The latest ENISA reports help inform about threat response and a more effective, risk-based approach to cybersecurity In December 2024, the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) released its first-ever report on the state of cybersecurity in the Union. The report, which was prepared in accordance with Article 18 of the NIS2 Directive, is a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of the cybersecurity ecosystem across EU Member States.

2024 marked a transformative shift in cybersecurity with AI and data driven cyber security leading the change. As the threat landscape evolves, the stage is set for further advancements in continuous risk management, threat monitoring, resilience, and governance in 2025, shaping a more secure and dynamic digital landscape where cybersecurity is becoming a catalyst for business success and compliance.

In the cyber security domain, the increase of cyber-attacks alongside the acceleration of businesses’ digital transformation, drive states to deploy a more ringent regulatory framework to protect data and establish a code of conduct for businesses. In this perspective, it is essential to view compliance as an integral component of the wider governance framework, which is grounded in international standards of an interconnected world that makes best use of already tested best practices.

Malware, short for malicious software, refers to any software specifically designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise a device, network, or user data. In today’s digital age, malware attacks have become a persistent threat, targeting individuals, businesses, and even governments.

Polymorphic viruses and polymorphic malware represent some of the most sophisticated challenges in modern business. These types of malware are designed to evade traditional cyber security measures by constantly changing their appearance making them particularly difficult to detect and eliminate.

Obrela’s Nick Loumakis, Regional Managing Director MENA, describes the complex cyber attack landscape across the Middle East As the Middle East undergoes rapid economic growth and digital transformation across key sectors like finance, energy, and government, the region faces a surge in cybersecurity threats. The integration of cloud services, IoT devices, and digital financial systems has increased vulnerabilities, making it a focal point for sophisticated cyberattacks.

The Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS2) marks a significant step forward in Europe’s efforts to bolster cybersecurity resilience. Alongside the Critical Entities Resilience Directive, it represents a commitment to ensuring that organisations offering essential services—such as financial services, healthcare, transport, and energy—are equipped to withstand cyber threats.

Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC) in cybersecurity is a framework that is designed to help organizations align their security efforts with business objectives while also managing risks and adhering to legal and regulatory requirements. To implement GRC in Cyber security effectively, it is important to understand the purpose of each element and the part each has to play in improving an organization’s security posture.

A social engineering attack is a form of cybersecurity attack where attackers approach individuals and psychologically manipulate them into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security. Unlike traditional hacking methods that exploit system vulnerabilities, social engineering preys on human psychology, using the likes of deceit, urgency or trust to bypass defenses.

Despite significant investments in cybersecurity technologies and services, many organizations remain vulnerable. One of the myriad reasons is the lack of alignment between cybersecurity strategies and specific risks each organization faces. This is where risk-aligned cybersecurity comes into play, ensuring that defenses are tailored to the unique challenges and threats an organization faces, ultimately building greater resilience.