As the digital landscape continues its rapid evolution, the cybersecurity landscape in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) is poised for a dynamic and potentially turbulent year in 2024. Leading industry experts warn of a surge in sophisticated attacks exploiting vulnerabilities in cloud infrastructure, the weaponization of disinformation, and the growing threat of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cybercrime.
“Cloud services are becoming prime targets for attackers,” asserts Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa. “We expect to see successful attacks on both cloud providers and cloud-based applications, potentially leading to data breaches, intellectual property theft, and service disruptions.” The UK, Collard highlights, is likely to be particularly vulnerable due to its high level of cloud adoption.
“Disinformation campaigns are no longer just a political tool,” warns Peter Mackenzie, CEO of Cyderes, a leading cybersecurity consultancy. “We’ll see them used to launch attacks, distract defenders, and even fuel extortion schemes.” Mackenzie predicts a rise in “disinformation as a service” offerings on the dark web, further blurring the lines between legitimate information and malicious manipulation.
The increasing sophistication of AI presents both opportunities and challenges for cybersecurity. “AI can be a powerful tool for threat detection and response,” acknowledges Dr. Ihab Abu Gharbieh, a cybersecurity researcher at the University of Cape Town. “However, attackers are also exploring its potential, using AI to automate attacks and personalize phishing campaigns.” Abu Gharbieh stresses the need for responsible development and deployment of AI in cybersecurity to mitigate potential risks.
Amidst these evolving threats, experts emphasize the importance of collaboration. “We need to see increased information sharing between national and international agencies, as well as public-private partnerships,” urges Dr. Alia Al-Dhaheri, Head of Cybersecurity at the Dubai Electronic Security Centre. “By working together, we can better understand the evolving threat landscape and develop effective countermeasures.”
Cybersecurity spending in the EMEA region is expected to exceed $6.5 billion in 2024, according to IDC’s latest forecasts. “This increase reflects the growing awareness of the risks and the need for robust defenses,” says John Owen, Senior Analyst at IDC. Owen advises organizations to prioritize employee training, invest in threat intelligence, and adopt a proactive approach to security.
As the digital world expands, so too does the attack surface. While the future of cybersecurity in EMEA remains uncertain, one thing is clear: vigilance, collaboration, and continuous investment are crucial for navigating the storm clouds on the horizon.
