Global payments company Mastercard has issued a warning that the increasing number of cyberattacks poses a significant threat to the economy and businesses worldwide. The alert comes from its first Cyber Pulse report, which assesses cyber risks and the state of digital security across the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) region.
Rise in Cybercrime Linked to Geopolitical Tensions
According to the report, cybercrime in the region saw a notable increase at the start of 2026, following heightened geopolitical tensions. It states that 71% of cyberattacks are carried out for financial gain or to disrupt institutional systems, posing risks to business continuity and economic stability.
Primary Targets and Attack Methods
The report highlights that business systems, consumer data, and critical infrastructure are primary targets for cybercriminals, accounting for 66% of total attacks. Attackers typically aim to commit fraud, disrupt business operations, and, in some cases, cause physical damage. Government institutions, technology companies, and the financial sector are the most targeted, with 44% of cyberattacks affecting these sectors due to the sensitive and high-value data they hold.
Malware, ransomware, and email-based phishing attacks remain the most commonly used tools by cybercriminals, the report notes. Experts advise companies to prioritize web security, data encryption, and timely vulnerability management.
Expert Insights on Cybersecurity
Selin Bahadirli, Executive Vice President at Mastercard, emphasized that cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue but has become a fundamental pillar of business resilience and organizational survival. She stressed that institutions must move beyond awareness and continuously strengthen their cyber readiness and defense capabilities.
Financial Impact and Investments
The financial impact of cyberattacks is alarming globally. According to the report, the average cost of a data breach or cyberattack in the Middle East has reached approximately $7.29 million – 64% higher than the global average. Mastercard revealed that it has invested around $12.6 billion in cybersecurity and digital protection since 2019. In 2025 alone, the company processed 175 billion financial transactions, using advanced data science to identify potential threats in real time.
Importance for Small and Medium Enterprises
The company stressed that cybersecurity is not only critical for large corporations but also essential for millions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As part of its long-term strategy, Mastercard aims to connect 500 million individuals and small businesses to a secure digital economy by 2030.
