Page 73 - SAMENA Trends - May-June 2024

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

More Than 8 million Cyber Threats Thwarted in Bahrain Last Year

Cybersecurity firm Trend Micro said it
thwarted more than eight million threats
in Bahrain last year, including 1.9m email
threats and 1.1m malicious URL attacks.
Additionally, it blocked more than 3.5m
malware attempts, highlighting its role in
protecting digital assets in the country. The
firm blocked a record 161 billion threats
globally in 2023, a 10 per cent rise year-on-
year, while warning attackers are shifting
tactics towards more sophisticated attacks
targeting fewer, high-value victims for
greater financial gain. The findings were
revealed in Trend Micro’s 2023 Annual
Cybersecurity Report, titled ‘Calibrating
Expansion.’ It underscores the need for
businesses to take a proactive approach
to managing cyber risks across their entire
attack surface in evolving threat landscape.
The report noted a significant 349pc
increase in email malware detections
globally compared to 2022, while
detections of malicious and phishing URLs
dropped 27pc. Cloud applications emerged
as a major threat vector, with Trend Micro’s
Attack Surface Risk Management (ASRM)
recording nearly 83bn access attempts.
“As data breaches become more frequent
and sophisticated, organizations need a
proactive and comprehensive approach to and expertise. Our annual report reflects our measures for organizations to flourish in
securing their digital infrastructure,” said dedication to creating a secure and resilient the digital age. Trend Micro aligns with
Trend Micro Middle East managing director environment for businesses to thrive,” Mr. this vision, offering innovative solutions
Rasheed Al Odah. “We are committed Al Odah added. Bahrain’s National Cyber and fostering resilience to navigate the
to strengthening Bahrain’s cybersecurity Security Strategy (NCSC) emphasizes complexities of the digital world.
landscape with cutting-edge technologies the importance of robust cybersecurity

Morocco Launches Program to Expand Internet Access to 1,800 Rural Areas

Morocco announced a new program to bring strategy also includes the introduction and administrative procedures. Improved
internet access to 1,800 rural areas in the of 5G technology, expected to play a key internet connectivity is expected to have a
coming months, marking a significant step role in the country's modernization. By positive impact on education, healthcare,
in its National Plan for the Development embracing digital tools, Morocco seeks and entrepreneurship. Students will
of High and Very High Speed Broadband. to boost economic growth, improve benefit from online learning resources,
Digital Transition and Administrative public services, and foster broader digital patients will have the possibility of remote
Reform Minister Ghita Mezzour unveiled inclusion. The internet access program is consultations, and local businesses will
the initiative, which builds on the ongoing projected to improve the lives of millions have the opportunity to expand their
first phase of the plan that aims to in rural areas. Residents will gain access reach through e-commerce. Morocco's
cover 10,740 previously unconnected to various online public services through commitment to digital transformation
rural areas. This program aligns with the government's established network of demonstrates its resolve to bridge the
Morocco's soon-to-be-launched National 600 digital platforms, offering essential digital divide and integrate all regions of
Digital Development Strategy 2030. The services like healthcare appointments the country into the global digital economy.

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