Dubai, United Arab Emirates – As the holy month of Ramadan descends upon the Middle East, a different kind of shadow falls over the region – a surge in cyber threats targeting increased online activity and potentially depleted security resources.
While families gather for nightly prayers and festivities, cybercriminals see an opportunity. “Ramadan presents a perfect storm,” says Dr. Karim Hassan, a cybersecurity expert at the American University of Sharjah. “Reduced staffing in security teams due to shortened work hours coincides with a spike in online shopping and charitable donations, making users more susceptible to scams.”
Endpoint protection firm Resecurity paints a concerning picture. They report a “significant increase in cyber malevolence” during this year’s Ramadan, estimating financial losses from cyberattacks and scams in the Middle East to already reach a staggering $100 million.
“Fraudulent campaigns are rife,” explains Resecurity’s CEO, Nadia Alsalloum. “Phishing emails disguised as greetings or donation requests can easily trick people into revealing personal information or clicking on malicious links.”
The tactics go beyond traditional phishing. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, aimed at overwhelming websites and online services, can disrupt essential operations during peak Ramadan hours. Ransomware attacks, where hackers encrypt critical data and demand payment for its release, pose a significant threat to businesses with potentially limited IT support during the holy month.
“Companies need to be extra vigilant,” warns Alsalloum. “Investing in robust cybersecurity measures, staff training, and maintaining full operation during Ramadan weekends is crucial.”
Governments across the region are also taking action. The Saudi Arabia National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) recently issued a public advisory urging citizens to be cautious online and report suspicious activity.
“Ramadan is a time for reflection and peace,” says NCA spokesperson, Omar Khalid. “We must work together to ensure this sacred period is not marred by cybercrime.”
With heightened awareness and proactive measures, the Middle East can navigate the digital landscape during Ramadan without falling prey to malicious actors.
