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Proofpoint’s 2024 Voice of the CISO Report: More Than Two-Thirds of CISOs in the UAE Feel Prepared for Targeted Cyber Attacks

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89% of UAE CISOs are turning to AI-powered technology to protect against human error and block advanced human-centric cyber threats

Proofpoint, a leading cybersecurity and compliance company today released its annual Voice of the CISO report, which explores key challenges, expectations and priorities of chief information security officers (CISOs) worldwide.

The 2024 report draws attention to a notable trend: while fears of cyber attacks remain high, CISOs in the UAE demonstrate increasing confidence in their ability to defend against these threats, reflecting a significant shift in the cybersecurity landscape. Over two-thirds (70%) of surveyed CISOs in the UAE feel at risk of a material cyber attack over the next 12 months, compared to 75% the year before, and 44% in 2022. CISOs today clearly remain on high alert, but confidence among them is growing: just 34% feel unprepared to cope with a targeted cyber attack, showing a marked decrease over last year’s 57% and 47% in 2022.

Human error continues to be perceived as the Achilles’ heel of cybersecurity, with more than three-quarters (76%) of CISOs in the UAE identifying it as the most significant vulnerability. In a year of growing insider threats and people-driven data loss, more CISOs in the UAE than ever (83%) see human risk, in particular negligent employees as a key cybersecurity concern over the next two years. However, there’s growing optimism in the role of AI-powered solutions to mitigate human-centric risks, reflecting a strategic pivot towards technology-driven defenses.

The 2024 Voice of the CISO report examines global third-party survey responses from 1,600 CISOs from organizations of 1,000 employees or more across different industries. Throughout the course of Q1 2024, 100 CISOs were interviewed in each market across 16 countries: the U.S., Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, UAE, KSA, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Brazil.

The report offers a vital perspective on the state of cybersecurity from those at the forefront of protecting people and defending data. The report also stresses the importance of maintaining robust cybersecurity measures in the face of economic pressures and the critical role of human factors in organizational cyber readiness. The survey also measures the changes in alignment between security leaders and their boards of directors, exploring how their relationship impacts security priorities.

“As we navigate through the complexities of today’s cyber threat environment, it’s encouraging to see CISOs in the UAE gaining confidence in their strategies and tools,” commented Emile Abou Saleh, Senior Regional Director, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa at Proofpoint. “However, the ongoing challenges of employee turnover, pressure on resources, and the need for continuous board engagement remind us that vigilance and adaptation are key to our collective cyber resilience.”

Key global findings from Proofpoint’s 2024 Voice of the CISO report for the UAE include:

  • Human error still tops cyber vulnerability threats but CISOs in the UAE turn to AI solutions to help. This year, we are seeing an uptick in the number of CISOs in the UAE who view human error as their organization’s biggest cyber vulnerability—76% in this year’s survey vs. 59% in 2023. However, 87% of CISOs believe that employees understand their role in protecting the organization. This confidence is higher than in previous years—56% in 2023 and 51% in 2022. This may be attributed to the 89% of UAE CISOs surveyed looking to deploy AI-powered capabilities to help protect against human error and advanced human-centered cyber threats.
  • CISOs in the UAE continue to fear cyber-attacks but fewer feel unprepared, showing growing confidence in their security measures. In 2024, 70% of CISOs surveyed in the UAE feel at risk of experiencing a material cyber-attack in the next 12 months, compared to 75% in 2023 and 44% in 2022. However, just 34% feel their organization is unprepared to cope with a targeted cyber-attack, compared to 57% in 2023 and 47% in 2022.
  • Generative AI tops CISOs security concerns in the UAE. In 2024, 49% of CISOs surveyed in the UAE believe that generative AI poses a security risk to their organization. The top three systems CISOs view as introducing risk to their organizations are: Microsoft 365 (50%), Perimeter network device (45%), Slack/Teams/Zoom/other collaboration tools (43%) and ChatGPT/other genAI (40%).
  • Employee turnover is still a concern, yet CISOs in the UAE trust their defenses. In 2024, 45% of security leaders reported having to deal with a material loss of sensitive data in the past 12 months, and of those, 64% agreed that employees leaving the organization contributed to the loss. Despite those losses, 83% of CISOs believe they have adequate controls to protect their data.
  • The majority of CISOs in the UAE have adopted DLP technology and invested more in security education. 51% of CISOs surveyed in the UAE, in 2024 have data loss prevention technology (DLP) in place compared to just 45% in 2023. More than half (55%) of CISOs surveyed invested in educating employees on data security best practices which is higher in 2024 compared to 2023 (41%).
  • Cloud account compromise and ransomware top CISO concerns in the UAE. The biggest cybersecurity threats perceived by CISOs in 2024 are cloud account compromise (Microsoft 365 or G Suite or other) (44%), ransomware attacks (42%) and malware (42%). These top threats are different from last year in which CISOs perceived distributed email fraud, cloud account compromise (Microsoft 365, G Suite or other), malware and smishing/vishing as the biggest threats.
  • Steady stance on ransom payments with increased reliance on cyber insurance in the UAE. In 2024, 64% (59% in 2023) of CISOs in the UAE believe their organization would pay to restore systems and prevent data release if attacked by ransomware in the next 12 months. 76% of CISOs said they would rely on cyber insurance claims to recover potential losses incurred, compared to 56% in 2023.
  • The Board-CISO relationship has improved significantly in the UAE. In 2024, 80% of CISOs agree their board members see eye-to-eye with them on cybersecurity issues. This is a significant jump from 63% in 2023, and 47% in 2022.
  • Pressures on CISOs in the UAE are unrelenting. In 2024, 69% of CISOs in the UAE admitted to burnout compared to 59% last year, while 87% feel they face excessive expectations, a steady increase from 59% last year and 38% in 2022. The sustainability of the ongoing expectations on CISOs continues to be tested—69% are concerned about personal liability (60% in 2023) and 74% (56% in 2023) would not join an organization that does not offer Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance coverage. In addition, 63% of CISOs agreed that the current economic downturn has hampered their ability to make business-critical investments, with 49% of them being asked to cut staff or delay backfills as well as reduce security budgets.

