A Practical Perspective from the Founder of Wise Group
Cyber threats are no longer abstract technical risks; they have become a daily operational reality for organizations worldwide. System breaches, data leaks, ransomware attacks, and service disruptions are now frequent incidents affecting companies of all sizes. In this environment, the relationship between Cybersecurity and Institutional Excellence is no longer optional—it has become a prerequisite for survival, resilience, and sustainable growth.
Imagine an organization facing a cyberattack that halts operations, compromises customer data, or damages its market reputation. Such scenarios occur every day at an accelerating pace. This reality underscores a critical shift: cybersecurity is no longer a defensive IT function, but a strategic pillar directly linked to institutional performance and competitiveness.
According to a Cybersecurity Ventures report released in December 2025, global cybercrime costs are expected to reach USD 10.5 trillion annually According to the report Cybersecurity Ventures, growing at nearly 15% per year. If cybercrime were measured as an independent economy, it would rank as the third largest economy globally, after the United States and China—an alarming indicator of its scale and systemic impact.
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Cybercrime costs extend far beyond direct financial losses such as stolen data or ransom payments. Indirect consequences are often more damaging and long-lasting, including:
- Operational downtime and productivity loss
- Supply chain disruptions
- Declining customer trust
- Long-term reputational damage
Forecasts indicate that global cybercrime costs could exceed USD 12 trillion by 2031, reflecting the accelerating sophistication of cyber threats.
Equally concerning is that nearly 50% of cyberattacks target small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These organizations are often the least prepared, and studies show that around 60% of affected SMEs cease operations within six months of a major data breach. This stark reality reinforces that Cybersecurity and Institutional Excellence are deeply interconnected—especially for organizations operating in high-growth, digitally transforming markets like Egypt.
Cybersecurity as a Driver of Sustainable Institutional Excellence
In this context, cybersecurity plays a strategic role in protecting:
- Digital systems
- Networks
- Software platforms
from threats such as malware, ransomware, unauthorized access, and data theft. However, its role extends well beyond protection. When embedded into organizational strategy, cybersecurity becomes a key enabler of sustainable institutional excellence.
As 2025 approaches its end, international reports highlight the urgent need for increased cybersecurity investment, particularly given the dual use of artificial intelligence—both as an attack tool and as a defensive capability. Market projections estimate global cybersecurity spending to reach USD 522 billion by 2026, signaling a growing consensus: digital security is now integral to growth strategies, not a separate technical concern.
Egypt’s Global Position in Cybersecurity Readiness
Within this global landscape, Egypt has achieved notable progress. The country ranked among the top 12 nations worldwide in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2023–2024, issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), achieving a perfect score of 100.
This ranking reflects:
- The effectiveness of Egypt’s national cybersecurity strategy
- Progress in legislative and regulatory frameworks
- Growing institutional and technical capabilities
Despite this achievement, challenges remain—particularly the shortage of specialized cybersecurity professionals and a widening skills gap. Recent global reports estimate the average cost of a data breach at USD 4.88 million in 2024, with expectations of further increases in 2025 due to attack complexity. In emerging digital economies, this reality positions cybersecurity investment as a strategic necessity rather than a discretionary expense.
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From Academic Research to Practical Impact
Against this backdrop, a recent doctoral dissertation titled “The Role of Cybersecurity in Achieving Sustainable Excellence in Institutional Performance – An Applied Study” provides valuable insights into the Egyptian context. The research was conducted by Dr. Ahmed Abdallah Ahmed Sharab, under the supervision of Prof. Adel El-Mahdi, Faculty of Commerce, Helwan University.
Wise Group, founded by Dr. Ahmed Abdallah Ahmed Sharab, delivers integrated IT and cybersecurity solutions to enterprises, SMEs, and government entities in Egypt. Key services include network management and infrastructure support, cloud computing, comprehensive cybersecurity protections like threat detection and risk assessments, managed IT services, data center operations, technical support (hardware maintenance, remote helpdesk), and workforce training programs.
This practical expertise bridges Dr. Sharab's academic research with real-world application, enhancing organizational resilience. For details, visit Wise Group official site.
What distinguishes this research is its strong connection to real-world practice. Dr. Sharab is not only an academic researcher but also the Founder and CEO of Wise Group, a leading Egyptian IT and cybersecurity company. This dual perspective bridges academic rigor with operational realities, making the findings particularly relevant for organizations navigating digital transformation.
