Latest news with #CybersecurityReadinessIndex
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cisco study reveals 96% of organizations in the UAE leverage AI for threat intelligence
Cisco Unveils UAE Findings from its Cybersecurity Readiness Index for 2025: Organizations in UAE are navigating the challenges posed by AI, particularly the risks associated with generative AI deployment. Cybersecurity complexity and skills shortages remain a challenge. While AI provides limitless opportunities, the industry needs to dramatically simplify how enterprises deploy, manage, and secure AI to keep pace with the evolving threat landscape. Dubai, UAE – According to Cisco's 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index, a total of 30% of organizations in UAE have achieved the 'Mature' or 'Progressive' levels of readiness required to effectively withstand today's cybersecurity threats. This represents an improvement from last year's Index, however further efforts are required to address cybersecurity preparedness as hyperconnectivity and AI introduce new complexities for security practitioners. AI is revolutionizing security and escalating threat levels, with 93% of organizations in the country having faced AI-related incidents last year. However, only 62% of respondents are confident their employees fully understand AI-related cybersecurity threats, and only 57% believe their teams fully grasp how malicious actors are using AI to execute sophisticated attacks. This awareness gap leaves organizations critically exposed. AI is compounding an already challenging threat landscape. In the last year, over half of organizations (55%) suffered cyberattacks, hindered by complex security frameworks with siloed point solutions. The top three types of cybersecurity incidents include malware (76%), phishing attacks (59%), and data breaches by malicious actors (47%). Ransomware attacks were mentioned by 39% of respondents. Fady Younes, Managing Director for Cybersecurity at Cisco Middle East, Africa, Türkiye, Romania and CIS, said: 'As AI reshapes our world, it brings an entirely new class of risks at an unprecedented scale, putting even more pressure on infrastructure and those who defend it.' He added: 'Our region's leadership in AI adoption is remarkable, paving the way for a dynamic future where innovative, AI-driven cybersecurity measures are critical for enhancing and protecting our digital landscape. Cisco is committed to support organizations in the region in enhancing their digital resilience by prioritizing AI solutions, streamlining security architecture, and addressing talent shortages. Today, preparedness is key to ensuring that businesses remain relevant and can thrive in the AI era.' The Index evaluates companies' readiness across five pillars – Identity Intelligence, Network Resilience, Machine Trustworthiness, Cloud Reinforcement, and AI Fortification – and encompasses 31 solutions and capabilities. Based on a double-blind survey of 8,000 private sector security and business leaders in 30 global markets, including 202 in the UAE, respondents detailed their deployment stages for each solution. Companies were then categorized into four readiness stages: Beginner, Formative, Progressive, and Mature. Findings Cybersecurity preparedness in the UAE remains alarmingly low, especially as 75% of respondents anticipate business disruptions from cyber incidents within the next 12 to 24 months. Further: AI's Expanding Role in Cybersecurity: An impressive 96% of organizations use AI to understand threats better, 93% for threat detection, and 77% for recovery, underscoring AI's vital role in strengthening cybersecurity strategies. Generative AI (GenAI) Deployment Risks: GenAI tools are widely adopted, with 45% of employees using approved third-party tools. However, 20% have unrestricted access to public GenAI, and 54% of IT teams are unaware of employee interactions with GenAI, underscoring major oversight challenges. Shadow AI Concerns: 33% of organizations lack confidence in detecting unregulated AI deployments, or shadow AI, posing significant cybersecurity and data privacy risks. Unmanaged Device Vulnerability: Within hybrid work models, 88% of organizations face increased security risks as employees access networks from unmanaged devices. This is exacerbated by using unapproved Gen AI tools. Investment Priorities Shift: While almost all (98%) organizations plan to upgrade their IT infrastructure in the next 12-24 months, only 9% allocate more than 20% of their IT budget to cybersecurity. This finding suggests an opportunity for enhanced investment in comprehensive defense strategies, as the pace of threats continues to rise. Complex Security Postures: Over four in five (81%) organizations report that their complex security infrastructures, dominated by the deployment of more than 10 point security solutions, are hampering their ability to respond to threats swiftly and effectively. Talent Shortage Impedes Progress: A staggering 87% of respondents identify the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals as a major challenge, with 57% reporting more than 10 positions to fill. To tackle today's cybersecurity challenges, organizations in the UAE must invest in AI-driven solutions, simplify security infrastructures, and enhance AI threat awareness. Prioritizing AI for threat detection, response, and recovery is essential, as is addressing talent shortages and mitigating risks from unmanaged devices and shadow AI. Additional Resources: Report Microsite Cybersecurity Readiness Assessment Tool About Cisco Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on the Cisco Newsroom.
