Skyscanner Reveals Growing Staycation Interest Among Saudi Travelers

Kaspersky analyzed phishing and scam campaigns observed from January through September 2025 and found that 88.5% of attacks sought credentials for various online accounts. Another 9.5% targeted personal data such as names, addresses, and dates of birth, while 2% focused on bank card details.

According to data from Kaspersky, over 47 million phishing links were clicked in the Middle East region in the previous year (from November 2024 to October 2025) – all of which were detected and blocked by Kaspersky solutions. Not everyone uses protective solutions on their devices however, and phishing remains one of the most prevalent cyber threats, with attackers luring users to fake websites where they unwittingly surrender their login credentials, personal information, or bank card details.

Distribution of attacks by type of data being targeted

Kaspersky research shows that most phishing pages transmit stolen information via email, Telegram bots, or attacker-controlled panels, before it enters underground resale channels.

Data stolen through phishing is rarely used only once: credentials from multiple campaigns are consolidated into data dumps and sold on dark web markets, in some cases for as little as $50. Buyers sort and verify the data to check whether accounts remain active and reusable across different services. According to Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence, average 2025 prices ranged from $0.90 for global internet portals to $105 for crypto platforms and $350 for online banking access. Personal documents such as passports or ID cards sold for about $15 on average, with pricing influenced by account age, balance, linked payment methods, and security settings.

As datasets are enriched and combined, attackers can build detailed digital profiles that may later support targeted attacks on executives, finance staff, IT-administrators or individuals with valuable assets or personal documents.

“Our analysis shows that credentials account for nearly 90% of phishing attempts. Once collected, logins, passwords, phone numbers, and personal details are aggregated, checked, and resold, sometimes years after the initial theft. Combined with new information, even old credentials can enable account takeovers and targeted attacks against both individuals and organizations. By leveraging open-source intelligence and old breach data, attackers can craft highly personalized scams, turning one-time victims into long-term targets for identity theft, blackmail, or financial fraud,” said Olga Altukhova, senior web content analyst at Kaspersky.

To reduce the risks associated with phishing, users should follow a few safety recommendations:

• Do not trust links or attachments received by email or messages. Always check the sender carefully before opening anything.
• Double-check websites before entering any personal or financial information. Make sure the URL is correct and watch for spelling errors or visual inconsistencies.
• Even when precautions are in place, review bank and card statements regularly and report any suspicious transactions to your financial institution immediately.
• If account credentials are stolen, change the password for the affected account and for any other services where the same or similar password was used. Use a unique password for each account.
• To stay protected, install a comprehensive cybersecurity solution. Kaspersky Premium protects users from fraudulent activities through advanced detection technology that analyzes website characteristics and URLs to identify suspicious patterns.
• Enable multi-factor authentication for all accounts that support it.
• Check account login history and active sessions regularly and terminate any suspicious activity.
• If a messaging or social media account is compromised, inform contacts that fraudulent messages may be sent in your name.

Polygreen, a leading provider of global circular economy solutions, is launching “Again, Please”, a reusable food ware system aimed at replacing single-use plastics, during the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, as the UAE accelerates its transition towards a circular economy.

As part of the launch, Again, Please hot and cold reusable cups will be used across participating exhibitors at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi throughout WFES, demonstrating the practical application of reusable food ware at one of the region’s largest sustainability events. The brand is also exhibiting under the Polygreen stand, highlighting the role of circular infrastructure in reducing waste at scale.

The launch coincides with the UAE’s recent legislation to phase out single-use plastic products, reinforcing national efforts to shift towards more sustainable consumption models and circular economy solutions.

Athanasios Polychronopoulos, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer at Polygreen, said: “The UAE has taken decisive steps to address plastic waste through regulation and policy. Again, Please demonstrates how policy, infrastructure, and proven reusable packaging solutions which support behavioral change can work together. By replacing single-use cups with a practical, scalable reuse model, we are helping business partners move from intention to direct impact.”

Again, Please is a reverse logistics (closed loop) reusable food ware packaging solution designed for events, exhibitions, entertainment venues, and F&B operators. The system goes beyond cups, offering tailored reusable packaging formats supported by end-to-end infrastructure, including collection points, logistics, industrial washing, and redeployment, ensuring hygiene, convenience, and operational efficiency.

A key component of the system is the Again, Please wash hub located in the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi. The facility, a first of its kind in the UAE, enables high-volume, food-grade washing and rapid turnaround, ensuring reusable packaging is safely returned to circulation.

“Our goal with Again, Please is to make reuse simple, accessible, and commercially viable. By providing the full infrastructure behind the scenes, from washing and logistics to on-ground deployment, we enable HoReCa operators and venues to move away from single-use food ware while elevating their customer experience”, added Theodossios Kassapantoniou, General Manager of Again, Please.

