The United Arab Emirates has achieved a commendable position, ranking third globally in the fight against cyberattacks and cyber threats, as stated by a senior official. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, the head of cybersecurity for the UAE Government, noted that the frequency and intensity of these attacks have surged due to geopolitical tensions.
“The UAE has faced cyberattacks for an extended period, and recently, the geopolitical situation has led to a significant increase in the number of attacks, both in terms of frequency and severity. In fact, those monitoring these incidents will find that the UAE ranks as the third most targeted nation worldwide. Thanks to the concerted efforts of various stakeholders, we have successfully detected and mitigated these attacks,” Al Kuwaiti remarked during the FutureSec Summit 2024, organized by Khaleej Times.
He further explained that many of these incidents have been thoroughly investigated, with the identities of the perpetrators traced with the help of partner organizations.
“We have established a robust and resilient infrastructure that supports small, medium, and large enterprises, as well as government entities. While the future remains uncertain with numerous potential threats, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and prepared for cyberattacks.”
Ransomware is a big threat
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti emphasized the worldwide rise in ransomware incidents, which have increased by 32 percent, leading the government to adopt proactive measures to address this challenge.
“Last week, we executed the National Cyber Drill to ensure that all participants have access to communication channels and receive sufficient training. Additionally, we conduct monthly sector-specific cyber drills to improve preparedness and ensure compliance,” he remarked during the FutureSec Summit 2024.
The head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council further elaborated that the government is in the process of formulating new laws and regulations that will be introduced in the coming months. He stressed the necessity for all entities within the nation to upgrade their systems to post-quantum cryptography, especially in the financial sector, government agencies, and critical infrastructure organizations.
“The UAE is actively translating its leadership’s vision into concrete actions. We are not just developing plans; we are implementing them to ensure the safety and security of all stakeholders,” he stated.
“We continually advocate for vigilance and proactive strategies in tackling cyber threats. Reporting cyber incidents is vital for us to take preventive measures and mitigate these risks. This is crucial for decreasing the occurrence of such attacks in the UAE.”
As previously reported by Khaleej Times, the UAE faced 200,000 cyberattacks in a single week, all of which were effectively detected and neutralized, thanks to the strong measures taken by the UAE in collaboration with both local and international partners.
Recently, the UAE achieved the top position in the United Nations’ Global Cybersecurity Index, reflecting the substantial efforts made by the government, private sector, academia, and other stakeholders within the cybersecurity ecosystem.