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cisco unveils KSA findings from its Cybersecurity Readiness Index for 2025
Organizations in KSA are navigating the challenges posed by AI, particularly the risks associated with generative AI deployment. Cybersecurity prepapdress of organizations in KSA has improved from last year's Index, still further efforts are required as hyperconnectivity and AI introduce new complexities for security. The ongoing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to present a challenge. While AI provides limitless opportunities, the industry needs to dramatically simplify how enterprises deploy, manage, and secure AI to keep pace with the evolving threat landscape. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – According to Cisco's 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index, a total of 25% of organizations in Saudi Arabia have achieved the 'Mature' or 'Progressive' levels of readiness required to effectively withstand today's cybersecurity threats. This represents an improvement from last year's Index, however further efforts are required to address cybersecurity preparedness as hyperconnectivity and AI introduce new complexities for security practitioners. AI is revolutionizing security and escalating threat levels, with 91% of organizations in the Kingdom having faced AI-related incidents last year. However, only 61% of respondents are confident their employees fully understand AI-related cybersecurity threats, and only 51% believe their teams fully grasp how malicious actors are using AI to execute sophisticated attacks. This awareness gap leaves organizations critically exposed. AI is compounding an already challenging threat landscape. In the last year, over half of organisations (52%) suffered cyberattacks, hindered by complex security frameworks with siloed point solutions. The top three types of cybersecurity incidents include malware (76%), phishing attacks (62%), and data breaches by malicious actors (45%). Ransomware attacks were mentioned by 39% of respondents. "The cybersecurity threat landscape has never been more dynamic and complex, with adversaries launching sophisticated attacks and exploits against businesses," said Salman Faqeeh, Managing Director, Cisco Saudi Arabia. "As the Kingdom continues to accelerate its digital transformation and adopt advanced technologies across industries, the need for more robust, proactive, and AI-driven cybersecurity measures has never been greater. Cisco is committed to supporting Saudi Arabia's vision, by helping organizations strengthen their digital resilience and safeguard against emerging threats. Preparedness remains the critical foundation." The Index evaluates companies' readiness across five pillars – Identity Intelligence, Network Resilience, Machine Trustworthiness, Cloud Reinforcement, and AI Fortification – and encompasses 31 solutions and capabilities. Based on a double-blind survey of 8,000 private sector security and business leaders in 30 global markets, including 200 in Saudi Arabia, respondents detailed their deployment stages for each solution. Companies were then categorized into four readiness stages: Beginner, Formative, Progressive, and Mature. Findings Cybersecurity preparedness in Saudi Arabia remains alarmingly low, especially as 72% of respondents anticipate business disruptions from cyber incidents within the next 12 to 24 months. Further: AI's Expanding Role in Cybersecurity: An impressive 93% of organizations use AI to better understand threats, 92% for threat detection, and 78% for response, underscoring AI's vital role in strengthening cybersecurity strategies. Generative AI (GenAI) Deployment Risks: GenAI tools are widely adopted, with 50% of employees using approved third-party tools. However, 28% have unrestricted access to public GenAI, and 50% of IT teams are unaware of employee interactions with GenAI, underscoring major oversight challenges. Shadow AI Concerns: 39% of organizations lack confidence in detecting unregulated AI deployments, or shadow AI, posing significant cybersecurity and data privacy risks. Unmanaged Device Vulnerability: Within hybrid work models, 89% of organizations face increased security risks as employees access networks from unmanaged devices. This is exacerbated by using unapproved Gen AI tools. Investment Priorities Shift: While almost all (98%) organizations plan to upgrade their IT infrastructure in the next 12-24 months, only 8% allocate more than 20% of their IT budget to cybersecurity. This finding suggests an opportunity for enhanced investment in comprehensive defense strategies, as the pace of threats continues to rise. Complex Security Postures: Over four in five (84%) organizations report that their complex security infrastructures, dominated by the deployment of more than 10 point security solutions, are hampering their ability to respond to threats swiftly and effectively. Talent Availability Impedes Progress: A staggering 93% of respondents identify the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals as a major challenge, with 57% reporting more than 10 positions to fill. To tackle today's cybersecurity challenges, organizations in Saudi Arabia must invest in AI-driven solutions, simplify security infrastructures, and enhance AI threat awareness. Prioritizing AI for threat detection, response, and recovery is essential, as is addressing talent shortages and mitigating risks from unmanaged devices and shadow AI. About Cisco Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on the Cisco Newsroom.
