As Middle Eastern countries accelerate digital transformation through smart cities, AI adoption, and giga-projects, cybersecurity threats are evolving faster than defenses can keep up. In an exclusive interview with Abdul Ghaffar Setareh, Group Chief Risk Officer at Zain Group, he paints a stark picture of the region’s cyber battleground: AI-powered ransomware, 300 Gbps DDoS attacks, and hackers exploiting supply chain loopholes to target critical infrastructure.
“AI is no longer just a tool for innovation, it’s a weapon,” says Setareh. “Hackers now use generative AI to craft hyper-targeted phishing campaigns, spread disinformation, and even automate attacks on telecom networks.” Recent incidents, like a 300 Gbps DDoS assault that temporarily crippled a GCC country’s connectivity services, underscore the scale of the challenge. “We once thought 20 Gbps defences were sufficient. Now, attackers deploy 15 times that volume,” he adds.
The human factor remains equally critical. A widening cyber skills gap plagues the region, with ethical hackers and threat analysts in short supply. To counter this, Zain employs “ethical hackers” to scour the dark web for threats targeting the company or its customers. “Collaboration is non-negotiable,” Setareh emphasizes. “Partnerships are crucial in this ecosystem.”