Prior to its official launch at WFES, Again, Please was piloted across several events in Abu Dhabi, where the system demonstrated high return rates and strong consumer participation, in line with the implemented international best practices.

By replacing disposable food ware with reusable alternatives, the system helps partners reduce waste sent to landfill, lower the carbon footprint associated with single-use production, and generate measurable ESG outcomes.

The launch of Again, Please at WFES reflects the growing role of reusable food ware in supporting the UAE’s sustainability agenda, including waste reduction targets, circular economy frameworks, and public-private collaboration.

London Business School (LBS) has announced three senior appointments to lead its newly opened Executive Education Office in Riyadh as the School deepens its long-term commitment to supporting leadership and human-capability development in Saudi Arabia. 

The new senior hires are:

• Tim Landucci, Head of Office (Saudi Arabia); Director of Corporate Community 
• Roger Attieh, Client Director, Saudi Arabia 
• Monika Radia, Operations Director, Saudi Arabia 

Tim Landucci, Head of Office (Saudi Arabia); Director of Corporate Community

Tim brings 16 years’ experience in the business school sector across senior marketing, operations and business development roles, working with more than 20 global institutions on strategic initiatives. Since joining London Business School in 2023 to lead the creation of LBS Corporate 100, a cross-sector community of brands and institutions united by a commitment to confront the challenges shaping the future of business. Tim has driven the School’s corporate engagement agenda. As Head of Office (Saudi Arabia), Tim will have overall responsibility for the Riyadh office’s business operations, partnerships and service quality and will help shape new services tailored to regional needs. 

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to support the launch of our new office in Saudi Arabia and work with our team to establish a strong presence in the region,” said Tim Landucci. “I am particularly excited about developing partnerships and deepening our understanding of the regional landscape to evolve the services we provide and increase the impact we have for our clients.”

Roger Attieh, Client Director, Saudi Arabia

Roger has over 12 years’ experience in executive education and leadership development across the Gulf, with a strong focus on Saudi Arabia. He will lead LBS’s client relationships in the Kingdom, managing a strategic portfolio to deliver measurable business impact and ensuring world-class delivery aligned with the School’s ambitions in the region.

Commenting on his new role, Roger said, “I’m delighted to serve leaders in Saudi Arabia at a moment of extraordinary change. Contributing to LBS’s mission here in Riyadh, where ambition and transformation are redefining the future, is both an honor and an opportunity to help expand the School’s footprint and impact.”

Monika Radia, Operations Director, Saudi Arabia

Monika is an experienced executive education professional with over 10 years of delivering large-scale leadership initiatives across Saudi Arabia and wider Gulf region. At LBS she has overseen complex program portfolios with a focus on governance, commercial performance and senior stakeholder engagement, while building strong, trusted relationships with clients. In her new role she will lead operational delivery for LBS’s Executive Education portfolio in Saudi Arabia, strengthening national partnerships, deepening client engagement and ensuring seamless execution of high-impact programs that support Vision 2030. “I am honored to take on this role in Saudi Arabia,” said Monika Radia. “Establishing London Business School’s operational presence in Riyadh presents an important opportunity to deepen our engagement, strengthen partnerships and enhance the impact of our work on the ground.”

Wa’ad Alshathly, an experienced office manager from Saudi Arabia also joins the team, providing office administration and day-to-day operational support for the Riyadh office.

Why this expansion matters

LBS opened a regional presence in the Middle East with its Dubai campus in 2007 and has steadily increased engagement with Saudi organizations and leaders. The School’s Executive Education Office is located in Diriyah, Riyadh and was officially opened in November 2025. The Riyadh office will enable LBS to scale local delivery and co-design programs with partners. It will reinforce the School’s role in supporting organizations and people that are playing a key role in realizing the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030, through the development of their human capability.

LBS has seen substantial growth in participation from Saudi executives across its executive education and degree programs. Through strategic collaborations with organizations such as the Diriyah Company, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) and BSF, the School aims to support the development of thousands of leaders in the Kingdom and work with leading public and private sector organizations, to drive long-term people-centered transformation.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars closed 2025 with a landmark year for its Bespoke division, reaching new creative, technical, and commercial heights. Client commissions reflected deeply personal stories, cultural symbolism, and contemporary collectibles, driving record demand across the brand’s global Private Office network, where Bespoke commissions more than doubled year-on-year.

The year saw major innovations in materials and craftsmanship, including three-dimensional embroidery and marquetry, layered ink printing, 24-carat gold leafing, polished concrete finishes, and fully hand-painted Starlight Headliners. These advances culminated in the Phantom Centenary Private Collection, the most complex and ambitious Bespoke project in the marque’s history, created to mark 100 years of the Phantom nameplate.

