As-salamu alaykum - Time to rethink cyber safety as digital risks grow, say leaders in Dubai
As-salamu alaykum - I wanted to share a quick take from a session in Dubai where experts warned that cyber threats are getting worse and we need to act fast, especially for Muslim communities and countries that depend on critical infrastructure.
At the World Economic Forum meeting focused on future councils, leaders including Samir Saran (Observer Research Foundation), Kemba Eneas Walden (Paladin Global Institute), Joe Levy (Sophos) and Dario Leandro Genua (Argentina’s secretary of innovation) talked about how rising geopolitical tensions, AI-powered attacks, and tangled digital supply chains are changing the cyber landscape.
The Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook found 71% of respondents seeing more cyber risk because of geopolitical friction, faster AI use, and bigger supply-chain weaknesses.
Samir Saran pointed out that political tensions are pushing up demand for cyber capabilities and asked us to think carefully about who our adversary is and what they can do. He warned preparedness isn’t equal everywhere - even tech-advanced countries can be exposed - and gave an example comparing US and China vulnerabilities.
Kemba Walden said attackers are using AI faster than defenders can respond: “From my perspective, they are winning,” she said, noting attackers can act at speed and scale without worrying about the same risks defenders face. Her call: defenders must pick up the pace.
A recent report showed AI-related breaches hit about 16,200 incidents up to September 2025 - a 49% jump year on year - and the Middle East saw roughly a 31% rise in AI-assisted espionage and attacks, often aimed at oil and energy systems. That’s a big concern for many Muslim-majority countries.
Joe Levy reminded everyone that basic cybersecurity hygiene still matters most. He urged organisations to focus on the fundamentals, practice incident response, and not rely just on cyber insurance.
Dario Genua said cybersecurity touches everyone and everything, so cross-border and cross-sector coordination is essential. Argentina is building joint action plans and launching a cyber training arena to raise awareness and skills in both public and private sectors.
For us, this means protecting our mosques, hospitals, charities, energy and financial systems, and the data of our communities. Practical steps and regular training matter - and Insha’Allah, with better preparation and cooperation, we can reduce the risk.
May Allah keep our communities safe.
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