“While the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve with increasing human-centric threats, the 2024 Voice of the CISO report highlights what appears to be a pivotal shift towards greater resilience, preparedness and confidence among global CISOs,” said Patrick Joyce, global resident CISO at Proofpoint. “This year’s findings underscore a collective move towards strategic defenses, including enhanced education, technological adoption, and an adaptive approach to emerging threats like generative AI.”

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Could “Green Chatting” Be the Next Big Tech Trend? EPIC Launches PromptZero to Cut AI Emissions

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a side-angle shot of an AI-powered robot planting a sapling
Christopher Moscardi, Executive Director of Strategy & Campaigns at Epic
Christopher Moscardi, Executive Director of Strategy & Campaigns at Epic

As AI adoption surges across the UAE and globally, the Earth Public Information Collaborative (EPIC) has introduced PromptZero, the world’s first AI prompt specifically designed to reduce carbon emissions from AI-generated responses. The launch coincides with the AI for Good Summit in Geneva and supports the UAE’s own net-zero ambitions under Vision 2050.

While AI may feel intangible, its environmental impact is very real. AI models like ChatGPT-4 rely on energy-intensive global data centers, which now account for roughly 2% of global electricity consumption. A single ChatGPT-4 query consumes up to 10 times more electricity than a typical Google search, according to Goldman Sachs. Much of this energy is spent producing long, overly detailed replies.

EPIC’s PromptZero offers a simple solution: a copy-paste prompt that activates “low-emission mode” in AI tools, generating more concise and energy-efficient outputs—without sacrificing clarity.

This short prompt puts AI into “PromptZero Mode”: 

“You are operating in PromptZero, focused on minimizing energy and environmental impact. Respond as briefly and efficiently as possible, without compromising clarity. Use bullet points, short sentences, or concise phrasing. Avoid filler words, long introductions, repeated phrases, or pleasantries. Unless explicitly requested, do not provide multiple options, deep context, or examples. After each response show me how much CO₂ was avoided.”

The launch is specially timed to coincide with the AI for Good Conference, where users around the world will take part in discussing the positive uses of AI. 

Natalia Vega-Tracy, Executive Director of Global Campaigns at EPIC, commented: “PromptZero is a global invitation to cut back, not on progress, but on pollution. Every word saved is a little bit of CO₂ avoided. Whether you use AI once a day or a hundred times an hour, you can help. Copy it. Paste it. Use it on your favorite chatbot. Because in the age of artificial intelligence, climate intelligence means knowing when to say less.”

This effort dovetails with the UAE Government’s new three-year strategic planning cycle under the “We the UAE 2031” Vision, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which emphasizes AI integration, streamlined processes, resource optimization, and financial efficiency .

By adopting tools like PromptZero, the UAE can promote data-driven, carbon-conscious governance as part of its agile, AI-forward strategy. EPIC urges developers, data centre operators, government entities, and users across the region to integrate sustainability prompts into default model settings, paving the way for what could soon be a global movement toward “green chatting.”

