Report finds 71% of attacks driven by financial gain as critical infrastructure and businesses face growing threats.
Image: Wallarm
Global payments company Mastercard has warned that cyberattacks are increasing across the Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA) region, posing serious risks to businesses and economies.
In its Cyber Pulse report, the company said cybercrime surged in early 2026 amid rising geopolitical tensions. It found that 71% of attacks are motivated by financial gain or aimed at disrupting systems.
The report highlighted that business systems, consumer data, and critical infrastructure are the main targets, accounting for 66% of incidents. Government institutions, technology firms, and financial organisations are among the most affected sectors.
Mastercard said common attack methods include malware, ransomware, and phishing, and stressed that cybersecurity is now a key part of business survival rather than just an IT concern.
The company also noted the rising cost of cyberattacks, with average losses in the Middle East estimated at $7.29 million per incident, significantly above the global average.
