Cyberattacks have become a daily reality affecting individuals, states, and institutions alike. Today, we live in a world where smartphones, networks, and digital infrastructure systems are under an invisible siege run by organized criminal groups and, at times, state-backed actors, within the framework of what is known as “fifth-generation warfare” and cyber warfare.
اضافة اعلان
Dr. Mohammed Mohsen Ramadan, Head of the Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Unit at the Arab Center for Research and Studies, said:
“The battle is no longer confined to the ground—it is now over data, systems, and even user awareness itself. We are witnessing an unprecedented wave of cyber breaches, and the danger is closer than we imagine. In recent periods, global warnings have escalated about critical security vulnerabilities targeting smartphone operating systems, messaging and email applications, telecommunications networks, data centers and cloud services, industrial control systems, and vital infrastructure.”
From the Phone to the State: How Does the Threat Expand?
Dr. Ramadan warned that what makes the situation particularly dangerous is that many of these attacks require no user interaction at all, known as Zero-Click Exploits. Simply having the phone connected to the internet is enough to make it a potential target. A phone in your pocket can turn into a gateway for intrusion without you realizing it.
Cyberattacks are no longer limited to individuals; they have become tools of geopolitical and economic pressure. Hacking the phone of an official, disrupting a hospital network, or paralyzing transportation or power systems can result in massive economic losses, disruption of vital services, threats to national security, and the spread of digital chaos and misinformation. At this point, a cyberattack transforms from a “cybercrime” into a strategic weapon.
Digital Sovereignty: The First Line of Defense
Dr. Ramadan continued:
“Phishing and malware represent the other face of cyberattacks. Alongside technical vulnerabilities, social engineering and phishing remain among the most dangerous weapons used by attackers. They rely on fake messages that appear official, disguised malicious links, fake applications, and booby-trapped digital advertisements. The goal is not only hacking, but also stealing digital identities, banking data, and gaining remote control over devices.”
For his part, Egyptian Assistant Minister of Interior and former Director of Sohag Criminal Investigations, Major General Khaled Al-Shazly, said:
“Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury. In this complex landscape, digital protection becomes a shared responsibility between the state, institutions, and citizens. Among the most important personal protection measures are promptly updating operating systems and applications, avoiding unknown links and messages, using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and downloading apps only from official stores.”
Al-Shazly also stressed the need to implement strict information security policies, conduct regular penetration testing, train employees in cyber awareness, secure networks and data centers, and develop cyber incident response plans. “Cybersecurity is not a program; it is a culture and a daily behavior,” he said.
Ignorance Is a Vulnerability… Awareness Is a Shield
Al-Shazly explained that experience has shown the human factor to be the weakest link—yet at the same time the strongest line of defense if properly trained. Spreading digital awareness and strengthening a culture of cybersecurity have become a national necessity, no less important than any conventional weapon.
He added that in the digital age, ignorance is a vulnerability, while awareness is a fortress. The world is indeed under digital attack, but surrender is not an option. Through awareness, legislation, technology, and training, cyberspace can be transformed from a threat arena into a safe environment that supports development and stability. The battle is ongoing, and those who fail to secure themselves today may pay the price tomorrow.
Al Arabiya.net
