Gartner Reveals Critical Cybersecurity Trends for MENA in 2024
End-user spending on security and risk management in the MENA region is projected to surge to US$3.3 billion in 2024, marking a 12.1 percent increase from the previous year, according to a recent forecast by Gartner, Inc.
Shailendra Upadhyay, Senior Research Principal at Gartner, highlighted the substantial impact of the rapid growth of GenAI on the expanding threat landscape. The evolving regulatory environment and the alarming frequency of cyberattacks are compelling SRM leaders to boost their spending on security measures. Organisations defences by adopting advanced technologies and security solutions, enabling them to proactively identify potential vulnerabilities or malicious activities across various digital platforms.
Discussed ways to enhance the flexibility and responsiveness of SRM techniques and technology, Gartner analysts were actively participating in the Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit which took place in Dubai.
In 2024, spending on data privacy in MENA is expected to experience the highest growth rate among all segments, surging by 24 percent year-over-year. This growth is attributed to the implementation of data protection laws by the GCC, aligning with the European Union's GDPR. These laws necessitate MENA organisations to uphold higher standards of data privacy and cybersecurity measures, consequently driving an increase in spending on data privacy.
Cloud security spending is forecasted to witness a robust increase of 17.4 percent in 2024, representing the second-highest growth rate. The growing utilisation of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS is expected to propel spending on cloud security resources. The adoption of multi-cloud environments has led to increased security complexities, leading demand for cloud-based detection and response solutions, including endpoint detection and response and management tools.
Critical Cybersecurity Trends in 2024 for MENA CISOs:
Gartner predicts that the mainstream adoption of GenAI will cause a spike in the cybersecurity resources required to secure it, resulting in more than a 15 percent incremental spend on application and data security by 2025. To effectively manage GenAI challenges and other external factors such as a shortage of security talent, growing regulatory concerns, and cloud technology adoption, CISOs are urged to prioritise two key cybersecurity trends.
1. Exploring the Potential and Perils of GenAI:
GenAI, exemplified by large language models like ChatGPT and Google Bard, is causing disruptions in digital and business sectors. Gartner emphasises the need for organisations to establish policies governing the use of GenAI applications and develop training modules to minimise unauthorised use, reducing the risks of privacy and copyright infringement.
2. Security Behaviour and Culture Programs:
The democratisation of GenAI poses security challenges due to unrestricted access by employees to powerful technical capabilities. Organisations are encouraged to implement SBCPs to minimise cybersecurity incidents associated with employee behaviour, whether inadvertent or deliberate. Jon Amato, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, emphasises the need for greater support and time commitments from senior executives to establish a shared vision of a secure enterprise.
As the MENA region navigates these cybersecurity challenges, the Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit serves as a crucial platform for industry leaders to plan and implement effective security measures.
