Mobile Security: The blind spot in CISO agendas for 2025
Yet, in a recent report highlighting top CISO priorities for 2025, one critical consideration was noticeably absent: mobile security.
The GCC is among the world's most advanced mobile-first markets. Over 95% of the population is online—compared to the global average of 63%—and rapid 5G deployment is accelerating mobile adoption at an unprecedented pace. The boom in e-commerce, fintech, and digital government services is driving mobile-first behaviors, particularly among the region's young, digitally native population.
For enterprises, this mobile-first environment offers immense opportunity—and a growing risk. Mobile apps today serve as the primary interface for customers, employees, and operations—from field services to CRM. Looking ahead, mobile will evolve from a productivity tool into a fully integrated, AI-powered enterprise platform. In fact, enterprises are expected to triple their adoption of AIOps in 2025, leveraging mobile platforms for context-aware automation, real-time threat detection, and self-healing capabilities. As mobile becomes the default interface, we'll also see deeper integrations with edge computing, biometrics, and decentralized identity systems.
The risks of a fragmented approach
Despite its strategic importance, mobile security often remains fragmented. App development typically sits within product or business units, while security oversight is led by central IT teams. This can result in inconsistent standards, limited visibility, and competing priorities. Add to that the growing reliance on third-party SDKs, APIs, and open-source code, and enterprises face a landscape riddled with potential vulnerabilities.
The consequences are no longer hypothetical. Industry research shows that 31% of zero-day exploits now target mobile platforms, and 20% of enterprise mobile devices have experienced network-based attacks. In the GCC, 42% of organizations have detected unauthorized mobile apps accessing internal data—often flying under the radar of security tools designed for desktop or web environments.
Small and mid-sized businesses face an even steeper challenge. Many lack the resources to manage mobile threats proactively. According to Accenture's Cost of Cybercrime Study, 40% of SMBs experience eight or more hours of downtime after a mobile breach, yet only 14% feel adequately prepared. These are not just operational hiccups—they translate to lost revenue, reputational damage, regulatory fines, and in critical sectors like healthcare or banking, service disruption.
Regulation is catching up
Governments across the GCC are responding with increasingly robust regulatory frameworks. In the UAE, the country's Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) includes provisions that apply directly to mobile-based data collection and processing. Similarly, Saudi Arabia's National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) has outlined mobile-specific guidelines within its Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC), including secure configurations, access controls, and continuous monitoring. These frameworks mark an important shift prove that mobile is no longer viewed as a secondary channel; it is now treated as a core component of digital infrastructure, subject to the same expectations around data protection, availability, and accountability.
For CISOs, this means mobile security can no longer be managed through piecemeal tools or occasional audits. It requires a lifecycle-based approach that includes secure development practices, continuous testing, runtime monitoring, and integrated compliance reporting.
Building mobile resilience
At Appknox, we've seen firsthand how organisations can elevate their mobile security posture with the right tools and mindset. Our platform is purpose-built for mobile environments, delivering real-time vulnerability detection, automated compliance checks, and continuous monitoring – without slowing down development cycles. By integrating into DevSecOps workflows, we help enterprises cut security testing time by up to 40% and reduce operational overhead by as much as 30%.
But beyond tooling, what's most critical is a mindset shift. CISOs must expand their definition of core infrastructure to fully include mobile. That means evaluating mobile risk at the same level as network, cloud, and endpoint systems, and ensuring that security extends across the entire mobile ecosystem, from development to post-deployment.
As the region's digital economy continues to evolve, mobile platforms will increasingly define customer experience, operational agility, and enterprise resilience. The organizations that lead in mobile security will not only reduce risk. They'll be best positioned to scale with confidence, comply with certainty, and innovate without hesitation.
This Op-ed is authored by Harshit Agarwal, Managing Director and Co-founder, Appknox.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
UAE Moments
5 hours ago
- UAE Moments
Kuwait Grants Visa-on-Arrival Access to All GCC Foreign Residents
In a major policy shift aimed at boosting tourism and regional mobility, Kuwait has announced that all foreigners residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are now eligible for a tourist visa on arrival at all entry points. The decision, issued Sunday by Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah and published in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm, takes immediate effect. The new visa will be valid for 90 days and is open to residents of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain, provided their GCC residency permit is valid for at least six months. This move replaces 2008 regulations that limited visa-on-arrival eligibility to specific professional categories such as doctors, engineers, judges, and executives. With the change, more than 25 million foreign residents in the GCC can now visit Kuwait with ease. Kuwait has long allowed nationals from many European, North American, select Latin American, and major Asian countries—including China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore—to obtain visas on arrival. The announcement is part of a wider effort over the past 15 months to ease visa restrictions for foreigners. The country has relaxed family visit rules, enabling expatriates to bring close relatives such as spouses, children, and parents for up to one month. It has also simplified procedures for hotels to sponsor visitors and for companies to secure business visas for foreign partners. The reform is expected to significantly boost tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange within the Gulf, positioning Kuwait as a more open and accessible destination in the region.
