprehensive solutions that support business objectives while accommodating compliance and security requirements.
Enhancing resilience to face the future
With the growth in the scale and sophistication of threats, investing in secured digital infrastructure has become indispensable. The report advises building integrated disaster recovery plans, raising internal awareness, and conducting continuous training, in addition to collaborating with managed security service providers to keep systems updated and primed for any future threats.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the reason behind such a sharp rise in DDoS attacks in the region?
The reasons stem from attacks relying on sophisticated methods, targeting vital sectors, and the growth of digital services across GCC countries.
2. How does artificial intelligence contribute to enhancing cybersecurity?
It enables rapid breach detection, data analysis, and immediate action before attacks spread, thanks to predictive algorithms and machine learning.
3. Is quantum computing a real threat to current encryption?
Yes, future quantum computing devices may manage to break traditional encryptions, necessitating the adoption of post-quantum encryption technologies.
4. What is ransomware and how does it impact business?
Ransomware encrypts an organization’s data and demands a ransom for its recovery, disrupting operations and incurring financial losses and reputational damage.
5. How can organizations transition toward cyber autonomy?
By investing in advanced AI systems, training personnel to manage these systems, and integrating security solutions to allow immediate responses to attacks.
6. What is meant by Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)?
It is a methodology for managing and monitoring cloud infrastructure configurations and security, aiming to proactively detect and remediate errors across multi-environments.
7. Is it sufficient to rely on fragmented cybersecurity solutions?
No, the optimal solution is a unified platform combining analytics, threat intelligence, and automation to handle attacks efficiently and prevent fragmented efforts.
8. What is the most important advice Help AG offers?
Focusing on building resilience and proactive planning, whether through data encryption, relying on artificial intelligence, or adopting managed security services.
