UAE Faces 293% Surge in Email Attacks: Acronis H1 2024 Report

Acronis, a cybersecurity and data protection company, has unveiled its “Acronis Cyberthreats Report H1 2024,” highlighting a significant rise in global email attacks. The report reveals a staggering 293% increase in email attacks compared to the same period in 2023. This surge underscores a critical escalation in cyber threats worldwide.

In the UAE, malware detections have risen by 11.7% from January to May 2024, reflecting broader regional cybersecurity challenges. The report shows that the UAE’s situation aligns with trends across EMEA, where countries like Bahrain and Egypt also report high malware detection rates.

Ransomware continues to be a major concern, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The report identifies 10 new ransomware groups and a 32% increase in detections from Q4 2023 to Q1 2024. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are particularly vulnerable to attacks such as phishing and social engineering.

Ziad Nasr, General Manager for the Middle East at Acronis, stressed the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in the UAE, noting the country’s designation as a prime target for ransomware. Acronis recommends that MSPs adopt comprehensive security strategies, including security awareness training and advanced endpoint protection solutions.

The report also highlights the increasing use of generative AI in cyberattacks, with AI-generated threats like malicious emails and deepfake business email compromise becoming more prevalent. The average lifespan of a malware sample is reported at 2.3 days, emphasizing the need for robust and adaptive cybersecurity defenses.

The Acronis H1 2024 Cyberthreats Report provides essential insights for organizations and cybersecurity professionals, offering actionable recommendations to strengthen defenses against the evolving cyber threat landscape. For more details, access the full report to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity trends and threats.