Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, today announced new research conducted with YouGov that shows 33% of UAE residents online prefer Artificial Intelligence (AI) to look after their cybersecurity.
While this figure is significantly higher than the average across those EMEA countries surveyed ‘ where 26% of respondents said they would prefer AI to manage their cybersecurity ‘ it lagged behind a preference for humans to complete the same task, with 47% of respondents in the UAE saying that they would prefer a human to manage their cybersecurity. In the EMEA countries surveyed, an average of 37% of respondents said they would prefer a human.
The UAE research appears to show a relatively high level of acceptance of AI in detecting and responding to cyberthreats. Out of all the EMEA countries surveyed, only Italy had a higher preference (38%) for AI to manage cybersecurity.
Haider Pasha, Regional Chief Security Officer (CSO), Emerging Markets, said: ‘The research demonstrates that the UAE is ahead of the curve in terms of acceptance of AI in managing important tasks such as cybersecurity. This is in line with our expectations, especially as the UAE has taken a leadership role in AI and has appointed a dedicated Minister of Artificial Intelligence.’
Pasha continued: ‘This positive response to AI is very encouraging given the increasingly important role that AI and machine learning play across all layers of cybersecurity. However, the research shows that more work remains to be done, with many people still to be won over to the benefits of AI in cybersecurity.’
The study also revealed a high level of trust in cybersecurity technology in general. 50% of respondents in the UAE agreed that cybersecurity technology helped them to people spend less time worrying about the security of their data, and 19% of those respondents ‘strongly agreed’.
The online study of more than 10,000 respondents in EMEA countries (France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, UAE, and UK), including 1,005 adults in the UAE, was conducted by YouGov for Palo Alto Networks alongside Dr Jessica Barker, an expert in the human nature of cybersecurity. The research explores attitudes towards new cybersecurity technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and how these technologies protect their digital way of life. Fieldwork was undertaken between 7th – 15th May 2019. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults (aged 18+) in each country.
MEA Markets is happy to announce that the MEA Business Awards are returning for the sixth consecutive year! This established awards programme identifies those individuals and companies who excel in their respective industries, encompassing the entirety of the Middle East and Africa in our search to highlight the firms that go above and beyond to establish themselves as business leaders.
Visit our awards hereMEA Markets is very proud to host the UAE Business Awards 2023 for its seventh instalment! This awards programme aims to reward a vastly diverse range of hardworking businesses from across the United Arab Emirates region, who are demonstrating innovation and excellence throughout a turbulent economic climate many firms are suffering through.
Visit our awards hereFor the past five years the African Excellence Awards have recognised the very best of African Industry, and MEA Markets is excited to announce that this respected programme will be returning for its sixth edition in 2023! The African Excellence Awards are an essential guide to the key sectors driving growth throughout the continent, rewarding those outstanding companies and individuals whose entrepreneurship has strengthened Africa’s position as the next global economic powerhouse.
Visit our awards hereWe have packages to suit everyone. Let us help work out which one would suit your needs!