Mastercard Report Reveals Surge in Cyberattacks Targeting EEMEA Sectors

Mastercard's inaugural Cyber Pulse report, released on June 9, 2026, reveals a significant increase in cyberattacks across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA). The public, technology, and financial sectors account for 44% of all cyberthreats, with business systems, customer information, and physical infrastructure being primary targets. The report indicates that 71% of cybercrime in the region is financially motivated or disruptive. The average cost of a data breach in the Middle East is approximately $7.29 million, 64% higher than the global average. Geopolitical instability has contributed to the rise in cybercrime, necessitating a shift towards proactive cyber readiness. Key vulnerabilities identified include application security and web encryption. Organizations are urged to enhance their cybersecurity posture to safeguard against these threats.

Key Points: • 44% of cyberthreats in EEMEA target public, technology, and financial sectors. • 71% of cybercrime is financially motivated or disruptive, highlighting urgent need for resilience. • Average cost of a data breach in the Middle East is $7.29 million, significantly above global average.