- SANS Institute launches Gulf edition of AI Security Maturity Model framework.
- Model helps organisations assess AI security readiness, governance and resilience.
- Framework addresses emerging risks including AI-enabled threats, data leakage and compliance challenges.
The framework has been introduced as organisations across the Gulf accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence while facing emerging challenges including unverified models, data leakage, compliance risks and AI-enabled cyber threats.
Developed by Chris Cochran, Field CISO and Vice President of AI Security at SANS Institute, the eBook provides a structured approach to help organisations evaluate their current AI security capabilities and identify steps to improve maturity.
The model is built around three core pillars: Protect, Utilise and Govern. These focus on securing AI systems, using AI to strengthen cybersecurity operations and establishing governance processes to support responsible AI adoption.
The framework outlines five stages of AI security maturity, ranging from organisations with limited formal AI governance through to those operating mature and adaptive AI security programmes. Each stage includes practical controls, measurable indicators, recommended actions and a self-assessment tool.
SANS said the Gulf edition is aligned with recognised AI security and governance guidance, including the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, ISO/IEC 42001, the EU AI Act and the CSA AI Controls Matrix.
Chris Cochran, Field CISO and Vice President of AI Security at SANS Institute, said organisations need a consistent way to assess readiness, strengthen governance and build resilience as AI becomes increasingly integrated into business operations.
Ned Baltagi, Managing Director, Middle East, Turkey and Africa at SANS Institute, said the Gulf edition reflects regional priorities and regulatory considerations, helping organisations build trust in AI while supporting cyber resilience.
The Gulf edition of the AI Security Maturity Model eBook can be accessed at: www.go.sans.org/aismm-gulf.