Cullinan emerged as the most requested model of 2025, followed closely by the all-electric Spectre, while commissions for luxury lifestyle accessories also rose significantly. To meet growing Bespoke and Coachbuild demand, Rolls-Royce continued work on a £300m+ expansion of its Goodwood site, set to enhance production capacity and creative capabilities in the coming years.

The Middle East & Africa played a central role in this success, hosting major Phantom centenary celebrations and regional debuts, including Black Badge Spectre. Strategic dealer expansions in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Egypt further strengthened Rolls-Royce’s presence, reinforcing the region’s position as a global benchmark for Bespoke luxury and a key driver of the marque’s future growth.

Kaspersky‘s new research reveals that 64% of online shoppers in the UAE believe they can detect fraud on their own, while only 51% actually use security software to protect their payments and block malicious links. Experts consider this a major risk for online buyers. Over the past year Kaspersky identified nearly 6.7 million phishing attacks impersonating online stores, payment systems, and banks, with 55.6% targeting online shoppers.

As the winter sales season approaches, Kaspersky conducted a survey to examine consumer cybersecurity practices employed during online shopping in the UAE. The findings show that 99% of respondents demonstrate a substantial level of awareness of online security risks and implement at least some measures to safeguard their digital transactions.

However, the survey found that more than half the participants in the UAE (51%) use dedicated security software to block phishing attempts and protect payment transactions. This concerning trend is particularly pronounced among the older generation (55+), with only 32% of respondents in this age group actually using security software when making online purchases.

The most commonly adopted security protocols include being vigilant about potential warning signs, such as suspicious hyperlinks or unusual website design (64%) and verifying seller authenticity (64%). Kaspersky experts emphasize that while these practices are essential protective measures for online shopping, they constitute only foundational protection strategies rather than the comprehensive fraud prevention provided by a security solution. 

Other steps that could protect online shoppers, like using a separate credit card for digital purchases or using a separate email address to register with unfamiliar online shops, were chosen by 37% and 34% of survey participants, respectively. Meanwhile, 39% claimed to consult with friends and relatives before making a purchase. Interestingly, this option is highly popular among the younger generation, with 37% opting for it, while it is less common among older people (21%).

“Throughout the year, we’ve observed that online shoppers have consistently been one of the most desirable targets for scammers. During sales periods, their scams can become even more pervasive. Staying vigilant is crucial, but protecting yourself requires more than just awareness. It is particularly concerning how scammers are now using AI to craft more sophisticated, targeted phishing attempts that are increasingly difficult for regular users to recognize,” comments Olga Altukhova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky. 

Sales seasons are peak times for scammers. To protect yourself against emerging threats, implement the following security practices:

• Don’t save your full credit card details on websites unless absolutely necessary.
• Consider using a separate debit card specifically for online purchases and set up transaction alerts on your bank and credit card accounts.
• Be extra cautious of “flash sales” that seem too good to be true. Watch out for websites that pressure you into making quick decisions, and be wary of sellers who refuse returns or exchanges.
• Use different passwords for each online account and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
• Apply a security solution with a strong anti-phishing component. For instance, Kaspersky Premium received the annual ‘Approved’ certification from the leading testing lab AV-Comparatives in 2025 for detecting 93% of phishing URLs, demonstrating outstanding anti-phishing capabilities, powered by AI technology.
• Scammers constantly evolve their methods, so staying informed about new phishing techniques can help you recognize and avoid them. Security blog will help you keep your finger on the pulse of emerging cyberthreats.

*The study was conducted by Kaspersky’s market research center in November 2025. A total of 3000 respondents from 15 countries (Argentina, Chile, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates) took part in the survey.

The cybersecurity landscape in the UAE is evolving rapidly, with organizations seeking more robust ways to protect their digital assets. A recent global study conducted by Kaspersky reveals a growing shift toward proactive security strategies, particularly the adoption of Secure by Design development and Cyber Immunity – an innovative approach that embeds resilience directly into system architecture.

The study highlights that 94% of cybersecurity professionals in the UAE are familiar with Secure by Design development. This methodology integrates security into the very fabric of a system from its inception, rather than treating it as an afterthought. Such an approach is already employed in high-stakes industries like aerospace, where security cannot be bolted on later – it must be intrinsic. Despite its advantages, however, adoption has been slow due to challenges related to standardization and cost.

Cyber Immunity is the next frontier in cybersecurity

Building on Secure by Design principles, Cyber Immunity takes cybersecurity a step further by creating systems that inherently resist attacks without the need for constant patching or additional security layers. The study reveals that most experts are familiar with Cyber Immunity but interpret it differently. When asked what they associate with the term, 78% linked it to Secure by Design systems that remain resilient under attack, while 64% viewed it as a combination of technology and policy measures that block cybercriminal access. Another 40% connected it to highly skilled cybersecurity teams, indicating that while awareness is high, a unified understanding is still developing.

