Page 29 - EngineerIT November 2022

CYBER SECURITY OPINION

Cyber security is foundational

for an economic recovery that

works for all

By Mohammed Amin, senior vice president, Middle East, Turkey and Africa for Dell Technologies

ith citizens, governments and businesses more dependent than ever on
digital connectivity, one of the most pressing sectoral issues for this decade
Wis cyber security.
While this issue has been in the public consciousness for some time now, there is
still a wide perception gap between organisational executives, who feel positively about
their cyber resilience, and security leaders who do not. The reality is that cyber crime
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is showing no signs of slowing down, posing risks across all aspects of society. In 2021,
ransomware attacks were up 150% and more than 80% of experts say this growth is
now threatening public safety. These statistics demonstrate the gravity and prevalence
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of cyber crime today. The question is, as we focus on global recovery and a new era of
economic growth, how do we protect against cyber threats?
In recent months we’ve seen an unprecedented policy focus on the threat of
cyber attacks and digital resilience, through prominence in WEF’s Global Risk Report
for 2022, and the G7 communique, that saw a formal agreement for governments
‘to work together to share expertise and minimise cyber risks’. In order to deliver on Mohammed Amin
globally ambitious designs of digital inclusion, sustainability, improved health outcomes,
defence, and much more for the economies of tomorrow, cyber resilience is a key the most economic progress. Helping
building block and enabler. these smaller organisations protect
The adverse financial impacts involved with cyber crime are seismic, and themselves against the ever-growing
unsustainable for economies to absorb long-term. It’s no secret that advanced cyber security threat must be a priority
technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and IoT are for public sector recovery strategists, in
the key building blocks for future progress, but perhaps ironically, it’s these same the months and years ahead.
technologies that can present new opportunities for cyber criminals. The ultimate
challenge will be securing such technologies and enabling more resilient, long-term Public to private sector
solutions to the threats posed by cyber criminals. Economic rebalancing will only be empowerment
equitable if these tools are accessible to all organisations and businesses. To make this It is now more important than ever that
vision a reality, the need for collaboration and support between the public and private public sector infrastructure empowers
sectors has never been more vital. business resilience to help identify,
protect, detect, respond, and recover
SME cyber support vital for wider economy from a cyber attack and enable a rapid
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of local economies return to fully functioning operations.
and yet are highly at risk. SMEs are seen as a key facet to trade and logistics; partner Even with strong cyber defences in place,
networks and digital ecosystems, however increasingly find themselves the target it’s impossible for companies to avoid
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of cyber attacks. Research shows that 43% of cyber attacks are made against small all cyber disasters and their resultant,
businesses, up from 18% just a few years ago. Significantly, recent WEF reports indicate adverse impacts upon data, privacy and
that 88% of respondents are concerned about the cyber resilience of SMEs in their trust.
ecosystem. Therefore, the key objective should
It is essential that we work to support and protect such businesses, particularly as be developing a cyber resilience strategy
we look to build more resilient, balanced societies. SMEs, unlike other businesses, often that can anticipate and quickly recover
require and are entitled to greater government support and nurturing. Governments from significant disruption. The real test
that recognise SMEs as integral to a truly flourishing society will empower and deliver should be how quickly and seamlessly

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