The National
6 hours ago
- The National
Jordan hosting Syrian-US meeting on postwar reconstruction
Jordan will host a meeting featuring top US, Syrian and Jordanian officials on Tuesday, exploring ways to support Syria's post-war reconstruction, said the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting comes as Damascus seeks international investment to revive its economy, which has been devastated by nearly 14 years of conflict. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani and US special envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack are expected to attend the talks, which will focus on facilitating reconstruction efforts and securing foreign investment for rebuilding Syria's infrastructure and economy. The meeting will 'discuss the situation in Syria and ways to support the process of rebuilding Syria on foundations that ensure its security, stability, and sovereignty, meet the aspirations of its brotherly people, and preserve the rights of all Syrians,' the Jordanian Foreign Ministry said. It also follows a meeting hosted by Amman last month 'to address the consolidation of the ceasefire in the Sweida governorate in southern Syria', it added. Mr Barrack said on X that the commitment to Syria's reconstruction efforts 'underscores our collective determination to move towards a future in which Syria and all of its people can live in peace, security, and prosperity'. The meeting is seen as part of a broader diplomatic push to support Syria's reconstruction efforts. Amman has increasingly engaged with Damascus as part of regional efforts to stabilise the situation and encourage international investment. The announcement follows a significant development in Syria's efforts to attract international funding. Last week, Damascus signed 12 major agreements valued at $14 billion, including a $4 billion deal with Qatar's UCC Holding to build a new airport and a $2 billion agreement with the UAE's National Investment Corporation to construct a subway in Damascus. These projects are seen as crucial for Syria's economic recovery and are expected to bring transformative changes to the country's infrastructure. Talal Al Hilali, head of the Syrian Investment Authority, said the projects 'will extend across Syria and represent a qualitative shift in infrastructure and economic life'. Mr Al Sharaa and Mr Barrack were present at the signing ceremony, reported the official Syrian news agency Sana. Foreign investment in Syria was enabled by US President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions imposed during Mr Al Assad's rule. The EU followed soon afterwards. Syria's economy remains severely damaged after years of conflict. Former president Bashar Al Assad was ousted in December. The country is still grappling with the effects of sectarian violence, most recently in the southern province of Sweida, where nearly 1,500 people were killed in after fighting broke out between tribesmen and Druze militias. The UN has estimated that Syria's postwar reconstruction will cost more than $400 billion. Several agreements have already been announced. Last month, Saudi Arabia signed major investment and partnership deals with Syria, valued at $6.4 billion. Specs Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE) Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman) Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman) On sale: Now Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman) What the law says Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East. 'Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,' she explains. 'Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer's discretion and require approval.' If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds. The Light of the Moon Director: Jessica M Thompson Starring: Stephanie Beatriz, Michael Stahl-David Three stars BMW M5 specs Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor Power: 727hp Torque: 1,000Nm Transmission: 8-speed auto Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km On sale: Now Price: From Dh650,000 Key facilities Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes Premier League-standard football pitch 400m Olympic running track NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium 600-seat auditorium Spaces for historical and cultural exploration An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad Specialist robotics and science laboratories AR and VR-enabled learning centres Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills Sly%20Cooper%20and%20the%20Thievius%20Raccoonus %3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sucker%20Punch%20Productions%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sony%20Computer%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%202%20to%205%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A Emergency phone numbers in the UAE Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111 Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre Emirates airline – 600555555 Etihad Airways – 600555666 Ambulance – 998 Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries Ferrari 12Cilindri specs Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 Power: 819hp Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm Price: From Dh1,700,000 Available: Now The five pillars of Islam 1. Fasting 2. Prayer 3. Hajj 4. Shahada 5. Zakat Volvo ES90 Specs Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW) Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region Price: Exact regional pricing TBA ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon For more information go to Safety 'top priority' for rival hyperloop company The chief operating officer of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Andres de Leon, said his company's hyperloop technology is 'ready' and safe. He said the company prioritised safety throughout its development and, last year, Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurance companies, announced it was ready to insure their technology. 'Our levitation, propulsion, and vacuum technology have all been developed [...] over several decades and have been deployed and tested at full scale,' he said in a statement to The National. 