The growing demand for proactive security

One of the most striking findings is the optimism surrounding inherently secure systems. Over half of respondents (70%) believe it is already possible or definitely achievable to design systems capable of withstanding cyberattacks without relying on additional security solutions. Another 24% think it might be possible, reflecting openness to this idea despite some uncertainty. This shift in mindset aligns with a broader industry trend: traditional reactive security measures are no longer sufficient. With AI-powered threats and increasingly sophisticated attacks, organizations need solutions that do more than just detect breaches—they must prevent them by design.

Integrating Cyber Immunity into security strategies

The study emphasizes that resilience, expertise, and flexibility will define the next generation of cybersecurity. While Secure by Design provides the methodology, Cyber Immunity represents the ultimate goal—systems so robust that they minimize reliance on external defenses.

“For companies looking ahead, Cyber Immunity offers more than just protection — it brings clear business benefits. When systems are built to be secure from the ground up, there’s less need for constant updates, patches, and extra security tools. That means fewer costs, less strain on IT teams, and stronger, more reliable protection over time,” said Dmitry Lukiyan, Head of KasperskyOS Business Unit.

Most importantly in today’s threat landscape, Cyber Immunity offers robust protection against next-generation challenges — including AI-driven attacks capable of outmaneuvering traditional security measures. When security becomes an intrinsic property of system architecture rather than an external addition, businesses gain more than just protection—they secure a competitive market advantage. This proactive approach future-proofs critical infrastructure, enabling organizations to operate confidently even as threats evolve. It transforms cybersecurity from a defensive necessity into a strategic differentiator that accelerates digital transformation while mitigating risk.

As the cybersecurity environment becomes more complex, Cyber Immunity is emerging as a vital strategy. Organizations that adopt it now will not only enhance their protection but also position themselves ahead of the curve in an increasingly volatile digital world.

Huawei Cloud hosted the Saudi Arabia Partner Day, Recruitment & Appreciation Gala at the InterContinental Riyadh, bringing together more than 150 partners from across the Kingdom. The event highlighted Huawei Cloud’s instrumental role in building one of Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing cloud ecosystems, directly contributing to the Kingdom’s ambitious digital transformation across industries.

The event reaffirmed Huawei Cloud’s long-term commitment to its local partners, focusing on enablement, innovation, and shared growth. Participants reflected on a year of significant ecosystem development and aligned on future opportunities to drive measurable impact for customers in Saudi Arabia.

“Our partners are the cornerstone of Huawei Cloud’s success in Saudi Arabia,” said Lawrence Liu, CEO of Huawei Cloud Saudi Arabia. “By deeply investing in our community, empowering partners with right policies, cutting-edge solutions, and strong incentives, we are jointly building a sustainable cloud future that delivers real value to customers and supports the Kingdom’s transformative journey.”

Discussions throughout the event centered on strengthening the partner network and fostering long-term success. Huawei Cloud shared key updates on its ecosystem strategy in Saudi Arabia, detailing continued investment, partner-focused policies, and scalable cloud solutions designed to enable partners to grow profitably and build sustainable businesses. Yong Hu, Director of Partner Development at Huawei Cloud Saudi Arabia, elaborated on the ecosystem’s evolution over the past year, highlighting how close collaboration with partners drives differentiation, supports innovation, and creates measurable customer impact across industries.

The maturity and success of the ecosystem were reflected in partner success stories. Points Information Technology demonstrated a live avatar empowered by Huawei AI solution unlocked new market opportunities and sustainable growth, while Raqmeyat shared its experience in executing effective digital marketing strategies to accelerate demand generation and business expansion. Ejada Systems Company, MDS for Computer Systems, BTC (Baud Telecom Company) and NAS Solutions also shared their journeys, underscoring the breadth and diversity of Huawei Cloud’s partner landscape in Saudi Arabia.

Partner excellence was a key highlight of the gathering, with Huawei Cloud recognizing more than 15 partners for their exceptional performance and contributions to the ecosystem. Among the recognitions, BTC (Baud Telecom Company) was named Outstanding Growth Partner, while MDS for Computer Systems and Ejada Systems Company received the Outstanding Revenue Partner award, highlighting their significant contributions to development growth and customer success.

With a rapidly expanding partner network and a clear focus on innovation, enablement, and shared success, Huawei Cloud continues to reinforce its role as a trusted cloud partner in Saudi Arabia,

Modern messengers, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and others, are often used for illicit purposes. Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence has conducted an in-depth monitoring of over 800 blocked cybercriminal Telegram channels between 2021 and 2024. While a range of illegal activities continues to be hosted on the platform, its environment has become noticeably more challenging for sustained underground operations.