India Gazette
20-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Only 7% Indian firms are cybersecurity ready, alarming gap in security preparedness: Cisco
New Delhi [India], May 20 (ANI): Cybersecurity readiness remains alarmingly low in Indian companies, with only 7 per cent of firms in India achieving a mature level of readiness by 2025, according to a recent report by global technology firm Cisco. This is an increase from last year's (2024) Index, in which 4 per cent of Indian organisations were designated as mature, the Cisco 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index observed. This demonstrates that despite an improvement from last year, cybersecurity preparedness remains low as hyper-connectivity and AI introduce new complexities for security practitioners. The report added that artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising security and escalating threat levels, with 9 in 10 organisations (95 per cent) facing AI-related security incidents last year. However, only 66 per cent of respondents are confident that their employees fully understand AI-related threats. The report further observed that more than half of Indian organisations (57 per cent) suffered cyberattacks, hindered by complex security frameworks with disparate point solutions in the previous year. Cybersecurity Readiness Index adds that the industry respondents view external threats like malicious actors and state-affiliated groups (46 per cent) as more significant to their organisations than internal threats (54 per cent), underscoring the urgent need for streamlined defence strategies to thwart external attacks. The Index evaluates companies' readiness across five pillars--Identity Intelligence, Network Resilience, Machine Trustworthiness, Cloud Reinforcement, and AI Fortification-- and encompasses 31 solutions and capabilities. The deep dive into the findings, the lack of cybersecurity readiness in India is alarming as 81 per cent of respondents anticipate business disruptions from cyber incidents within the next 12 to 24 months. In India, about 96 per cent of organisations use AI to understand threats better, 88 per cent for threat detection, and 77 per cent for response and recovery, underscoring AI's vital role in strengthening cybersecurity strategies. The report observes that the Generative AI (GenAI) tools are widely adopted, with 46 per cent of employees using approved third-party tools. However, 28 per cent have unrestricted access to public GenAI, and 43 per cent of information & Technology (IT) teams are unaware of employee interactions with GenAI, underscoring major oversight challenges. On the investment front, about 98 per cent of organisations plan to upgrade their IT infrastructure; only 54 per cent allocate more than 10 per cent of their IT budget to cybersecurity, down 7 per cent year over year. (ANI)
Cision Canada
08-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Cisco Reveals AI Fueling New Wave of Cybersecurity Risks for Canadian Organizations Français
AI is fueling a new cybersecurity arms race: 80 per cent of Canadian organizations experienced AI-related incidents last year. Readiness remains low: Just three per cent of organizations report having a mature level of readiness. Blind spots persist: Only 41 per cent of organizations have staff with a strong understanding of AI risks — and many key cybersecurity roles remain unfilled. TORONTO, May 8, 2025 /CNW/ - Only three per cent of Canadian organizations are fully prepared to defend against today's cybersecurity threats, according to Cisco's (NASDAQ: CSCO) 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index. While this marks a slight improvement from last year (1%), readiness remains alarmingly low as hyperconnectivity and AI continue to add new layers of security complexities. AI is revolutionizing security and escalating threat levels, with 80 per cent of Canadian organizations facing AI-related incidents in the past year. Among them, the most common were AI-powered phishing scams and social engineering attacks (41%), where GenAI tools are used to craft tailored phishing emails, clone voices and create deepfakes. Others faced attempts to steal or misuse AI models (38%), or had their systems tampered with using bad data to trick AI decision-making (22%). As pressure to adopt AI mounts, a critical knowledge gap is emerging inside organizations leaving them exposed. Only 41 per cent of Canadian organizations are confident their employees fully