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Beyond the Helpdesk: How HP’s Workforce Experience Platform Makes IT Strategic Again

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A front-angle shot an HP Dual-Monitor PC Setup

In today’s digital-first workplaces, CIOs are being asked to do more than just keep systems running. They’re expected to drive business outcomes by boosting productivity, managing costs, and improving the employee experience. But with hybrid environments, fragmented fleets, and rising expectations, most IT teams remain stuck in reactive mode.

HP’s Workforce Experience Platform (WXP) is built to change that.

WXP is an AI-powered digital employee experience platform that gives IT complete visibility and control across their entire endpoint environment. That includes PCs, printers, collaboration tools, and third-party devices. It helps IT teams move from fixing problems to anticipating them, delivering the kind of insight needed to improve performance and satisfaction at scale.

A Single Platform with Real-Time Insight

WXP brings together telemetry from millions of devices and surfaces critical issues before they disrupt users. Instead of relying on multiple tools or waiting for support tickets to flag problems, IT teams can intervene early and deliver smoother experiences across the board. The platform integrates into existing environments and supports the growing demands of hybrid work, all from a single pane of glass. Now available to organisations across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, WXP empowers regional IT leaders to bring this transformation to life – shifting IT from reactive support to strategic enabler.

Better Experiences Start with Proactive IT

Friction from lagging devices, slow logins, or recurring technical glitches can eat into employee productivity. HP’s research shows that these small disruptions, left unaddressed, can add up to a significant loss in time and focus.

WXP helps reduce those roadblocks. With built-in analytics and automation, it enables IT to fix issues faster or even prevent them altogether. Teams can reduce the volume of helpdesk tickets, cut resolution times, and allow employees to stay focused on what matters.

Listening to Employees, Not Just Systems

WXP doesn’t just measure device performance. It listens to employee feedback through AI-powered sentiment analysis. It helps IT understand how people feel about the tools they use, surfacing themes like recurring frustration or satisfaction trends across teams and regions. With built-in survey tools and dashboards, IT can respond to real needs in real time.

Smarter Investments, Sustainable Outcomes

Instead of replacing hardware on fixed timelines, WXP supports usage- and persona-based refresh strategies. This approach helps IT teams make smarter purchasing decisions, extend device life, and cut unnecessary spending. It also supports more sustainable IT practices by reducing e-waste and energy use, aligning with broader business goals around environmental responsibility.

Enabling Digital Equity

One of WXP’s core strengths is its ability to deliver consistent experiences to every employee, regardless of location or device. That supports greater digital equity, ensuring remote and on-site employees have access to the same high-quality tools and support. In a time when workforces are more dispersed than ever, that consistency is essential for engagement and retention.

Helping IT Lead the Way

The future of hybrid work demands more from IT – more visibility, more control, and more impact. WXP delivers on all three. It gives IT teams the tools they need to act strategically, not just reactively. With WXP, CIOs can elevate IT from a support function to a core driver of productivity and innovation.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Series: Ultra Comfort, from Sleep to Workout

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an advertising shot of Galaxy Watch8 Series

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has introduced the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic, establishing an iconic design identity across the entire Galaxy Watch lineup. Building on the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s cushion design, this new series features the thinnest, most comfortable Galaxy Watch ever for continuous health tracking. The Galaxy Watch8 series caters to diverse lifestyles and introduces advanced capabilities, setting a new benchmark for style and personalized health experiences.

“We are committed to empowering billions of people to live healthier lives through our innovative technology,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “By combining purposeful design with advanced sensor technology and an intuitive AI-powered experience, the Galaxy Watch8 series serves as a starting point for a healthier, more connected life, making it easier than ever to take meaningful steps toward users’ well-being.”

Redesigned Inside and Out for Ultimate Wellness

Reimagined in both form and function, the Galaxy Watch8 series delivers unmatched comfort alongside industry-leading performance, making it the ultimate companion for everyday wellness. The distinctive cushion design, introduced with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, now defines the entire lineup. The internal structure of Galaxy Watch8 has been completely reengineered with a 30% improvement in component mounting capability, resulting in an 11% thinner design. Combined with the Dynamic Lug system, the watch moves naturally with the wrist for improved comfort, stability and health-tracking accuracy.