Telegram’s bot framework and other built-in features make for a low-effort ecosystem for the underworld. A single bot can simultaneously manage queries, process cryptocurrency payments, and instantly deliver stolen bank cards, info-stealer logs, phishing kits, or DDoS attacks to hundreds of buyers per day, often without operator involvement. Unlimited, non-expiring file storage eliminates the need for external hosting when distributing multi-gigabyte database dumps or stolen corporate documents. This frictionless automation naturally favors high-volume, low-price, low-skill offerings, such as leaked bank cards or other data, hosting malware, etc. High-value, trust-dependent deals (for instance, zero-day vulnerability information) still remain on reputation-gated dark-web forums.

Kaspersky researchers found two clear trends related to illegal activities on Telegram. The average lifespan of shadow channels has increased, with the proportion of channels surviving over nine months more than tripling in 2023-2024 compared to 2021–2022. At the same time, Telegram’s blocking activity has risen significantly. Monthly takedown figures recorded since October 2024 – even at their lowest – are comparable to the peak levels seen throughout 2023, and the overall pace has continued to accelerate in 2025. This impedes malicious activities. 

Other disadvantages of Telegram for cybercriminals include the lack of default end-to-end (E2E) encryption for chats, the inability to use their own servers for communication (due to the messenger’s centralized infrastructure), and closed server-side code, which makes it impossible to verify its functionality. 

As a result, several established underground communities, including the nearly 9,000-member BFRepo group and the Angel Drainer malware-as-a-service operation, have already begun shifting primary activity to other platforms or proprietary messengers, citing repeated disruptions of their activities on Telegram.

“Fraudsters find Telegram a convenient tool for many malicious activities, but the risk-reward balance is clearly shifting. Channels are managing to stay online longer than a couple of years ago, yet the dramatically higher volume of blocks means operators can no longer count on long-term stability. When a storefront or service disappears overnight – and sometimes reappears only to be removed again weeks later – building a reliable business becomes much harder. We’re starting to see the early stages of migration as a direct consequence,” comments Vladislav Belousov, Digital Footprint Analyst at Kaspersky.

To help users and organizations stay protected, Kaspersky recommends the following practical measures:

• Report clearly illicit channels and bots to accelerate community-driven moderation.
• Use multiple sources of Threat Intelligence information (with coverage of surface, deep and dark web resources) to be notified about recent underground activities and stay aware of actual TTPs used by threat actors.

Vodafone has announced the renewal of its partnership with TOD, strengthening its commitment to delivering premium sports and entertainment experiences to customers across Egypt.

Through this renewed collaboration, Vodafone customers will enjoy access to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on TOD, supported by Vodafone’s 5G network, offering wide coverage and a seamless streaming experience.

Beyond AFCON, the partnership provides Vodafone RED customers with year-round access to premium sports and entertainment from TOD, including exclusive live sports and a rich library of Arabic, Turkish and Western content.

The renewed partnership reflects both companies’ shared focus on innovation, connectivity, and delivering high-quality digital experiences tailored to the needs of today’s viewers.

Recent research from Kaspersky has illuminated a significant shift in AI usage during the holiday season. Far from being just a reliable shopping or planning assistant, artificial intelligence has emerged as a multifaceted digital companion capable of delivering emotional support – a phenomenon particularly pronounced among the Gen Z and millennial group. However, Kaspersky experts warn that placing too much trust in AI can threaten data security.

In the run-up to the Christmas holidays, Kaspersky conducted a survey* to find out how people leverage AI-powered tools to make the most of their free time and streamline holiday preparations, and to highlight the potential cyber threats related to it. It turns out that AI’s popularity in the 2025/2026 holiday is rather high, with 92% of survey participants in the UAE indicating they plan to incorporate AI into their holiday activities. The younger generation demonstrates the strongest enthusiasm for AI usage, with 86% of respondents aged 18-34 expressing intentions to resort to artificial intelligence during the holiday period. 

According to the survey, more than a half of AI users plans to utilize the tools during the holidays to search for recipes (45%) or restaurants and accommodation (59%), underscoring AI’s ongoing significance in simplifying research processes and reducing search-related time commitments.

However, AI as an idea generator also gets a great response from the audience. The survey uncovered that 48% of users seek AI assistance for brainstorming gift ideas, ways to celebrate or tips on Christmas decoration. 51% of respondents plan to trust AI to generate ideas on how to spend their free time. During the holidays 46% of respondents regards AI as a shopping assistant, which can help them to create shopping lists, find the best deals or analyze reviews. 

Modern AI tools enable holiday shoppers to find offers that perfectly match individual preferences and budget constraints with just a few clicks. However, the reliability of chatbot-generated information remains a significant concern. It’s highly recommended for shoppers to check all links provided by AI before clicking on them, as they may contain malicious or phishing content. To mitigate this risk, cybersecurity experts recommend employing a security solution  empowered with AI-based phishing detection tools.

