BusinessCybersecurity

Retail Sector Emerges as Prime Cyberattack Target Across Middle East and Africa

Cybersecurity researchers document surprising targeting patterns across Middle Eastern and African retail sectors. Small to medium retailers face particularly intense pressure from financially motivated hackers seeking quick profits through stolen payment data and ransomware schemes.

Retail Industry Under Sustained Cyber Assault

Despite ongoing geopolitical conflicts and advanced threats to critical infrastructure, the retail sector has emerged as one of the most frequently targeted industries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, according to recent threat intelligence reports. Cybersecurity firm SOCRadar’s annual “MEA Threat Landscape Report” indicates that retailers face attack volumes comparable to or exceeding those targeting telecommunications and banking sectors, presenting a counterintuitive finding in a region typically associated with politically motivated cyber operations.

BusinessStartups

UK Banks Tighten Lending to Alternative Broadband Providers Amid Sector Challenges

Major UK lenders NatWest and Lloyds are reportedly adopting more cautious lending approaches toward alternative broadband providers. The sector faces mounting challenges including high construction costs and slower-than-expected customer adoption rates, according to industry sources.

Banking Giants Restrict Funding to Broadband Challengers

Two of Britain’s largest banks have reportedly scaled back new lending to the UK’s alternative broadband sector, according to sources familiar with the situation. NatWest and Lloyds Banking Group, previously significant backers of the emerging fibre optic industry, are taking a more cautious approach to new clients amid sector-wide challenges.