With enormous attacks on major public organisations and multinational companies across the globe costing billions of dollars, the conventional idea of a lone-wolf targeting systems more for fun than malice is rarely the case now. 

Digital security is today one of the most pressing issues for businesses, organisations and even nations as the threat of organised, ultra-high-tech criminals find new ways to break into software systems, paralysing operations. So what can be done to best mitigate the risks?

In this episode, host Chris Nelson talks to Sam Blatteis, the former Google head of government affairs, Gulf Countries and the founder and chief executive of The MENA Catalysts, a regional high-tech government affairs firm about issues surrounding cyber security. 

Business Extra is The National's weekly look at the business, financial and technology sectors of the Middle East and beyond. Subscribe to and rate the show at Apple Podcasts, or listen on Audioboom, Pocket Cast or your favourite podcasting app.