Beyond its capacity to tackle diverse challenges and generate new ideas, AI assumed a new role: serving as a virtual companion capable of offering emotional assistance. 39% of those who use AI during holidays consider talking to it when they feel unhappy. Zoomers and millennials show the biggest interest in AI-powered support among all ages. 

“As LLM models rapidly evolve, their potential for engaging in meaningful dialogue with users grows as well. However, it’s important to bear in mind that they learn to answer from data, most of which is sourced from the Internet, meaning they are prone to regurgitate the error and biases from the text used for training. It’s highly recommended to approach AI suggestions with a healthy dose of skepticism and try to avoid oversharing,” comments Vladislav Tushkanov, Group Manager at Kaspersky AI Technology Research Center.

While communication with AI services may seem personal and private, it’s important to remember that most chatbots are owned by commercial companies with their own data collection and processing policies. Here are several security tips that can help to enhance data privacy:

• Before starting any conversation, review the privacy policy of the AI tool you’re using. Check whether you can opt out of using your chats for such purposes as model training or marketing to minimize the amount of data collected.
• Try to avoid sharing deeply personal, identifying, or financial information with AI chatbots. Treat your messages as you would a public social post – never assume absolute confidentiality.
• Stick to AI services from reputable companies with strong privacy and security track records. Avoid using anonymous or unknown bots that could be designed to harvest data. Malicious or fake AI bots may attempt to extract personal information to commit fraud, phishing, or blackmail. To protect your data, use a security solution such as Kaspersky Premium that prevents clicking on unreliable links.  

During the BRIDGE Summit 2025 held in Abu Dhabi, iQIYI and the BRIDGE Alliance officially announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by H.E. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Vice Chairman of the BRIDGE Alliance, and Xianghua Yang, President of iQIYI’s Movie & Overseas Business Group.

The signing was followed by in-depth discussions on future collaboration, marking a new chapter of structured cooperation between China’s leading online entertainment platform and one of the Middle East and North Africa’s most ambitious media hub initiatives.

The partnership is founded on a shared vision. The BRIDGE Alliance is dedicated to advancing inclusivity, diversity, and impact across the media, content, and entertainment sectors by fostering international cooperation and innovation. iQIYI, one of China’s most influential digital entertainment brands, brings extensive expertise in long-form content, technology R&D, and diversified business models. Together, the two organizations aim to integrate content and technology strengths with platform and hub capabilities to explore the future of media technology.

Under the MoU, collaboration will focus on:

• Joint IP Development and Operation
• Co-production and Global Distribution of Film and TV Content
• Virtual Production and VR Technology Applications
• Media Technology R&D and Industry Exchange

H.E. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi stated: “We welcome iQIYI as a partner of the BRIDGE Alliance. iQIYI’s leadership in content innovation and advanced technology integration makes it a natural collaborator as we build a globally connected media ecosystem.”

Xianghua Yang added: “This partnership represents a key step in expanding iQIYI’s international presence, particularly in strengthening ties with the MENA region. We look forward to delivering innovative entertainment experiences and contributing to the growth of the regional media technology ecosystem.”

The partnership aims to establish a benchmark for full-cycle collaboration from research and development through to real-world application, while enhancing cultural exchange and driving innovation through the power of media.

Kaspersky experts outline how the rapid development of AI is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape in 2026, both for individual users and for businesses. Large language models (LLMs) are influencing defensive capabilities while simultaneously expanding opportunities for threat actors.

Deepfakes are becoming a mainstream technology, and awareness will continue to grow. Companies are increasingly discussing the risks of synthetic content and training employees to reduce the likelihood of falling victim to it. As the volume of deepfakes grows, so does the range of formats in which they appear. At the same time, awareness is rising not only within organizations but also among regular users: end consumers encounter fake content more often and better understand the nature of such threats. As a result, deepfakes are becoming a stable element of the security agenda, requiring a systematic approach to training and internal policies.

Deepfake quality will improve through better audio and a lowering barrier to entry. The visual quality of deepfakes is already high, while realistic audio remains the main area for future growth. At the same time, content generation tools are becoming easier to use: even non-experts can now create a mid-quality deepfake in just a few clicks. As a result, the average quality continues to rise, creation becomes accessible to a far broader audience, and these capabilities will inevitably continue to be leveraged by cybercriminals.

Online deepfakes will continue to evolve but remain tools for advanced users. Real-time face and voice swapping technologies are improving, but their setup still requires more advanced technical skills. Wide adoption is unlikely, yet the risks in targeted scenarios will grow: increasing realism and the ability to manipulate video through virtual cameras make such attacks more convincing.

Efforts to develop a reliable system for labeling AI-generated content will continue. There are still no unified criteria for reliably identifying synthetic content, and current labels are easy to bypass or remove, especially when working with open-source models. For this reason, new technical and regulatory initiatives aimed at addressing the problem are likely to emerge.