'Only once the system has been certified and approved will it move people,' he said. HyperloopTT has begun designing and engineering processes for its Abu Dhabi projects and hopes to break ground soon. With no delivery date yet announced, Mr de Leon said timelines had to be considered carefully, as government approval, permits, and regulations could create necessary delays. THE BIO Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car. Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder. Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity. Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It's great to just hang out with my husband and family. The specs Common to all models unless otherwise stated Engine: 4-cylinder 2-litre T-GDi 0-100kph: 5.3 seconds (Elantra); 5.5 seconds (Kona); 6.1 seconds (Veloster) Power: 276hp Torque: 392Nm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/ 8-Speed Dual Clutch FWD Price: TBC
Zawya
6 hours ago
- Zawya
Qatar maintains tourism growth in first half of 2025, achieving record visitor numbers
The tourism sector in Qatar continued its strong growth during the first half of 2025, welcoming more than 2.6 million international visitors between January and June, representing an increase of 3% compared to the same period last year. Visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries accounted for 36% of arrivals, followed by visitors from Europe at 26%, Asia and Oceania at 22%, and 7% each from the Americas and other Arab countries. These figures underscore Qatar's standing as a preferred destination in both regional and international markets. Qatar saw visitors arrive by air (57%), by land (33%), and by sea (9%), reflecting the success of the country's multi-access strategy that ensures ease and smooth entry for visitors from around the world. This growth coincided with solid performance in the hospitality sector, with hotels recording an average occupancy rate of 71%, an increase of 2 percentage points compared to the same period in 2024. A total of 5.23 million hotel nights were sold, marking a 7% rise from the first half of last year. Commenting on these achievements, His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, said:"The figures for the first half of 2025 confirm the success of our comprehensive strategy to strengthen Qatar's position on the global tourism map and to develop the tourism sector as a key pillar in diversifying the national economy, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. As part of our efforts, we will continue to deepen cooperation at local, regional and international levels, expand strategic partnerships, and participate in major global forums. We are confident that the second half of the year will deliver further achievements and wider successes, driven by an ambitious vision and integrated plans that ensure the tourism sector as a whole provides experiences that meet the expectations of residents, visitors and stakeholders." Earlier this year, Qatar Tourism announced that the tourism sector as a whole contributed QAR 55 billion to the country's GDP in 2024, accounting for an estimated 8% of the total economy, a 14% increase compared to 2023. This demonstrates clear progress towards the Tourism Strategy 2030 target of raising the sector's contribution to 10-12% of GDP. Qatar's strong tourism performance is the result of a robust strategy led by Qatar Tourism and supported by its promotional arm, Visit Qatar. Media Campaigns and Events In the first half of the year, Visit Qatar launched several regional and global media campaigns to attract visitors from key target markets. This included the recent "Moments Made for You" campaign, which highlights the range of experiences available during the summer season and invites visitors from GCC countries and beyond to discover Qatar. Visit Qatar also released a promotional film featuring English footballer David Beckham, showcasing the country's diverse tourism offerings, from heritage and culture to modern attractions and natural sites. Additionally, Visit Qatar expanded its stopover promotion campaigns, focusing on priority markets including the United Kingdom, United States of America, South Africa, China and Australia. These campaigns coincided with major events such as the Qatar Toy Festival, which recently completed its third edition, attracting over 130,000 visitors, a 12% increase from the previous year. Other notable events included the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2025, Ras Abrouq, Sealine Season, Shop Qatar, and Qatar International Food Festival, alongside key initiatives such as Scoop on the Sea and the ongoing whale shark tours. Engineer Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar, said:"Our success in the first half of 2025 demonstrates sustained momentum and growing confidence from regional and global markets in Qatar's tourism offerings. We have attracted more visitors through a distinctive combination of major events, international campaigns, and innovative tourism products that cater to a wide range of interests. We will continue to invest in these areas and introduce initiatives that strengthen Qatar's position as a global destination blending authenticity with modernity, providing residents and visitors with a world-class experience year-round.' Second Half of 2025 Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar are currently preparing to host major events and launch key initiatives in the second half of 2025. The 2025/2026 cruise season will launch in November 2025, building on the success of the previous season, which saw 87 cruise ships dock in Qatar, a 19% increase from the year before, and welcomed over 360,000 visitors, up 4% from the prior season. The second half of the year will also feature the inaugural T100 Triathlon World Championship finals in Doha, held in partnership with the Professional Triathletes Organisation. Other highlights include the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™️, the F1® Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025, the third Qatar Tourism Awards, the unveiling of the Michelin Guide Doha 2026, along with several other events to be announced soon.
