Help AG’s State of the Market Report 2024

Help AG has launched its 2024 State of the Market Report, focusing exclusively on cybersecurity in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. For the fourth year running, it offers comprehensive insights into threats, trends, and emerging technologies, alongside analyses of notable breaches and best practices. The report also covers investment trends and provides targeted insights into key markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, serving as a crucial resource for those in the regional cybersecurity landscape.

KEY INVESTMENT TRENDS

The report underscores cybersecurity investment trends in the GCC, highlighting top areas and market directions.

In 2023, Help AG saw a notable rise in cyber defense investments, driven by ongoing digital transformation. Cybersecurity spending doubled, largely due to the surge in cybersecurity-as-a-service models. Managed cyber defense investment increased significantly, reflecting the growing complexity of digital threats. Cloud services, particularly “Everything as a Service” (EaaS), gained momentum, aligning with the broader adoption of cloud technology in cybersecurity. Additionally, Help AG continues to prioritize investments in people, processes, and technology, demonstrated by the expansion of their cyber defense centers in the UAE and Riyadh, ensuring strong client support and cyber resilience.

TOP CYBER THREATS

Top Digital Risks

In the 2024 State of the Market Report, Help AG underscores the increasing cyber threat landscape in the UAE. DDoS incidents surged by 42% in 2023, with over 213,000 recorded cases, including the largest global attack targeting the UAE. Notable risks include prevalent issues like credential theft (49%) and brand abuse (39%), alongside rising threats such as ransomware, double extortion, and sophisticated phishing tactics. Major vulnerabilities stemmed from human factors, misconfiguration of default credentials, missing patches, cloud security weaknesses, and domain controller vulnerabilities.

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN 2024 & BEYOND

Cyber Defense: AI, Automation, Integration, & Human Intelligence

The report stresses automation and integration as key cybersecurity priorities for 2024 and beyond, noting their efficiency-boosting role. Help AG’s automation efforts have streamlined incident management, allowing a sharper focus on critical tasks like threat detection. Additionally, it explores AI-driven cyber defense and highlights the need to complement human expertise. Despite ongoing industry investment, there’s a shortage of skilled professionals, with Generation Z viewed as a promising solution due to their tech proficiency. Help AG’s MSS Graduate Program aims to address this gap by providing intensive training to young talents, preparing them for cybersecurity roles.

Identity & Data Protection

The report emphasizes the necessity of embracing Identity Security Immunity principles and a comprehensive data protection strategy amidst the rapid expansion of digital transformation and heightened threats to identity and data. Identity Fabric Immunity promotes proactive defense and seamless integration, revolutionizing organizational security, while a holistic data protection strategy integrates governance, cybersecurity, and data privacy to address complex challenges.

Application Security

In the evolving digital landscape, application security (AppSec) is crucial as organizations increasingly rely on a mix of in-house software, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products, open-source projects, and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions. Securing modern applications requires a proactive and collaborative approach, prioritizing security from the earliest stages of development through ongoing management.

OT & IoT Security

For operational technology (OT) and internet-of-things (IoT) environments, a multifaceted approach tailored to industrial networks and devices is crucial. Advanced security solutions and robust cybersecurity policies help mitigate risks and safeguard critical infrastructure.

Zero Trust Secure Access Service Edge

Embracing Zero Trust Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is becoming imperative in the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Combining flexibility with zero-trust principles, SASE offers a robust framework for the digital age, providing tangible benefits such as cost savings, enhanced security, improved productivity, and adaptability to rapid changes.

Stephan Berner, Chief Executive Officer at Help AG, said: “In an era where the threat landscape is constantly evolving, organizations must harness the power of “Intelligence Amplified” to stay ahead. In Help AG’s State of the Market Report, we recognize that while AI-driven technology is crucial, it is the talent and culture within an organization that truly set it apart. By fostering an environment where talent is nurtured and valued, organizations can leverage their unique human capital to create resilient, adaptive defenses against cyber threats.”