Middle East Firms Strengthen Cybersecurity by Prioritizing Employee Training

The UAE Cybersecurity Council has recently identified over 155,000 vulnerable assets within the country, signaling an alarming increase in cybersecurity risks across the Middle East. This rise in vulnerabilities is attributed to factors such as geopolitical tensions, increased migration, and the growing digital presence in the region. Alongside these risks, advanced cyber threats like ransomware are becoming more prevalent. In 2024, Saudi Arabia reported 11 ransomware incidents, an increase from 10 in 2023. Lebanon saw a rise from 2 to 7 incidents, while Oman reported 4 cases. These figures underscore the urgent need for robust cybersecurity education across the region.

Human error remains a significant contributor to cyberattacks. However, a recent PwC survey revealed that only 37% of organizations in the Middle East have implemented comprehensive training and awareness programs for their employees.

To address this gap, Acronis, a global leader in cybersecurity and data protection, has introduced the Acronis MSP Academy. This initiative focuses on empowering managed service providers (MSPs) with essential cybersecurity training. Acronis reports that partners who completed certification training under its program saw a 60% increase in revenue and a 40% reduction in incident resolution reports. These results highlight the value of training in improving cybersecurity resilience.

Launched in 2023, the Acronis MSP Academy offers specialized training in areas such as managed services, cybersecurity, and marketing, which are critical to meeting the region’s growing demands. “By completing these courses, MSPs in the region can enhance their cybersecurity expertise, deliver exceptional services to clients, and bolster their reputation in a rapidly evolving market,” says Ziad Nasr, General Manager of Acronis Middle East.

Looking ahead to 2025, emerging cyber threats such as deepfake technology and AI-generated phishing emails are expected to evolve. Cybercriminals may exploit vulnerabilities in digital communication by impersonating executives or government officials using deepfake audio or video. These sophisticated attacks are difficult to detect, making comprehensive training and awareness programs crucial for identifying and defending against such threats.