Cybersecurity has become a sovereign and developmental priority for the Egyptian state in recent years. It is considered the cornerstone for a secure digital infrastructure and a strong database foundation amid the accelerated digital transformation of the state, which is a key pillar for comprehensive development.
This goes hand-in-hand with an era of major technological transformations that generate many innovations and technologies, alongside global geopolitical and economic tensions and changes.
These challenges require proactive strategies that keep pace with developments and optimally utilize available capabilities.
According to official reports, the cost of global cyberattack losses is estimated at about $10 trillion annually, making it the fifth largest global challenge after climate change, pandemics, health security, and geopolitical challenges. More than 2,328 cyberattacks occur daily, approximately 850,000 cyberattacks annually. McKinsey indicates that the rise in cybercrime will drive global spending on cybersecurity products and services to a cumulative $1.75 trillion by the end of 2025.
The CAISEC’25 conference and exhibition, which concluded yesterday, revealed many trends and challenges in cybersecurity, covering legislation, available solutions, the evolution of cyber warfare and its tools, and the dual role of artificial intelligence in global digital security.
The conference’s main sessions emphasized the need to employ advanced defense systems and intelligent analysis and prediction mechanisms as the digital landscape becomes more complex. Governments and institutions face an escalating wave of cybercrime threats, along with challenges like a shortage of skilled human resources and the exploitation of advanced technologies by cybercriminals to breach systems, steal data, and increase investment in cybersecurity.
FollowICT surveyed multiple experts to identify clear steps to strengthen Egypt’s cybersecurity capabilities as a fundamental pillar for establishing a sustainable future. They highlighted the importance of enhancing strategic partnerships between the government and leading tech companies to develop innovative solutions for protecting critical infrastructure and digital assets. They stressed the need to build national cybersecurity capacities through training and qualifying personnel, noting that traditional security measures are insufficient given the evolution of cyber threats.
Experts confirmed the necessity of maximizing the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to build predictive defense systems capable of anticipating and neutralizing threats before they occur. They also emphasized investing in emerging technologies, encouraging innovation, expanding awareness programs to cover all societal segments, and conducting intensive workshops to educate companies and government institutions on the latest threats and practical security measures to counter them.
Experts predict the continuation of traditional attacks like phishing, social engineering, and ransomware, alongside a qualitative leap in new cyberattacks using AI, which are more complex and harder to detect without advanced technologies. This requires all government and private entities to comply with cybersecurity standards to avoid falling victim to such malicious cyberattacks.
FoillowICT asked asked Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology on the country’s readiness in terms of infrastructure and human resources, and the latest developments in technologies, verification methods, prediction mechanisms, and the most targeted sectors.
Amr Talaat responded,: “We now live in an integrated technological ecosystem that includes artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G, which combine to create value. This is clearly reflected in most current projects and services based on automation, controlled via IoT and connected to 5G networks, managed by AI, and protected by cybersecurity solutions.”
Minister Talaat added, “We aim to build qualified human cadres in all these fields. Everyone follows the Ministry’s efforts through training initiatives targeting every Egyptian citizen regardless of age, culture, or education level. We also work closely with Egyptian universities, which are rich in talented professors and scientists in cutting-edge technologies worldwide. Our collaboration with higher education is at the highest level to enhance capabilities and bridge skill gaps. We are keen for Egypt to achieve self-sufficiency in manpower and expertise in these vital sectors.”
The Minister affirmed that cybersecurity risks are accelerating amid increased reliance on data, now one of the most important national resources and a key element in AI development. He explained that this growing dependency carries a dark side requiring high readiness and precaution.
He also noted that the upcoming phase will witness a qualitative evolution in threats, especially with the emergence of quantum computing, which is becoming a looming reality. This powerful technology could potentially break traditional encryption and cybersecurity defenses, necessitating the development of “quantum-safe” defenses capable of confronting this future threat.
Competitive Advantage in Human Assets!