Wise Group delivers integrated technology solutions to large enterprises, SMEs, and government entities in Egypt and beyond, including:
- Network management
- Cloud computing support
- Cybersecurity solutions
- Workforce training and capacity building
Over the years, the company has built a strong reputation as a trusted technology partner by combining innovation with practical business understanding.
Cybersecurity as a Foundation for Sustainable Performance Excellence
The research analyzes the relationship between cybersecurity practices and sustainable institutional performance, defined as an organization’s ability to maintain high efficiency and quality over time while remaining resilient to external shocks and digital crises.
Cybersecurity is examined through three core dimensions:
Technological Infrastructure
This dimension represents the digital backbone of the organization, including:
- Servers
- Networks
- Operating systems
- Databases
Securing this infrastructure ensures data integrity, system availability, and uninterrupted information flow—key enablers of productivity and reliability.
Security Policies and Procedures
These are the internal rules governing data and system usage, such as:
- Access control policies
- Privilege management
- Incident response plans
Clear, enforceable policies reduce errors, enhance data quality, and align daily operations with organizational objectives—strengthening the link between Cybersecurity and Institutional Excellence.
Employee Training and Security Awareness
The human factor is consistently identified as the weakest—and most powerful—link in cybersecurity. The study emphasizes that achieving institutional excellence depends on transforming employees from passive users into an active first line of defense.
Effective training includes:
- Recognizing phishing and social engineering attacks
- Secure password practices and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Safe handling of sensitive and customer data, including remote work scenarios
This approach builds a “human firewall” that significantly enhances long-term organizational resilience.
Methodology and Key Findings
The study adopted a descriptive analytical methodology, relying on surveys conducted among cybersecurity managers and IT professionals across multiple Egyptian organizations. Data analysis using advanced statistical tools such as SPSS enhanced the credibility and precision of the findings.
Egypt’s Cybersecurity Market and Institutional Reality
The research findings align closely with Egypt’s current cybersecurity landscape. International reports highlight increasing cyberattacks on critical sectors such as manufacturing, government services, finance, and healthcare.
Market estimates suggest that Egypt’s cybersecurity market is expected to reach approximately USD 230 million by the end of 2025, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.17% through 2030. This growth is driven by rapid digital adoption and a growing internet user base exceeding 82 million users, intensifying demand for secure digital infrastructure.
What Do the Data Reveal About Cybersecurity and Institutional Excellence?
The analytical results revealed clear relationships:
- Secure systems → less downtime → higher productivity
- Clear policies → fewer errors → improved data quality
- Trained employees → stronger crisis response → sustainable performance
The strongest impact was observed in medium and large organizations operating in sectors with high digital dependency, such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Practical Recommendations for Egyptian Organizations
For Executives and Business Leaders
- Integrate cybersecurity into competitive strategy, not as a technical cost
- Invest in continuous employee awareness and training
- Measure cybersecurity ROI through productivity, quality, and customer trust indicators
- Embed cyber resilience into business continuity planning
For CISOs and Technical Teams
- Communicate security value in business language
- Develop flexible, applicable security policies
- Collaborate with HR on continuous awareness programs
- Conduct regular incident response simulations
For Regulators and Policymakers
- Encourage adoption of international frameworks such as NIST and ISO/IEC 27001, adapted to the Egyptian context
- Support applied research and public-private partnerships
- Strengthen international cooperation for threat intelligence sharing
- Provide incentives for organizations investing in cybersecurity capabilities
Conclusion: From Theory to Strategic Transformation
Dr. Ahmed Sharab’s research is more than an academic achievement—it serves as a practical roadmap demonstrating how rigorous scientific research can address pressing real-world challenges. The study provides compelling evidence that Cybersecurity and Institutional Excellence are inseparable in the digital era.
Cybersecurity must be viewed as a strategic investment—one that protects revenue, strengthens reputation, and underpins sustainable competitive advantage. The central question is no longer “Should we invest in cybersecurity?” but rather “Can we achieve growth and continuity without it?”
The answer, as both data and practice confirm, is clear: cybersecurity is no longer a choice—it is a fundamental condition for survival and excellence in the modern digital economy.
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