The Ghost in the Machine: AI and Disinformation Haunt Cybersecurity Leaders at Intersec 2025

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The inaugural CISO Business Briefing held as part of the esteemed Intersec 2025 security exhibition in Dubai, painted a stark picture of the evolving cybersecurity landscape. The event, attended by industry luminaries and government officials, focused on the growing threat of Agentic AI and the insidious spread of disinformation.

H.E Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE government, set the tone, emphasizing the critical need for organizations to adapt to the rapidly changing threat landscape. The spotlight then shifted to Faheem Siddiqui, Director of Information Security at Majid Al Futtaim Holding, who delved into the alarming rise of AI-powered disinformation.

Siddiqui highlighted the alarming capabilities of Agentic AI systems, which can autonomously generate sophisticated disinformation, including hyper-realistic deepfakes, fabricated news articles, and convincing impersonations. These AI-driven threats pose a significant risk to businesses, governments, and individuals alike, with the potential to manipulate public opinion, erode trust, and even incite violence.

He warned that the rise of AI-generated synthetic identities could render traditional authentication methods obsolete. By 2026, he predicted, AI-driven attacks could force 30% of enterprises to re-evaluate their entire security infrastructure. “Staying ahead of disinformation is a digital arms race,” Siddiqui declared, urging organizations to invest in robust AI governance frameworks and cutting-edge security tools capable of proactively detecting and mitigating these evolving threats.

The CISO Business Briefing underscored the need for a multi-faceted approach to cybersecurity. Addressing the challenges of disinformation requires a collaborative effort, involving not only IT security teams but also legal, public relations, finance, and human resources departments.

Beyond disinformation, the event explored other critical cybersecurity challenges, including the importance of proactive vulnerability assessments and the need for continuous security education and training.

Intersec 2025, now in its 26th year, provided a crucial platform for industry leaders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to the growing cybersecurity threats. The event holds particular significance for the UAE, which has emerged as a global hub for technology and innovation.

Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Al Kuwaiti, the UAE government has prioritized cybersecurity, investing heavily in cutting-edge technologies and establishing a robust regulatory framework. This commitment to digital resilience aligns with the nation’s broader ambitions to become a global leader in technology and innovation.

However, the challenges are significant. The UAE, like many other nations, faces a constant barrage of cyberattacks, ranging from sophisticated state-sponsored intrusions to ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure.

The rapid digitization of the UAE economy, with increased reliance on digital services across all sectors, has further amplified these risks. According to IDC, cybersecurity spending in the UAE is projected to exceed AED 4 billion in 2024, reflecting the growing awareness and urgency of the situation.

CISOs in the UAE, and indeed across the globe, face a daunting task. They must navigate a complex and ever-evolving threat landscape, balancing the need to protect critical assets with the demands of business agility and innovation. By embracing proactive security measures, fostering strong partnerships, and continuously adapting to the evolving threat landscape, organizations can hope to stay ahead of the curve in this ongoing battle for digital supremacy.