Global Entrepreneur Roman Ziemian explores why organisations must prioritise human awareness and culture to build a truly secure future.

Cybersecurity in the UAE: A Human-Centric Approach
In today’s digital era, businesses worldwide, including in the UAE, are investing heavily in advanced cybersecurity technologies—AI-powered systems, robust firewalls, and sophisticated encryption. Despite these advancements, one critical aspect often remains overlooked: the human factor.

Studies reveal that 95% of cybersecurity breaches result from human error or manipulation. From falling victim to phishing scams to weak password practices, human behaviour continues to be the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain.
In the UAE, where digital transformation is accelerating, the role of people in cybersecurity is particularly significant. As organisations here adopt cutting-edge technologies to build smart cities and blockchain-powered systems, the complexity and frequency of cyber threats are also rising.

The UAE’s Unique Cybersecurity Landscape
The UAE serves as both a technological leader and a high-profile target for cyberattacks. Initiatives like the National Cybersecurity Strategy and Smart Dubai demonstrate the government’s commitment to a secure digital future. However, as the nation pioneers new digital innovations, the risks also grow.

While automation and AI are critical to cybersecurity, they cannot replace the need for skilled and informed individuals. The interplay between technology and human awareness is key to building a resilient cybersecurity framework.

Why Cybersecurity Failures Are Often Human
Blaming employees for cybersecurity breaches—whether they clicked on a phishing link or shared sensitive information—is common, but it misses the bigger picture. Cybercriminals exploit human psychology to manipulate behaviours. They use tactics like urgency, curiosity, and trust to bypass even the most advanced technological defences.

In the UAE’s culturally diverse workplace, these tactics often leverage social norms, hierarchical structures, or even religious beliefs. This underscores the need for a tailored approach to cybersecurity awareness that resonates with local cultures and behaviours.

Building a Culture of Security
To truly secure organisations in the UAE, we need a culture of security that places people at the centre of the strategy. This involves:

Continuous Education
Security awareness training should evolve with the threat landscape. Employees must learn to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and critically evaluate security risks.

Cultural Sensitivity
Training programs must be engaging and aligned with the UAE’s cultural diversity to ensure they are impactful.

Empowering Employees
Create an environment where employees feel responsible for safeguarding data and confident enough to report suspicious activities. Mistakes should be treated as learning opportunities rather than failures.

Leadership Involvement
Leaders must model cybersecurity best practices and foster an atmosphere of shared responsibility.

The Balance Between Technology and People
As the UAE continues to invest in cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies, organisations must remember that technology alone cannot guarantee security. The true strength lies in the people operating these systems.

• Technology: Provides tools to detect and prevent threats.
• People: Make decisions, respond to incidents, and adapt to evolving risks.

By integrating human awareness with technological advancements, organisations can create a robust defence against cyber threats.

Conclusion
Cybersecurity in the UAE must be a shared responsibility. As the country drives its digital economy forward, investing in human-centric strategies is as critical as deploying advanced technologies.

A secure future is one where technology empowers people, and people actively contribute to safeguarding their organisations. By fostering a culture of awareness, accountability, and collaboration, we can ensure a resilient and secure digital UAE.

Let’s not just protect our networks—let’s empower our people to become the first line of defence.