Middle East and Africa Cybersecurity Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Middle East and Africa Cybersecurity Market Outlook

The Middle East and Africa cybersecurity market size attained a value of USD 2.31 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% between 2024 and 2032 to reach almost USD 4.56 billion by 2032.

Key Takeaways:

• The Trend Micro Cybersecurity Report - 2022 identified 110 million cyber threats in KSA that prompted the deployment of security solutions, thus, boosting the Middle East and Africa cybersecurity market growth.

• Anti-Phishing Working Group emphasises the financial sector, notably banks in Africa, as the main target of phishing attacks, intensifying the demand for cybersecurity.

• The head of the UAE's Cybersecurity Council stated that more than 71 million cyberattack attempts were blocked during the first three quarters of 2023.

Cybersecurity safeguards internet-linked systems, including hardware, software, and data, against cyber threats, vital for individuals and organisations to prevent unauthorised access to digital systems. A robust strategy is crucial for enhancing defences against various malicious activities, protecting sensitive information, and ensuring uninterrupted system operations.

According to the Middle East and Africa cybersecurity market report, the growing number and intricacy of cyber attackers and their strategies is intensify the difficulty. In Africa, based on the Anti-Phishing Working Group report, the financial sector, especially banks, is the focus of phishing attacks, accounting for more than 23% of all occurrences. Although assaults against webmail and software-as-a-service (SAAS) providers have stayed consistent, there has been a drop in attacks against retail/e-commerce sites, decreasing from 14.6% to 4%.

MOST TARGETED INDUSTRY IN AFRICA, IN 3Q 2022

Key Trends and Developments

The Middle East and Africa cybersecurity market is strengthening with rapid digitisation, technological dependence, growing e-commerce platforms and government initiatives.

February 2024

The UAE Cyber Security Council highlighted how well national cyber systems deter terrorist cyber assaults on vital sectors, showcasing their effectiveness.

December 2023

The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) of Saudi Arabia led the country's cybersecurity efforts, demonstrating its strategic commitment to advancing cyber defence.

July 2023

Israeli cybersecurity startup Savvy emerged from stealth mode, revealing a USD 30 million funding round for its workforce security automation platform, ensuring safe software application adoption.

July 2023

Cairo's Fawry, a top firm in electronic payments and banking tech, entered a cooperation pact with CYBERX, an Arab leader in cybersecurity awareness, promoting cybersecurity understanding.

Rapid digitisation

For a secure digital transition, proactive cybersecurity is vital, covering each stage with strong measures to protect sensitive data and critical systems, ensuring integrity, confidentiality, and availability. Digitalisation spans politics, economics, science, and culture, heightening the necessity for cybersecurity against increasing cyber threats.

Technological dependence

As technology becomes deeply integrated into consumers' daily lives, encompassing everything from online personal data storage to interconnected devices, individuals are increasingly vulnerable to new risks. Cyber threats, data breaches, and privacy concerns have emerged as pervasive issues, necessitating cybersecurity and proactive precautions.

E-commerce platforms

Most cyber-attacks, particularly those targeting commercial entities, are orchestrated by cybercriminals seeking financial profit. These attacks typically involve stealing sensitive data like customer credit card details or employee personal information, which is then exploited to access funds or goods using victims' identities, underscoring the need for heightened cybersecurity measures.

Government initiatives

Government efforts encompass a range of initiatives including raising cybercrime awareness, issuing alerts/advisories, bolstering law enforcement capabilities, and enhancing cyber forensic facilities. Notably, the Council of Arab Foreign Ministers established a Cybersecurity Council in 2023 to foster collaboration among MENA countries on cybersecurity issues. This is driving the cybersecurity market in Middle East and Africa.

Middle East and Africa Cybersecurity Market Trends

In a cyber conflict, attacks aim to inflict physical harm on a nation's vital infrastructure, such as energy, healthcare, transportation, finance, telecommunications, and government networks.

For example, in 2023, the Rhysida ransomware group claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Abdali Hospital in Jordan, resulting in the substantial theft of sensitive data, as reported by Security Affairs of Jordan.

In recent months, Cyber Toufan, a hacking collective, has targeted more than 100 public and private entities in Israel, as part of a vigorous campaign fuelled by escalating geopolitical tensions in the area.

Market Segmentation

Middle East and Africa Cybersecurity Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Solution

• Threat Intelligence and Response Management

• Identity and Access Management

• Data Loss Prevention Management

• Security and Vulnerability Management

• Unified Threat Management

• Enterprise Risk and Compliance

Market Breakup by Service

• Managed Services

• Professional Services

Market Breakup by Deployment

• Cloud

• On-premises

Market Breakup by End Use

• Aerospace and Defence

• BFSI

• Healthcare

• Manufacturing

• Retail

• Government

• IT and Telecommunication

• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• Saudi Arabia

• United Arab Emirates

• Israel

• Nigeria

• South Africa

• Others

Threat intelligence and response management are critical solutions in the Middle East and Africa cybersecurity market, as they empower organisations to grasp the threat scenario and foresee attackers' strategies

Threat intelligence and response management involves gathering, organising, enriching, and acting upon data regarding potential attackers, aiding organisations in making informed security decisions.

