Dr. Khaled Walid Mahmoud
Cybersecurity is no longer merely a technical concern for IT departments in companies and universities; it has become a strategic issue affecting national security, economic stability, and the global geopolitical balance. As reliance on digital technologies grows, so do the threats targeting cyberspace. Cyberattacks have evolved into tools of influence among nations, means of economic extortion, and even instruments for destabilizing societies.
Today, cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting data or preventing breaches; it has become an open battlefield where economic and geopolitical interests intersect. The digital infrastructure of nations and major corporations has turned into a battleground for both traditional and emerging players—whether states, organized crime groups, or even individuals with the necessary technological tools to exploit cyber vulnerabilities. Adding to the complexity is the widening gap between defensive and offensive cyber capabilities, making attacks more sophisticated and harder to detect and contain.
In this context, the “Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025” report, prepared by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with Accenture, reveals a highly intricate reality. Geopolitical tensions intertwine with technological advancements, the divide between large and small institutions widens, and AI-driven cyberattacks escalate amid an inconsistent regulatory environment that complicates efforts to counter these threats. The report not only outlines the risks but also highlights emerging trends that will reshape cybersecurity strategies, offering deep insights into how organizations and nations can adapt to this evolving landscape.
One of the most pressing challenges in cybersecurity today is the increasing disparity in resilience between large and small institutions. While major corporations have the financial and technological resources to bolster their cybersecurity defenses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often lack the necessary capabilities to keep pace with escalating threats, making them vulnerable entry points for attacks that can compromise entire supply chains.
Statistics indicate that 35% of SMEs consider their ability to counter cyberattacks inadequate, reflecting a growing gap compared to previous years. According to Market and Market, a leading market research firm, the global cybersecurity industry was valued at approximately $190.5 billion in 2023. Data from The Business Research Company shows that cybersecurity spending increased to $243.15 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $267 billion by the end of 2025. This rapid growth underscores the rising cyber threats and the increasing awareness of cybersecurity’s importance, prompting governments and corporations to ramp up their investments to safeguard digital infrastructure and ensure business continuity in an increasingly complex digital environment.
The World Economic Forum’s report also highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. AI presents a dual challenge—it serves as both a tool for strengthening cyber defenses and a powerful weapon in the hands of attackers.
With advancements in generative AI technologies, cyberattacks have become more sophisticated and precise, particularly in the areas of phishing and social engineering, which leverage deepfake techniques to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information. According to the report, 72% of organizations have witnessed a surge in cyberattacks, with ransomware continuing to dominate as a top threat. Attackers are increasingly leveraging AI to refine their infiltration and exploitation tactics, making countermeasures more complex and highlighting the need for advanced defensive strategies.
Geopolitical tensions play a crucial role in reshaping the cyber threat landscape. As global rivalries intensify, cybersecurity has become an unconventional battleground, with nations deploying cyberattacks for espionage, disrupting critical infrastructure, or even undermining rival economies. The World Economic Forum’s report highlights that 60% of organizations have had to adjust their cybersecurity strategies in response to escalating geopolitical tensions, placing greater emphasis on building more resilient and adaptive defense mechanisms in an increasingly volatile environment.
The complexity of the cybersecurity landscape necessitates rethinking traditional security approaches. As threats grow in sophistication and the gap between defensive and offensive capabilities widens, passive security measures are no longer sufficient. Cybersecurity now requires dynamic strategies that align with technological and geopolitical shifts.
In this context, AI emerges as a crucial factor—not only in enhancing defense mechanisms but also in escalating threats, fueling an ongoing arms race between attackers and defenders. Furthermore, the cross-border nature of cyber threats presents additional challenges, as the lack of effective coordination between nations and organizations makes it difficult to contain risks before they escalate into large-scale crises.
However, the increasing reliance on cyber simulation and training environments reflects a growing awareness of the importance of preemptively testing attack scenarios. This shift signifies the transformation of cybersecurity from a reactive approach to a continuous, interactive process that demands foresight and adaptability to ever-evolving threats.
Amid this complex landscape, a key question arises: where do Arab nations stand in the cybersecurity equation? Despite the significant challenges facing the Arab world in this field, there are reasons for optimism. Many Arab countries, particularly in the Gulf region, have successfully positioned themselves as key players in cybersecurity, achieving high rankings in global indices. These advancements stem from substantial investments in digital infrastructure and enhanced security frameworks. Recognizing that cybersecurity is no longer merely a technical concern but an integral part of their national strategies for economic and sovereign protection, these nations have worked to build advanced defensive capabilities and adapt to evolving threats.
Nevertheless, the greatest challenge lies in developing dynamic security ecosystems that can respond to the rapidly changing cyber landscape—a space where conflicts extend beyond technical dimensions into political, economic, and geostrategic considerations.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, cybersecurity will not merely be a technological arms race but a test of institutions’ and nations’ ability to withstand an era in which security and power dynamics are being redefined.
- The writer is a researcher specializing in cyber politics, holding a PhD on the topic of “Cyberspace and Power Shifts in International Relations.”
The writer is a researcher specializing in cyber politics, holding a PhD on the topic of “Cyberspace and Power Shifts in International Relations.”
