By Labib Al Mawali, General Manager, Synapse
The Global Cybersecurity Landscape: Sophistication Meets Scale
Cyber threats are no longer isolated incidents; they’re a global epidemic. Phishing remains the leading cause of breaches, responsible for over 90% of attacks worldwide. But today’s cybercriminals are more sophisticated, blending technology with psychological manipulation to deceive even the most cautious users:
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- Quishing: QR-code phishing that tricks users into scanning malicious codes
- Deepfakes: Synthetic audio and video used to impersonate trusted individuals
- AI-generated scams: Hyper-realistic messages crafted to bypass human suspicion
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These threats are deeply personal. And the financial consequences are staggering. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach in 2024 was US \$4.88 million. That’s a figure no organization can afford to ignore.
Oman’s Cybersecurity Posture: Strong Yet Vulnerable
Despite the global challenges, Oman has made remarkable progress. The Sultanate was ranked among the world’s most prepared countries in cybersecurity, according to the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Oman secured a place in the Tier 1 category, with a score of 97.02 out of 100, reflecting its strong commitment across legal, technical, organizational, and capacity-building dimensions.
Yet, Awareness Remains the Missing Link
Despite this impressive ranking, Oman is not immune to cyber threats. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has reported a sharp 50% rise in cyber fraud crimes across the Sultanate during the first half of 2025, compared with the same period last year. The most common threats include:
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- Phishing scams disguised as delivery updates or official communications
- Cryptocurrency fraud linked to fake investment platforms
- Employment scams that tempt victims into sharing sensitive financial information
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What’s especially concerning is the emotional manipulation behind these attacks. Cybercriminals are targeting individuals, not just systems, by exploiting trust, urgency, and fear.
These initiatives are laying a strong foundation, but they must be matched by widespread public awareness.
Why Awareness Is the Real Firewall
Technology can be bypassed. But an informed person can stop an attack before it starts. Here’s why cybersecurity awareness is essential:
- Employees are the frontline: one click can either open the door to an attack or shut it firmly
- Digital expansion brings new risks: as services move online, so do vulnerabilities
- Ignorance is exploited: a well-written phishing email can bypass even the most advanced systems if the person behind the screen isn’t alert
- Awareness builds confidence, trust, and resilience. It turns every user into a potential defender.
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility
Oman’s high GCI ranking is a testament to its national commitment, but it’s not a guarantee of safety. The 50% rise in cyber fraud is a wake-up call. Cybersecurity is no longer the sole domain of IT professionals. It’s a shared responsibility that begins with awareness, grows through education, and leads to action.
With strategic national efforts and empowered communities, Oman can lead the region in cyber resilience.
Let’s not wait for the next breach to take cybersecurity seriously.
Let’s build a safer, smarter digital Oman together.