As-salamu alaykum - AI and Quantum Tech Are Fueling New Cyber Risks, Experts Warn
As-salamu alaykum - quick heads up for families and small businesses: experts speaking at a global forum in Dubai warned that cybercrime is getting a lot more dangerous thanks to AI and, soon, quantum computing.
They say the Gulf is an obvious target right now because of the money and activity coming into the region, and that means people, shops, mosques and institutions need to pay attention. One expert put it simply: we’re under constant attack now, whether as individuals, organisations or countries. So cybersecurity can’t be an afterthought - it needs to be part of how we act every day, insha'Allah.
This isn’t just about email scams anymore. Cyber threats are starting to hit the physical world too - think smart cars, robots, critical infrastructure and supply chains. Wherever we interact, our digital “surface” can be exposed. The point isn’t to scare people away from tech, but to be aware of the risks and take sensible steps.
There’s also worry about quantum computing. It might be a few years off for some uses, but experts warn it could one day break current encryption very fast. Some agencies are already saying organisations should prepare for quantum-capable attackers by about 2035, and a few think it might come sooner. Companies working in security say even the strongest today’s encryption could be vulnerable to future quantum attacks.
On the practical side, specialists recommend easy but effective measures: use a password manager, enable multi-factor authentication, and keep devices up to date. Those steps help a lot for personal protection. But they also stress that governments and policy-makers must share the load - we can’t expect individuals to carry all the responsibility.
There’s a diplomatic and law-enforcement side too. Criminal groups often operate from places where authorities have little control or look the other way. Many experts say it’s more effective to follow and disrupt the money flows behind attacks than just chasing the servers. International pressure and cooperation can make a difference in stopping groups that profit from cybercrime.
We’ve already seen hacking used in conflicts, and some countries run public campaigns to teach young people about online risks. One Ukrainian official noted that technology can be used for good or bad, and it’s on us to learn the right, ethical way to use it.
A simple analogy from a security leader was useful: there are no truly safe neighbourhoods on the internet. Assume you’re being watched or targeted. Protect your personal devices - they’re often the gateway to your banking and important accounts. If an offer or link looks too good to be true, it probably is. Pause and think before you click.
May Allah protect our families, businesses and communities from harm, and give us wisdom to use technology well, Ameen.
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