understand AI-related threats. Even fewer (26%) feel equipped to conduct comprehensive AI security assessments. AI is compounding an already challenging threat landscape. In the last year, 37 per cent organizations suffered cyberattacks, hindered by complex security frameworks with disparate point solutions. Looking forward, respondents view external threats like malicious actors and state-affiliated groups (60%) as more significant to their organizations than internal threats (40%), underscoring the urgent need for streamlined defense strategies to thwart external attacks. "As AI transforms the enterprise, we are dealing with an entirely new class of risks at unprecedented scale - putting even more pressure on our infrastructure and those who defend it," said Cisco Chief Product Officer Jeetu Patel. "This year's report continues to reveal alarming gaps in security readiness and a lack of urgency to address them. Organizations must rethink their strategies now or risk becoming irrelevant in the AI era." 2025 Cisco Cybersecurity Readiness Index: Cybersecurity Readiness Remains Flat as AI Transforms the Industry The Index evaluates companies' readiness across five pillars — Identity Intelligence, Machine Trustworthiness, Network Resilience, Cloud Reinforcement, and AI Fortification — and encompasses 31 solutions and capabilities. Based on a double-blind survey of 8,000 private sector security and business leaders in 30 global markets, respondents detailed their deployment stages for each solution. Companies were then categorized into four readiness stages: Beginner, Formative, Progressive, and Mature. Findings The lack of cybersecurity readiness globally is alarming as 65 per cent of respondents anticipate business disruptions from cyber incidents within the next 12 to 24 months. Further: AI's Expanding Role in Cybersecurity: An impressive 82 per cent of organizations use AI to understand threats better, 80 per cent for threat detection, 66 per cent for response and recovery, underscoring AI's vital role in strengthening cybersecurity strategies. GenAI Deployment Risks: GenAI tools are widely adopted, with 50 per cent of employees using approved third-party tools. However, 17 per cent have unrestricted access to public GenAI, and 72 per cent of IT teams are unaware of employee interactions with GenAI, underscoring major oversight challenges. Shadow AI Concerns: Sixty-seven percent of organizations lack confidence in detecting unregulated AI deployments, or shadow AI, posing significant cybersecurity and data privacy risks. Unmanaged Device Vulnerability: Within hybrid work models, 74 per cent of organizations face increased security risks as employees access networks from unmanaged devices, further exacerbated by using unapproved Gen AI tools. Investment Priorities Shift: While 94 per cent of organizations plan to upgrade their IT infrastructure, only 33 per cent allocate more than 10 per cent of their IT budget towards cybersecurity, emphasizing a critical need for more focused investment in comprehensive defense strategies, which is incredibly important as threats are not slowing. Complex Security Postures: Over 67 per cent of organizations believe that the adoption of too many security solutions has in fact slowed down their team's ability to detect, respond and recover from incidents, with over 60 per cent of organizations having 10 or more point solutions in their security stack. Talent Shortage Impedes Progress: A staggering 85 per cent of respondents identify the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals as a major challenge, with 46 per cent reporting more than ten positions to fill. "AI has pulled back the curtain on cybersecurity blind spots that many Canadian organizations didn't realize existed," said Robert Barton, Chief Technology Officer, Cisco Canada. "As AI-driven threats evolve, so too must our defenses. It's no longer about keeping pace, it's about setting the pace for security resilience." To tackle today's cybersecurity challenges, organizations must invest in AI-driven solutions, simplify security infrastructures, and enhance AI threat awareness. Prioritizing AI for threat detection, response, and recovery is essential, as is addressing talent shortages and managing risks from unmanaged devices and shadow AI. About Cisco Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco. Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word 'partner' does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.