Data loss prevention management is a security measure designed to detect and mitigate the unauthorised sharing, transmission, or utilisation of sensitive data, ensuring its protection across various platforms and devices.

As per the Middle East and Africa cybersecurity market analysis, enterprise risk and compliance, in partnership with internal audit, diligently assesses perceived risks and investigates control lapses. Compliance takes the lead in devising risk mitigation plans, while internal audit verifies their successful implementation.

Managed services contribute significantly to the Middle East and Africa cybersecurity market growth by delivering cybersecurity solutions and safeguarding digital assets and infrastructure

Managed services encompass cybersecurity provisions for devices and entire networks, spanning both public and private sectors. Typically offered by third-party providers on a consumption-based model, these services include security features like firewalls and real-time intrusion detection and analysis.

Professional services firms offer specialised expertise, guidance, and support in the design, implementation, and management of customised cybersecurity solutions tailored to individual client requirements.

Cloud-based deployment drives growth in the cybersecurity market in Middle East and Africa, ensuring user and device authentication, access control, and data privacy protection

Cloud cybersecurity necessitates tools, data, and infrastructure to safeguard cloud applications from cyber threats. These capabilities, including multi-factor authentication, automated traffic monitoring, AI-driven responses, and data encryption, are crucial for comprehensive protection.

On-premises security pertains to safeguarding computer networks, hardware, and software within an organisation's premises. Examples of on-premises security tools include firewalls, virtual private networks, and antivirus software.

In terms of end-use, the BFSI dominates the Middle East and Africa cybersecurity market share, fuelled by the increasing uptake of digital banking services in the region

As online banking services become more popular among consumers, banks are turning to cloud-based solutions to handle extensive financial data. Cybersecurity is crucial for banks to safeguard customer funds and maintain trust and confidence in the banking sector.

MONETARY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE UAE, IN BILLIONS OF DIRHAMS, in 2022

In the aerospace and defence sectors, cyber threats are escalating, stemming from hackers, hacktivists, organised crime, and state-sponsored actors. Cybersecurity specialists protect military networks and the nation by monitoring, analysing, and responding to unauthorised cyber activities.

Meanwhile, IT and telecommunications firms are prime targets for cybercriminals and nation-states due to their management of critical communication infrastructure, housing extensive private data.

Competitive Landscape

Market players are enhancing the Middle East and Africa cybersecurity market growth by providing networking equipment, software, telecommunications devices, and advanced services.

Cisco Systems Inc. founded in 1984 and based in the USA, is a multinational corporation focusing on digital communications technology. The company manufactures and delivers networking hardware, software, and telecommunications devices, along with an array of advanced services and products.

Dell Technologies founded in 1984 and based in the USA, is a technology company focusing on the design, sale, maintenance, and assistance of computers and related goods and services. It functions as a part of Dell Technologies.

IBM Corporation established in 1911 and based in the USA, is well-known for its extensive lineup of hardware and software, spanning computers, servers, storage solutions, and networking gear. Furthermore, IBM offers consulting, technology, and business services, featuring cloud computing, data analysis, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Broadcom Inc., established in 1961 and headquartered in the United States, specializes in providing solutions tailored for contemporary enterprise, cloud, and data centre settings. The company provides a diverse range of products, including merchant silicon for Ethernet switching and routing, network adapters, controllers, PHYs, and PHY transceivers.

Other Middle East and Africa cybersecurity market key players in the market are CIPHER, Microsoft Corporation, Amazon Web Services, Inc., Oracle Corporation, Accenture Plc, and Qualys, Inc. among others.

Middle East and Africa Cybersecurity Market Analysis by Region

Saudi Arabia is expected to hold a considerable Middle East and Africa cybersecurity market share, driven by investments in technology and network security solutions. The Trend Micro Cybersecurity Report for 2022 detected 110 million threats in KSA.

According to the head of the UAE's Cybersecurity Council, more than 71 million attempted cyberattacks were blocked in the first three quarters of 2023. With the continuous advancement of the digital era, the council remains essential in thwarting cyber threats.

According to an Interpol report, South Africa has become a focal point for cybercrime in Africa, with a rise in cyber threats. Surprisingly, it now stands third globally in the number of cybercrime victims, attributed to increasing digitization.

Key Highlights of the Report