Adel Abdel Moneim, an international cybersecurity expert, said: “Egypt has a competitive advantage in human resources, and this is not biased. This advantage is not only due to their excellence and efficiency but also because Egyptians significantly support many neighboring countries regionally in developing their cybersecurity infrastructure and systems. Many Egyptians lead institutions and hold prestigious positions in global companies in the U.S. and Europe, which is an undeniable fact.”
He added, “We have a positively developing and continuous infrastructure, but we have not yet reached our goals or aspirations. I believe we need to focus on developing a strategic vision to localize the cybersecurity industry, even if implemented through a long-term plan of about ten years. This plan should seriously initiate the concept of localizing cybersecurity production and related fields such as applications and infrastructure.
The whole world is currently suffering and prioritizing issues like supply chain risks because the more you rely on imported technologies or software, the greater the chances of breach. This doesn’t necessarily mean the imported solutions are bad, but the longer the supply chain stages, the more exposed they are to cyber risks.”
Regarding the impact of AI on cybersecurity and attacks, he said: “AI has a huge effect on both cybersecurity and cyberattacks. Just as sophisticated cyberattacks now depend on AI tools and techniques, detection, response, and prediction systems also rely on AI technologies.
Today, we have Autonomous SOCs (Security Operation Centers) that predict cyberattacks without human intervention. They use AI to detect and predict attacks before they happen based on specific scientific data, identify attack sources, and try to prevent or at least report them for appropriate protective measures. This tremendous ability to detect and monitor attacks before they occur or worsen largely owes to advances in data analytics and AI.”
On the most targeted sectors and the possibility of Egypt becoming a regional cybersecurity hub, he said: “I believe Egypt has what it takes to become a regional cybersecurity center, especially regarding human resources. We have similar experiences in sibling countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have made huge leaps in this sector.
Therefore, investing in human resources could allow us to export services or provide offshore solutions to global companies outside Egypt. However, becoming a regional hub requires legislative and regulatory updates, investor facilitation, and all aspects related to a rapidly evolving labor market. These regulations must be swift and flexible, along with competency development.”
He added: “The targeted sectors vary depending on the nature of attacks. State-sponsored hackers often target infrastructure that, if attacked, would cause widespread paralysis or theft of sensitive data in critical sectors like banking, energy, or smart cities.
Despite their great advantages, smart cities are highly vulnerable and could be completely paralyzed by successful cyberattacks on their systems. Individual hackers or criminal organizations usually aim for ransom attacks, encrypting victims’ data to demand money. These attacks have significantly grown in impact and ransom profits globally.”
Significant Investments!
Mohamed Shebl, Head of IT Sector at Orange Egypt, commented on Egypt’s readiness: “Given the continuous evolution in the cybersecurity race, no country, including Egypt, can claim to be 100% ready for these challenges. However, our real assessment is that Egypt has made very significant investments in digital transformation over the past years, including cybersecurity services. We continue to advance with each upcoming change. It’s like an endless race between growing cyberattacks and their prevention and defense.”
He added, “Many developments have occurred in cybersecurity in Egypt, including training and skills development, which Orange especially focuses on, alongside the state’s efforts. We also have aggregation services related to cybersecurity tasks, improving protection and attack defense. AI and its components will transform cybersecurity entirely. Orange is among the leading companies working to provide best global practices and transfer this expertise to Egypt through our parent company.”
Regarding best practices to handle cyberattacks, Shebl said: “The complete cybersecurity equation consists of three phases: pre-crisis verification, during crisis, and post-crisis. First, human resources must be adequately trained on the latest technologies. Then, the security system itself must be verified, ensuring everyone’s roles do not conflict.
Lastly, the cybersecurity products used must be trusted for protection and attack mitigation. To complete this equation, continuous training and skill enhancement are essential to keep up with developments. For example, there is major progress in AI’s relation to cybersecurity, which we are actively working on to keep pace.”
