The UAE Cyber Security Council has announced that its national cybersecurity systems have successfully intercepted and prevented malicious ransomware attacks targeting critical public and private sector entities. These cyberattacks aimed to breach sensitive data and lock digital systems, posing a serious threat to the country’s infrastructure.
In collaboration with relevant authorities, emergency cybersecurity systems have been instrumental in detecting and neutralizing approximately 200,000 daily cyberattacks. The Council revealed that advanced protection frameworks and robust cybersecurity policies enabled the identification of hackers and the origins of these attacks, ensuring swift countermeasures.
Recent breach attempts have demonstrated increasing sophistication, with many leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. These emerging threats include deepfake-enabled social engineering, enhanced malware, and ransomware attacks, underscoring a growing challenge to digital infrastructure.
The Council noted that while traditional attacks, such as phishing and social engineering, remain prevalent, AI-powered cyberattacks are expected to rise significantly. These advanced threats are becoming increasingly complex, necessitating cutting-edge detection and prevention technologies.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the Cyber Security Council, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to securing its digital landscape. He emphasized that the country’s advanced digital infrastructure is well-prepared to identify and mitigate cyber threats with exceptional speed and efficiency.
Dr. Al Kuwaiti urged public and private entities, as well as individuals, to remain vigilant against potential cyber threats. He highlighted the importance of avoiding phishing attempts, fraudulent messages, and suspicious links. Additionally, he stressed the need to use only official and secure communication channels to prevent the disclosure of sensitive information.
The Council raised concerns about the increasing availability of sophisticated AI-driven tools being utilized by criminal organizations and terrorist groups. These tools could potentially lead to precision-targeted attacks against entities that are not adequately prepared.
To enhance security, the Council emphasized the importance of adhering to cybersecurity standards, safeguarding personal data, and verifying the authenticity of email links to avoid becoming victims of cyberattacks.
Ransomware, a form of malicious software that locks and encrypts data, remains one of the most financially damaging cyber threats globally. Institutions worldwide face annual losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars, with attackers often demanding ransom payments through cryptocurrencies.
The UAE Cyber Security Council’s proactive measures reflect its dedication to fortifying the nation’s digital ecosystem against evolving cyber threats, ensuring the security and resilience of critical infrastructure in line with global best practices.