In an increasingly digital-first world, operational resilience is a necessity. As we step into 2025, CIOs and CTOs across industries must recognize that technology is not a business function; it is a vital component of operability. Ensuring resilience requires investment, foresight, and a strategic approach that extends beyond traditional risk mitigation.

At its core, operational resilience is about survival in an unpredictable environment. From geopolitical instability to climate events and cyber threats, businesses face an evolving landscape of disruptions. The question is no longer if an incident will happen, but when—and how prepared we are to withstand it.

A key area of focus is tertiary data management. The integrity of data is fundamental to resilience, and organizations must implement robust air-gapping techniques to protect against ransomware attacks. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, businesses must shift from reactive defenses to proactive cyber strengthening, ensuring continuous monitoring and rapid response capabilities.

Additionally, technology leaders must balance innovation with architectural stability. The rapid adoption of AI and automation has the potential to create operational risks if implemented without proper safeguards. Just as an aircraft relies on a well-prepared runway, new technologies must be integrated into an ecosystem designed for stability, security, and efficiency. A misstep here could lead to data breaches, runaway costs, and systemic failures.

Legacy systems also pose a significant challenge. Outdated technology is a bottleneck for resilience, requiring businesses to make strategic decisions on modernization. Whether through phased upgrades or complete overhauls, CTOs must ensure that critical systems remain adaptable and secure.

Beyond infrastructure, regulatory compliance is another pillar of resilience. With payment modernization, evolving cybersecurity mandates, and data sovereignty requirements varying across jurisdictions, businesses must stay agile in managing compliance across multiple regulatory frameworks.

Finally, operational resilience is about people. Talent retention, upskilling, and fostering a culture of adaptability are essential to maintaining a resilient technology organization. The war for tech talent is real, and organizations that fail to invest in their teams will struggle to navigate future challenges.

As we look ahead, resilience is an ongoing journey. CTOs and CIOs must embrace a holistic approach that integrates cybersecurity, data integrity, technology modernization, regulatory agility, and talent strategy. The organizations that prioritize resilience today will be the ones leading the digital economy of tomorrow.

Mohamed Abdel Razek, Group Head of Tech, Transformation & Information at Mashreq

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