News

Report Highlights $7.45 Million In Damages From Data Breaches Across The Middle East

The worldwide cost of data loss is at an all time high, with the Middle East among the top five regions suffering the most damage.

Published

3 years ago

August 2, 2022

Nour Nasir

report highlights $7.45 million in damages from data breaches across the middle east

IBM has released its annual Cost of a Data Breach Report for 2022, and the findings aren’t looking positive for the Middle East region. Now in its 17th year, the report highlights the importance of cybersecurity and the costs incurred by businesses who have succumbed to hacking (data breaches).

This year, the Middle East has already been damaged by data hacks to the tune of SR28 million ($7.45 million) — a figure that not only beats the combined total of the last eight years, but also puts the region in the top five in terms of lost revenue.

The Middle East has not only made the top 5 for overall losses but also took second place (behind the USA at number one) for the average amount lost from each individual data breach.

The report also breaks down the industries that have suffered the highest per-record cost in millions. Here’s how the top three entries stack up:

Financial: SR1,039
Health: SR991
Energy: SR950

Overall, the IBM report has found that the cost of securing a company after a data hack has increased by more than 13 percent over the last two years. This figure has almost certainly contributed to rising global inflation — a theory backed up by the fact that 60% of businesses in the report have increased their prices as a direct result of a data breach.

Also Read: NordPass Shines Light On Poor Password Hygiene

Fahad Alanazi, general manager of IBM Saudi Arabia, has noted that in our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity is more vital than ever before — especially as countries such as Saudi Arabia embrace a growing online economy.

“Our research confirms how crucial it is for us, as a leader in technology, to keep developing new approaches that will assist the Kingdom in establishing itself as the region’s innovation hub,” says Alanazi.

Perhaps most interestingly, IBM’s research suggests that the average business spends 50% of its breach expenses over a year after a hack has taken place, highlighting just how long a company can be affected by a digital security breach.

As the online world continues to develop at speed, the IBM report suggests the adoption of AI and automation are essential security tools for the future, estimating that the individual cost of data breaches could be reduced by over $3 million by embracing the latest technology.

News

Samsung To Roll Out One UI 7 Starting April 7

The update will introduce AI-driven tools and Google integration, along with a fresh design and enhanced personalization options.

Published

3 days ago

March 20, 2025

Nour Nasir

Samsung

Samsung has confirmed that One UI 7 will officially begin rolling out on April 7, bringing a fresh design and enhanced personalization options. This update is tailored for a more intuitive user experience, powered by AI-driven improvements. Initially, One UI 7 will be available in the U.S. on the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, and Z Flip6 starting April 10. The rollout will gradually expand to more Galaxy smartphones and tablets in the following weeks.

Refined Design And More Customization

With One UI 7, Samsung is introducing a cleaner, more cohesive look aimed at making customization easier and more intuitive. The home screen, widgets, and lock screen have been redesigned to streamline navigation and personalization.

One standout feature is Now Bar, which provides real-time updates directly on the lock screen. Whether checking workout progress during a run or seeing what’s playing on Galaxy Buds, users can access key information with just a swipe — no need to unlock the phone.

AI-Powered Enhancements For A Smoother Experience

Samsung has integrated AI into One UI 7 to make everyday interactions more seamless and efficient. Galaxy AI helps users complete tasks with minimal app switching, while AI Select suggests relevant actions based on selected content. For instance, users can swipe the Edge Panel and tap the AI Select icon while watching a video to instantly create a GIF.

Writing Assist — a favorite tool for Galaxy users — will now offer automatic text summarization and formatting. Meanwhile, Drawing Assist provides a creative boost by generating visuals from text prompts, images, or sketches. Another highlight, Audio Eraser, allows users to fine-tune video sound by isolating and adjusting different audio elements.

Also Read: Google’s Alphabet To Acquire Cybersecurity Firm Wiz For $32 Billion

Finally, Samsung has added greater integration with Google Gemini. Users can simply activate Gemini and ask, “Find Italian restaurants with outdoor seating that are pet friendly” to get instant recommendations. Natural language search also makes adjusting settings easier — users can now tap the mic icon in Settings and say, My eyes feel tired, to receive suggestions like dimming the screen or enabling Eye Comfort Shield.

Device Compatibility And Rollout Schedule

The One UI 7 update will begin rolling out on April 7, with more devices receiving it in the weeks that follow. Compatible models include the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, and the Galaxy Tab S10 and Tab S9 series.