Ezzeldin Husein, the Regional Senior Director for Solution Engineering – META at SentinelOne says cyberattacks on MEA’s critical infrastructure are becoming more sophisticated, with nation-state actors, ransomware gangs, and hacktivists targeting energy, finance, and transportation sectors

Can you provide an overview of the current cybersecurity landscape for critical infrastructure in the MEA region?
The cybersecurity landscape for critical infrastructure in the MEA region is evolving rapidly, driven by digital transformation, AI adoption, and geopolitical shifts. Governments and enterprises are investing in robust cybersecurity frameworks to protect energy, finance, and transportation sectors from escalating threats. Nation-state attacks, ransomware, and supply chain vulnerabilities remain key risks.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia lead regional efforts with AI-driven security, zero-trust models, and national cybersecurity strategies. However, challenges persist, including skills gaps, regulatory fragmentation, and balancing innovation with security. Strengthening cyber resilience through public-private collaboration and advanced threat intelligence is crucial to safeguarding MEA’s critical infrastructure.

What are the most notable trends in cyber attacks targeting these systems?
Cyberattacks on MEA’s critical infrastructure are becoming more sophisticated, with nation-state actors, ransomware gangs, and hacktivists targeting the energy, finance, and transportation sectors. Key trends include AI-powered attacks, deepfake-based social engineering, and supply chain compromises. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is surging, often disrupting essential services.

Cloud and IoT vulnerabilities expose smart cities and industrial systems to cyber risks. Additionally, geopolitical tensions drive espionage and sabotage attempts on nuclear and AI projects. As MEA nations accelerate digital transformation, adversaries exploit gaps in cybersecurity maturity, making proactive threat intelligence, zero-trust architecture, and AI-driven defences essential for safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Which sectors in the MEA region are most vulnerable to cyber attacks, and why?
The MEA region’s energy, water, transportation, and healthcare sectors are highly vulnerable to cyberattacks due to their critical role in national security and economic stability. Energy infrastructure, including oil, gas, and power grids, is a prime target for nation-state attacks and ransomware, especially as nuclear initiatives expand. Water systems, reliant on IoT and SCADA, face risks of disruption.

Transportation networks, including ports and aviation, are exposed to ransomware and supply chain threats. Healthcare is increasingly targeted for patient data and system access. Legacy systems, cybersecurity gaps, and geopolitical tensions make these sectors attractive targets, necessitating robust cyber resilience strategies.

What are the primary motivations behind cyber attacks on critical infrastructure in the MEA region?
Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in the MEA region are primarily driven by geopolitical, financial, and sabotage motivations. Geopolitical tensions lead to state-sponsored attacks, particularly on energy and nuclear assets, aimed at gaining strategic advantages or disrupting adversaries. Financial motives drive ransomware attacks, seeking monetary gain by targeting high-value sectors like energy and healthcare.

Sabotage is another key motivation, especially in critical sectors like water and transportation, where attackers aim to disrupt operations and create instability. These attacks are often compounded by regional political conflicts, technological dependencies, and the ongoing race for dominance in emerging industries like AI and nuclear power.

How important is employee training and awareness in preventing cyber attacks on critical infrastructure?
Employee training and awareness are crucial in preventing cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in the MEA region. Human error remains one of the leading causes of security breaches, with phishing and social engineering tactics often targeting employees. Regular training on recognising threats, following cybersecurity best practices, and understanding the importance of data protection can significantly reduce the risk of successful attacks.

Educating staff about emerging threats, secure use of digital tools, and incident response protocols strengthens the overall cybersecurity posture. By fostering a security-conscious culture, organisations can minimise vulnerabilities, ensuring robust defences against cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure.

What role does proactive threat intelligence play in securing critical infrastructure systems?
Proactive threat intelligence is essential for securing critical infrastructure systems in the MEA region. By continuously monitoring emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques, organisations can identify and mitigate potential risks before they escalate. Threat intelligence enables early detection of cyberattacks, allowing for faster response times and minimising the impact on operations.

It also helps in forecasting future attack patterns, enabling better preparation and adaptive security strategies. Integrating threat intelligence into risk management processes improves decision-making, enhances situational awareness, and strengthens defences against advanced persistent threats (APTs), ransomware, and other targeted attacks, ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure systems.

Are there any technologies being deployed to safeguard critical infrastructure in the region?
Yes, several advanced technologies are being deployed to safeguard critical infrastructure in the MEA region. AI and machine learning are increasingly used for threat detection, anomaly detection, and automated response, enhancing the ability to identify and mitigate emerging threats in real time. Zero-trust architecture is gaining traction, ensuring that no entity, whether internal or external, is trusted by default, reducing the risk of insider threats and lateral movement in case of breaches. Additionally, security automation tools and advanced encryption techniques are being utilised to strengthen data protection and network resilience, providing a multi-layered defence strategy for critical infrastructure.

What are the biggest challenges companies face in securing critical infrastructure in the MEA region?
Companies in the MEA region face significant challenges in securing critical infrastructure, including a lack of resources, outdated systems, and skilled workforce shortages. Many organisations still rely on legacy systems, which are vulnerable to modern cyber threats and are costly to update. The region also struggles with a shortage of cybersecurity talent, making it difficult to build and maintain robust defence systems.

Additionally, budget constraints and competing priorities often hinder investment in necessary security tools and technologies. Geopolitical tensions and regulatory complexities further complicate efforts, making it essential for companies to adopt comprehensive and agile cybersecurity strategies.

What role do MEA governments play in regulating and enforcing cybersecurity standards for critical infrastructure?
MEA governments play a crucial role in regulating and enforcing cybersecurity standards for critical infrastructure by establishing national cybersecurity frameworks and compliance mandates. Many countries have introduced sector-specific regulations, such as in energy, finance, and healthcare, to ensure the protection of critical assets.

Governments often collaborate with private sector stakeholders to create cybersecurity policies and best practices, while also imposing penalties for non-compliance. They support cybersecurity awareness and training initiatives to build a skilled workforce. Additionally, governments invest in cyber defence capabilities, and some form international alliances to tackle cross-border cyber threats and improve regional resilience.

How can companies ensure business continuity while recovering from a cyber attack on their critical systems?
Companies can ensure business continuity during recovery from a cyber attack by implementing a comprehensive incident response plan that includes backup systems and disaster recovery protocols. This plan should be regularly tested to ensure its effectiveness. Organisations should maintain offline backups of critical data and leverage cloud-based recovery solutions for quick restoration.

Employing a business continuity management system helps prioritise essential services and minimise downtime. In parallel, real-time monitoring and network segmentation can isolate affected systems, preventing further damage. Effective communication with stakeholders, along with robust cyber insurance coverage, ensures resilience and minimises the long-term impact of the attack.