Maher Yamout, a lead security researcher at Kaspersky, is at the forefront of detecting and analyzing cyber threats in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. Based in Dubai, he and his team focus on helping clients understand and defend against the growing risks in the digital landscape. One of the most pressing concerns in cybersecurity today is the rise of infostealers—malicious software that compromises login credentials, banking information, and personal data. These stolen credentials are often sold on the dark web, leading to widespread financial fraud and unauthorized access to corporate networks due to the common practice of password reuse.
While ransomware attacks have slightly decreased in terms of victims, the number of ransomware groups has expanded dramatically. In 2023, there were around 60 active ransomware groups, but that number rose to 81 in 2024, indicating that ransomware remains a major threat. Cybercriminals are adapting by integrating AI and other advanced technologies to refine their attacks, ensuring that ransomware will continue evolving.
Artificial intelligence plays a growing role in cybersecurity, with large language models (LLMs) offering new capabilities but also new risks. AI-generated responses can sometimes contain errors or hallucinations, making human oversight essential. Securing AI requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing infrastructure protection and data integrity to mitigate risks.
For organizations facing cybersecurity challenges, understanding their infrastructure and potential threats is key. Businesses must prioritize transparency, trustworthiness, and privacy when selecting vendors. With AI-driven threats becoming more sophisticated, security experts must remain proactive to safeguard digital ecosystems from evolving cyber risks.