Rising cyber threats endanger businesses: Mastercard report

Mastercard has issued a warning about the growing threat of cyberattacks across the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) region. The company

Mastercard has issued a warning about the growing threat of cyberattacks across the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) region. The company says cybercrime is increasing at a worrying pace and poses risks to businesses, governments, and economic stability.

The warning comes in Mastercard’s first Cyber Pulse report. The report examines the state of cybersecurity and emerging digital threats in the region. It highlights a sharp rise in cyberattacks in early 2026, linked to rising geopolitical tensions.

According to the report, 71% of cyberattacks are carried out for financial gain. Many others aim to disrupt institutional systems and critical operations. The attacks are becoming more organized and more damaging over time.

The report says business systems, customer data, and critical infrastructure are the main targets. These account for around 66% of all cyber incidents. Attackers often aim to steal sensitive information, commit fraud, or disrupt services.

Government institutions, technology companies, and financial organizations are the most targeted sectors. These entities hold large volumes of sensitive data, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.

Mastercard executive Selin Bahadirli said cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue. She said it has become a core requirement for business survival and resilience. She stressed the need for continuous improvement in cyber defense systems.

The report identifies malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks as the most common threats. These methods are widely used to exploit system weaknesses and trick users into revealing sensitive information.

Experts advise organizations to strengthen web security systems. They also recommend better data encryption and faster response to security vulnerabilities.

The financial impact of cyberattacks is also increasing. The report states that the average cost of a cyber incident in the Middle East has reached about 7.29 million dollars. This figure is significantly higher than the global average.

Mastercard said it has invested 12.6 billion dollars in cybersecurity and digital protection since 2019. In 2025 alone, the company processed around 175 billion transactions. It used advanced monitoring systems to detect threats in real time.

The company also said cybersecurity is important not only for large corporations but also for small and medium-sized businesses. It added that digital safety is essential for building trust in the global financial system.