Open-weight models will approach top closed models in many cybersecurity-related tasks, which create more opportunities for misuse. Closed models still offer stricter control mechanisms and safeguards, limiting abuse. However, open-source systems are rapidly catching up in functionality and circulate without comparable restrictions. This blurs the difference between proprietary models and open-source models both of which can be used efficiently for undesired or malicious purposes.

The line between legitimate and fraudulent AI-generated content will become increasingly blurred. AI can already produce well-crafted scam emails, convincing visual identities, and high-quality phishing pages. At the same time, major brands are adopting synthetic materials in advertising, making AI-generated content look familiar and visually “normal.” As a result, distinguishing real from fake will become even more challenging, both for users and for automated detection systems.

AI will become a cross-chain tool in cyberattacks and be used across most stages of the kill chain. Threat actors already employ LLMs to write code, build infrastructure, and automate operational tasks. Further advances will reinforce this trend: AI will increasingly support multiple stages of an attack, from preparation and communication to assembling malicious components, probing for vulnerabilities and deploying tools. Attackers will also work to hide signs of AI involvement, making such operations harder to analyze.

“While AI tools are being used in cyberattacks, they are also become a more common tool in security analysis and influence how SOC teams work. Agent-based systems will be able to continuously scan infrastructure, identify vulnerabilities, and gather contextual information for investigations, reducing the amount of manual routine work. As a result, specialists will shift from manually searching for data to making decisions based on already-prepared context. In parallel, security tools will transition to natural-language interfaces, enabling prompts instead of complex technical queries,” adds Vladislav Tushkanov, Research Development Group Manager at Kaspersky.

TGL presented by SoFi, the primetime team golf league, announced OMEGA as its Official Timekeeper. As part of the multiyear partnership, OMEGA is supporting TGL’s signature 40-second shot clock, which helps create the fast-paced, competitive action that has drawn fans to the league’s new format for team golf. TGL’s second season returns Sunday, Dec. 28, on ABC in the U.S., marking the league’s broadcast network debut. Season 2 opens with a rematch of last season’s Finals between New York Golf Club and defending champion Atlanta Drive GC.

 “Golf is a strong part of OMEGA’s sporting DNA, and we’re excited to grow our support of the game alongside TGL,” said Raynald Aeschlimann, president and CEO, OMEGA. “The unique format very much appeals to our pioneering spirit, and we love how the competition emphasizes our brand values of team dynamics, precision, power, time and technology.”

“Having a global luxury brand like OMEGA join as our Official Timekeeper is evidence of the broad appeal of TGL, which this season will reach more than 150 countries and territories around the world, and has resonated with younger fans in part due to the fast pace of TGL’s matches,” said Jason Langwell, chief revenue officer, TMRW Sports. 

In addition to serving as the Official Timekeeper of TGL and sponsoring TGL’s shot clock during matches, OMEGA’s partnership includes digital and social content integrations. The collaboration also features the presence of OMEGA clocks at SoFi Center, TGL’s purpose-built venue in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., where fans are welcomed throughout the season as part of TGL’s premium hospitality experience.

TGL’s rosters include two OMEGA ambassadors with Boston Common Golf’s Rory McIlroy and The Bay Golf Club’s Wyndham Clark. Boston Common Golf’s first Season 2 match is Friday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2 (vs. LA), and The Bay Golf Club makes its Season 2 debut on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN (vs. ATL).

TGL presented by SoFi Media Hub: 

The Media Hub offers media members a wide selection of downloadable assets, including player and team images, league and team logos, explainer content, match highlights, overviews of holes, statistics, and more. Media can register for access and apply for match credentials at TGLMediaHub.com.

Kaspersky Threat Research has identified a new malware campaign that uses paid Google search ads and shared conversations on the official ChatGPT website to trick Mac users into running a command that installs the AMOS (Atomic macOS Stealer) info stealer and a persistent backdoor on their devices. 

In the campaign, attackers buy sponsored search ads for queries such as “chatgpt atlas” and direct users to a page that appears to be an installation guide for “ChatGPT Atlas for macOS” hosted at chatgpt.com. In reality, the page is a shared ChatGPT conversation generated through prompt engineering and then sanitized so that only the step-by-step “installation” instructions remain. The guide instructs users to copy a single line of code, open Terminal on macOS, paste the command, and grant all requested permissions.

Kaspersky researchers analysis shows that the command downloads and executes a script from the external domain atlas-extension[.]com. The script repeatedly prompts the user for their system password and validates the password by attempting to run system commands. Once the correct password is supplied, the script downloads the AMOS info stealer, uses the stolen credentials to install it, and launches the malware. The infection flow represents a variation of the so-called ClickFix technique, in which users are persuaded to manually execute shell commands that retrieve and run code from remote servers.

