As the GCC countries continue to evolve into global digital hubs, the adoption of technologies such as 5G, AI, and IoT is accelerating rapidly. These advancements offer immense economic growth and innovation potential, but they also introduce new cybersecurity challenges. To explore how organizations in the Gulf region are addressing these challenges, CIO Middle East discussed with Sultan Mahmood Malik, Chief Security Officer at Huawei Gulf North, who shared insights into the latest cybersecurity trends and how Huawei is helping its clients secure these cutting-edge technologies while ensuring data privacy and regulatory compliance.
The introduction of 5G has been a game-changer for the region. Malik noted that 5G has been in the GCC for more than five years, enabling both carriers and industry customers to explore the possibilities of a truly digital world. “New technologies like AI and IoT are coming into play,” he said, underscoring how these innovations are driving transformation across sectors.
However, the increasing integration of AI and IoT into everyday operations also brings new risks, including the potential for cyberattacks on interconnected devices, data breaches, and vulnerabilities within complex networks. Securing these technologies is paramount in a region where digital infrastructure is critical to national development.