On targeted sectors, Shebl noted: “Almost all sectors are vulnerable to cyberattacks, from military industries to banking, tourism, and others, because they represent lucrative targets for hackers seeking ransom, data theft, or leaks. Almost no sector is safe anymore.”
He added: “Young people make up about 70% of Egypt’s population. We focus on training and developing these human capacities who can serve Egypt and the Middle East in many critical tech sectors. Many already share their expertise with other regional countries. This human power can position Egypt as a regional cybersecurity hub.”
Tangible Progress!
Mohamed Abdeen, Co-founder of Corporate Stack and Regional Director, sees Egypt making tangible progress in digital infrastructure, network capabilities, and data centers but believes human resource readiness still needs more specialized training and qualification to keep pace with fast cybersecurity developments.
He said: “Globally, cybersecurity tools have evolved to include AI, behavioral analysis, and predictive systems. Locally, Egypt still relies mainly on traditional solutions, with limited integration of smart tools in some institutions, plus advances in verification methods like multi-factor authentication and digital identity.”
On targeted sectors, Abdeen confirmed vital sectors such as banking, energy, telecom, healthcare, and government are most targeted due to their data’s nature and their direct impact on national security and the economy.
Regarding Egypt’s potential as a regional cybersecurity center, he said: “Yes, Egypt has promising assets such as geographical location, human capabilities, and government support. However, becoming a regional hub requires a comprehensive strategic vision, long-term investments in technology, education, and regional and international partnerships.”
He added that key needs include “qualifying more specialized human talents, developing supportive cybersecurity legislation and policies, enhancing scientific research and innovation, establishing advanced regional response centers, and encouraging public-private sector cooperation.”
Addressing challenges, he noted: “A shortage of qualified personnel, increasing attack complexity, limited institutional and social awareness, outdated policies, and delays in adopting modern technologies compared to advanced countries.”
Egypt on the Track!
Technology and information security expert Mahmoud Farag highlighted recent technological leaps, especially in AI, and significant cybersecurity developments. He said Egypt is trying to keep pace and is at the starting line.
He noted that the state has begun developing technological infrastructure and launched the national cybersecurity strategy. There are strong cybersecurity competencies, which helped Egypt avoid recent breaches. However, more skilled personnel are needed. The state is spreading cybersecurity education and increasing university and school focus on AI and related fields to train specialized youth and fend off breaches.
He pointed out that with 5G and faster data transmission, hackers can quickly exfiltrate sensitive data from individuals or government entities, requiring readiness to protect this data. While government sectors face potential serious breaches, ordinary citizens face more scams and financial data theft. Employees might unintentionally cause breaches, underscoring the need for ongoing awareness to keep minds aligned with technological progress.
Farag said AI now helps rapidly detect threats, analyze data traffic behavior, and new tools quickly identify threats or intrusion attempts. Multiple verification methods before system access and widespread use of encryption and blockchain in large sectors are increasingly relied upon.
On targeted sectors, he listed government, financial and banking sectors, energy, health, education, and security and defense institutions. These are targeted by intelligence agencies trying to breach them for useful information, citing examples like Pentagon and U.S. military breaches.
Regarding Egypt becoming a regional cybersecurity hub, he mentioned Egypt’s high awareness and strong competencies to detect or proactively counter breaches. However, some countries like the US and China try to monopolize these sciences.
Egypt’s strong relations with China could help. Achieving a regional hub status requires attracting advanced technologies and more highly skilled personnel familiar with cutting-edge sciences. Human resources are crucial, and this could happen over time.
He emphasized the importance of attracting technology investments like Gulf countries, stating “the oil of the era is data, and we must protect it.”
Farag stressed the need for flexible, modern legislative and regulatory frameworks to keep pace with changes, strong laws to deter crimes, and presence of international companies in Egypt to spread technology and improve local companies. Establishing specialized cybersecurity research centers, heavy investment in human capital, and advanced infrastructure are key to becoming a regional hub. Egypt has smart cities and a new administrative capital, which are important steps, but attention must also extend to other governorates for broader infrastructure development.
