Interviews

AI Visibility and Intelligence Are Vital to Combat Multi-Vector Cyber Threats

With AI-driven cyberattacks escalating across the Middle East, NETSCOUT’s Director of Sales Engineering for the region, Dr. Emad Fahmy, emphasizes the urgent need for continuous network visibility, adaptive DDoS protection, and Zero Trust frameworks.

Why are most smart home devices still vulnerable despite basic security measures?
Many smart devices are developed with convenience and connectivity as primary considerations, with security remaining an afterthought. Hardcoded or default passwords are still widespread, making them easy targets. Outdated firmware presents another critical risk, as unpatched vulnerabilities are easily exploitable. The continued reliance on basic communication protocols increases exposure, offering attackers multiple points of entry. These combined factors ensure that, even with basic protections in place, smart devices remain highly susceptible to compromise. Link

How are cybercriminals using AI to launch advanced attacks — and how can AI fight back?
Cybercriminals are increasingly using AI to automate and escalate multi-vector attacks, including complex, real-time DDoS campaigns. AI allows attackers to scan for vulnerabilities at machine speed, making threats more dynamic and difficult to detect. Link

On the defensive side, AI is pivotal in accelerating threat detection and mitigation. AI-powered platforms can process large volumes of network telemetry, identifying subtle anomalies that signal early-stage threats. This enables automated, real-time responses, reducing dwell time and allowing security teams to shift from reactive to preventive operations.

What advanced steps can households and businesses take beyond passwords and updates?
Beyond password changes and software updates, households can deploy network segmentation to isolate IoT devices and filter traffic at the router, significantly reducing attack surfaces. Businesses should implement packet-level inspection and behavioural analytics to gain granular visibility into device activity.

AI-driven telemetry enables the detection of behavioural anomalies, such as unauthorised access attempts or irregular data flows. Adaptive DDoS Protection analyses packet metadata to expose hidden risks, while platforms like Omnis AI Insights deliver curated threat intelligence for early detection. In the Middle East, this approach is essential for countering threats such as region-specific hacktivist campaigns. ( Al Khaleej approved Article)

What cybersecurity strategy needs to be adopted to counter AI-driven threats?
Countering AI-driven threats demands a proactive, intelligence-led approach. This includes continuous packet visibility, automated traffic analytics, and integration of real-time threat intelligence. The goal is to detect and mitigate AI-enabled, multi-vector attacks with minimal delay.

Deterministic AI and machine learning models are preferred for automated threat blocking, ensuring predictable, repeatable outcomes—in contrast to probabilistic models like LLMs.

An effective strategy combines on-premise perimeter security with cloud-based mitigation platforms, underpinned by Zero Trust principles. For organisations in the Middle East, this approach minimises investigation time, enhances service continuity, and strengthens operational resilience. Access to reliable telemetry is vital for systems to dynamically adapt to threats within a clearly defined risk perimeter. Link

How can manufacturers, providers, and regulators work together to secure smart devices?
Every stakeholder has a role. Manufacturers must eliminate insecure default configurations and enforce security by design. Service providers should offer network-level filtering to detect and block suspicious device behaviour. Regulators must enforce minimum security standards, such as the ban on default passwords and mandates for regular firmware updates. Collaboration across the ecosystem raises the security baseline and ensures more resilient digital environments. Link

What risks do insecure smart devices pose to critical infrastructure and public safety?
Insecure IoT devices present a significant risk to national infrastructure, acting as potential entry points for cyberattacks on vital sectors such as energy, healthcare, transport, and telecommunications.

In the Gulf, ports and logistics hubs that rely on automation are particularly at risk. AI-driven, multi-vector DDoS campaigns—often tied to regional geopolitical tensions—demonstrate how compromised devices can be weaponised to disrupt critical operations.

Without persistent monitoring and robust defences, these vulnerabilities can remain dormant until exploited, threatening uptime, safety, and the integrity of national services. The risk of co-opted devices forming botnets adds another layer of threat to public safety and continuity of services. Link

How can consumer awareness be improved to reduce smart device vulnerabilities?
Raise awareness with clear, data‑backed guidance: segment IoT from primary devices, enable automatic updates, and monitor traffic anomalies. Provide simple dashboards that track detection and fix times, as Fahmy advises, and show real attack activity to make risks tangible. ISPs and regulators in KSA and UAE can distribute localized checklists, promote intelligence‑driven protections, and encourage consumers to verify devices, apps, and permissions before onboarding. Continuous education reduces household and SME exposure.

Show More

Related Articles

Back to top button