After installation, AMOS collects data that can be monetized or reused in later intrusions. The malware targets passwords, cookies, and other information from popular browsers, data from cryptocurrency wallets such as Electrum, Coinomi, and Exodus, and information from applications including Telegram Desktop and OpenVPN Connect. It also searches for files with TXT, PDF, and DOCX extensions in the Desktop, Documents, and Downloads folders, as well as files stored by the Notes application, then exfiltrates this data to attacker-controlled infrastructure. In parallel, the attack installs a backdoor that is configured to start automatically on reboot, gives remote access to the compromised system, and duplicates much of AMOS’s data-collection logic.

The campaign reflects a broader trend in which info stealers have become one of 2025’s fastest-growing threats, with attackers actively experimenting with AI-related themes, fake AI tools, and AI-generated content to increase the credibility of their lures. Recent waves have included fake AI browser sidebars and fraudulent clients for popular models; the Atlas-themed activity extends this pattern by abusing a legitimate AI platform’s built-in content-sharing feature.

“What makes this case effective is not a sophisticated exploit, but the way social engineering is wrapped in a familiar AI context,” said Vladimir Gursky, Malware Analyst at Kaspersky. “A sponsored link leads to a well-formatted page on a trusted domain, and the ‘installation guide’ is just a single Terminal command. For many users, that combination of trust and simplicity is enough to bypass their usual caution, yet the result is full compromise of the system and long-term access for the attacker.”

Kaspersky recommends that users:

• Treat any unsolicited “guide” that asks them to run Terminal or PowerShell commands with caution, especially when it involves copying and pasting a one-line script from a website, document, or chat.
• Close pages or delete messages that ask for such actions if the instructions are unclear, and seek advice from a knowledgeable source before proceeding.
• Consider pasting any suspicious commands into a separate AI or security tool to understand what the code does before executing it.
• Install and maintain reputable security software on all devices, including macOS and Linux systems, such as Kaspersky Premium, to detect and block infostealers and related payloads.

Mintiply Capital, an investment banking advisory firm specialized in managing and structuring investment transactions, is set to lead an AED 1.2 billion investment opportunity for one of the GCC’s fastest-growing food and beverage groups.

The firm is currently advising on the strategic exit process for this diversified F&B group, providing guidance across the full transaction lifecycle, from valuation and deal structuring to investor onboarding and regulatory coordination. Mintiply Capital is supporting the positioning of the asset for acquisition by presenting the opportunity to qualified regional and international investors, ensuring a seamless transition of ownership and helping maximize value for all stakeholders.

The opportunity encompasses a diversified F&B and e-commerce ecosystem featuring multiple verticals across supermarkets, cafés, bakeries, catering, and digital food delivery. With more than 10 years of existence, the group rapidly expanded, evolving from a niche retail concept into a multi-brand network of multiple stores, multiple concept cafés, and an integrated online delivery platform.

“This initiative represents a landmark opportunity for investors to participate in a truly integrated F&B and e-commerce ecosystem in the GCC,” said Noel Hatem, Chief Operating Officer at Mintiply Capital. Hatem added: “Beyond strong financial returns, this project offers regional investors access to a high-growth, diversified business with proven scalability, a robust operational model, and the potential to shape the future of the F&B and e-commerce landscape in the region.”

“The market is evolving rapidly, and we are offering a structured, high-potential investment that combines strong fundamentals with clear growth and scalability across the region,” Hatem concluded.

Built on a model that combines premium quality with competitive pricing, the group has successfully positioned itself between high-end gourmet retailers and value-driven supermarkets capturing a broad consumer base and doubling its market alpha in just two years. Its product portfolio is complemented by a growing range of branded and private-label offerings.

The ecosystem also includes a fast-scaling e-commerce platform that has become a cornerstone of its customer engagement strategy, enabling consistent growth across both physical and digital channels.

As part of this transaction, Mintiply Capital is also advising on the structuring process of the acquisition framework for incoming investors, providing guidance on the design of the investment vehicle, guiding on regulatory compliance across jurisdictions, and conducting operational, financial, and commercial due diligence. Mintiply Capital is also advising on the development of a comprehensive deal structure that enables new investors to seamlessly acquire the group’s full ecosystem.

With Gulf’s M&A activity expected to surpass $115 billion in 2025, the appetite for strategic acquisitions across the UAE and Saudi Arabia has never been stronger. According to the EY MENA M&A Insights 9M 2025 report, M&A activity in the region rose 23% in the first nine months of the year, with 649 deals. Strong investor interest and an improving economic environment fueled the growth, with cross-border transactions driving 54% of deal volume and 76% of deal value, which is the highest level in five years.

By curating this opportunity, Mintiply Capital reinforces its commitment to connecting global capital with regional success stories identifying high-performing businesses ready for strategic ownership transitions and long-term growth acceleration.