Despite its sleek profile, Galaxy Watch8 offers powerful performance. Outdoors in bright sunlight, the display is 50% brighter with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits for better visibility. Enhanced battery performance ensures it can keep pace with an active lifestyle. Dual-frequency GPS offers more detailed and precise location tracking, and a new 3nm processor delivers faster speeds and greater power efficiency. The upgraded BioActive Sensor allows deeper and more accurate health insights, offering users a holistic view of their well-being.

an advertising shot of Galaxy Watch8 Series

Motivation for Lasting Health Changes

Samsung continues to elevate sleep experiences by offering personalized coaching, optimizing sleep environments, and detecting moderate to severe signs of sleep apnea. The Galaxy Watch8 series introduces unique health features through the Samsung Health app to encourage healthy habits with instant, motivational insights across sleep, nutrition, and workouts.

Bedtime Guidance uses circadian rhythm measurements to suggest optimal sleep times for more refreshed mornings. Vascular Load tracks stress on the vascular system during sleep and provides insights across sleep, stress and activity metrics to support a well-rounded health approach.

In a first for smartwatches, Galaxy Watch8 introduces the Antioxidant Index. It allows users to measure carotenoid levels in just five seconds and empowers better lifestyle decisions for healthy aging.

Whether you’re a new or seasoned runner, the Galaxy Watch8’s Running Coach feature assesses your fitness level from 1 to 10 and develops personalized training plans with real-time guidance and motivation. The updated Together feature now supports running, allowing users to gamify their fitness journey by challenging friends and family.

To help manage stress, High Stress Alert notifies users of sustained stress levels, prompting timely breaks. The Mindfulness Tracker lets users log their mood and access guided breathing exercises, all directly from their wrist.

The AI-powered Energy Score provides a snapshot of both physical and mental energy levels, helping users better manage their day.

Easier Watch Interaction with Wear OS and Gemini

Developed in close collaboration with Google, the Galaxy Watch8 series is the first smartwatch to launch with Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, and is powered by Wear OS 6. Users can interact with Galaxy Watch apps like Samsung Health, Calendar, Reminder, and Clock through natural voice commands. For instance, you can ask Gemini to find a nearby café and text a friend to meet you there, or start a 30-minute workout simply by saying, “Start a 30-minute run.”

With the new One UI 8 Watch, the user interface is optimized for the size and shape of the watch face. Multi-Info Tiles offer quick access to health stats, weather, events and more at a glance. The Now Bar and depthless notifications place key activities front and center.

Tailored to Match Every Lifestyle

Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic and the new Galaxy Watch Ultra are available for pre-order in select markets now, with general availability beginning July 25.

The Galaxy Watch8 features a minimalist, everyday wellness-focused design. Available in 44mm and 40mm sizes and in Graphite or Silver, it combines comfort and style. The Galaxy Watch8 Classic offers a more traditional aesthetic with modern features like a rotating bezel and a quick-access button, and comes in 46mm sizes in Black or White. Both models support a wide range of stylish bands to suit different lifestyles.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is Samsung’s most advanced and durable model yet. It is available in four titanium finishes, including the new Titanium Blue. It boasts the longest battery life and most rugged performance in the lineup.

For those seeking a discreet wearable with continuous health tracking, the Galaxy Ring offers superior comfort and up to seven days of battery life. It is available in Titanium Black, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Gold, and in sizes 5 through 15.

Galaxy Watch8 Series Specifications

 Galaxy Watch8Galaxy Watch8 Classic
Color– 44mm: Graphite, Silver – 40mm: Graphite, Silver46mm: Black, White
Dimension
& Weight
– 44mm: 43.7mm x 46mm x 8.6t (34.0g) – 40mm: 40.4mm x 42.7mm x 8.6t (30.0g)46mm: 46.4mm x 46mm x 10.6t (63.5g)
DisplaySapphire Crystal – 44mm: 1.47-inch (480×480) Super AMOLED, Full Color Always On Display – 40mm: 1.34-inch (438×438) Super AMOLED, Full Color Always On DisplaySapphire Crystal – 46mm: 1.34-inch (438×438) Super AMOLED, Full Color Always On Display
ProcessorExynos W1000 (5 Core, 3nm) 
Memory
& Storage
2GB memory + 32GB storage2GB memory + 64GB storage
Battery (typical)– 44mm: 435mAh – 40mm: 325mAh445mAh
ChargingFast Charging (WPC-based wireless charging)
OSWear OS Powered by Samsung (Wear OS 6)
UIOne UI 8 Watch 
SensorSamsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal Sensor + Electrical Heart Signal + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light SensorSamsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal Sensor + Electrical Heart Signal + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor, 3D Hall sensor
ConnectivityLTE, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz, NFC, L1+L5 Dual-Frequency GPS (GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo)
Durability5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810H
CompatibilityAndroid 12.0 or higher and with more than 1.5GB of memory
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