Malaysian Reserve
07-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Cisco Study Reveals Alarming Deficiencies in Security Readiness
News Summary: Cybersecurity readiness remains alarmingly low as only 4% of organizations worldwide have achieved a mature level of readiness. Organizations continue to struggle with the complexities introduced by AI, with 86% having experienced AI-related security incidents in the last year. The ongoing shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals remains a challenge for 86% of organizations. SAN JOSE, Calif., May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — According to Cisco's (NASDAQ: CSCO) 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index, only 4% of organizations worldwide have achieved the 'Mature' level of readiness required to effectively withstand today's cybersecurity threats. This is a slight increase from last year's Index, in which 3% of organizations worldwide were designated as Mature. This demonstrates that despite a slight improvement from last year, global cybersecurity preparedness remains low as hyperconnectivity and AI introduce new complexities for security practitioners. AI is revolutionizing security and escalating threat levels, with nearly 9 in 10 organizations (86%) facing AI-related security incidents last year. However, only 49% of respondents are confident their employees fully understand AI related threats, and 48% believe their teams fully grasp how malicious actors are using AI to execute sophisticated attacks. This awareness gap leaves organizations critically exposed. AI is compounding an already challenging threat landscape. In the last year, nearly half of organizations (49%) suffered cyberattacks, hindered by complex security frameworks with disparate point solutions. Looking forward, respondents view external threats like malicious actors and state-affiliated groups (58%) as more significant to their organizations than internal threats (42%), underscoring the urgent need for streamlined defense strategies to thwart external attacks. 'As AI transforms the enterprise, we are dealing with an entirely new class of risks at unprecedented scale – putting even more pressure on our infrastructure and those who defend it,' said Cisco Chief Product Officer Jeetu Patel. 'This year's report continues to reveal alarming gaps in security readiness and a lack of urgency to address them. Organizations must rethink their strategies now or risk becoming irrelevant in the AI era.' 2025 Cisco Cybersecurity Readiness Index: Cybersecurity Readiness Remains Flat as AI Transforms the Industry The Index evaluates companies' readiness across five pillars—Identity Intelligence, Network Resilience, Machine Trustworthiness, Cloud Reinforcement, and AI Fortification— and encompassing 31 solutions and capabilities. Based on a double-blind survey of 8,000 private sector security and business leaders in 30 global markets, respondents detailed their deployment stages for each solution. Companies were then categorized into four readiness stages: Beginner, Formative, Progressive, and Mature. Findings The lack of cybersecurity readiness globally is alarming as 71% of respondents anticipate business disruptions from cyber incidents within the next 12 to 24 months. Further: AI's Expanding Role in Cybersecurity: An impressive 89% of organizations use AI to understand threats better, 85% for threat detection, and 70% for response and recovery, underscoring AI's vital role in strengthening cybersecurity strategies. An impressive 89% of organizations use AI to understand threats better, 85% for threat detection, and 70% for response and recovery, underscoring AI's vital role in strengthening cybersecurity strategies. GenAI Deployment Risks: GenAI tools are widely adopted, with 51% of employees using approved third-party tools. However, 22% have unrestricted access to public GenAI, and 60% of IT teams are unaware of employee interactions with GenAI, underscoring major oversight challenges. GenAI tools are widely adopted, with 51% of employees using approved third-party tools. However, 22% have unrestricted access to public GenAI, and 60% of IT teams are unaware of employee interactions with GenAI, underscoring major oversight challenges. Shadow AI Concerns: Sixty percent of organizations lack confidence in detecting unregulated AI deployments, or shadow AI, posing significant cybersecurity and data privacy risks. Sixty percent of organizations lack confidence in detecting unregulated AI deployments, or shadow AI, posing significant cybersecurity and data privacy risks. Unmanaged Device Vulnerability: Within hybrid work models, 84% of organizations face increased security risks as employees access networks from unmanaged devices, further exacerbated by using unapproved Gen AI tools. Within hybrid work models, 84% of organizations face increased security risks as employees access networks from unmanaged devices, further exacerbated by using unapproved Gen AI tools. Investment Priorities Shift: While 96% of organizations plan to upgrade their IT infrastructure, only 45% allocate more than 10% of their IT budget to cybersecurity (down 8% year-over-year), emphasizing a critical need for more focused investment in comprehensive defense strategies, which is incredibly important as threats are not slowing. While 96% of organizations plan to upgrade their IT infrastructure, only 45% allocate more than 10% of their IT budget to cybersecurity (down 8% year-over-year), emphasizing a critical need for more focused investment in comprehensive defense strategies, which is incredibly important as threats are not slowing. Complex Security Postures: Over 77% of organizations report that their complex security infrastructures, dominated by the deployment of more than ten point security solutions, are impeding their ability to respond swiftly and effectively to threats. Over 77% of organizations report that their complex security infrastructures, dominated by the deployment of more than ten point security solutions, are impeding their ability to respond swiftly and effectively to threats. Talent Shortage Impedes Progress: A staggering 86% of respondents identify the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals as a major challenge, with more than half reporting more than ten positions to fill. To tackle today's cybersecurity challenges, organizations must invest in AI-driven solutions, simplify security infrastructures, and enhance AI threat awareness. Prioritizing AI for threat detection, response, and recovery is essential, as is addressing talent shortages and managing risks from unmanaged devices and shadow AI. Additional Resources: About Cisco Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco. Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word 'partner' does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cisco Systems, Inc.
