Jan 18 2025
ABU DHABI: The UAE Cyber Security Council has successfully thwarted ransomware attacks targeting critical sectors across public and private entities. These attacks aimed to breach sensitive data and disrupt systems by locking them.
Emergency systems, in collaboration with key authorities, have been detecting and countering approximately 200,000 cyberattacks daily. These advanced protection frameworks not only mitigate attacks but also trace their origins, ensuring robust cybersecurity.
The Council flagged a rise in AI-driven threats, including deepfake technology, advanced social engineering, and enhanced malware like ransomware. These sophisticated threats exploit digital infrastructure vulnerabilities, posing a significant challenge. Traditional attacks, such as phishing, remain prevalent, but AI-powered threats are harder to detect without advanced technologies.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the Cyber Security Council, reaffirmed national efforts to protect the UAE’s digital infrastructure. He emphasised that the nation’s systems are equipped to detect and neutralise threats with efficiency and speed. He urged individuals and institutions to remain vigilant against phishing attempts and suspicious links, advising them to rely only on secure communication channels.
The Council also highlighted the growing availability of AI-powered tools to cybercriminals, increasing the risk of precision-targeted attacks. Public and private entities must adhere to cybersecurity standards to safeguard operations and data.
Ransomware, a malicious software that encrypts data until a ransom is paid, continues to be a significant threat globally. It often results in millions in financial losses annually, with payments frequently demanded in cryptocurrency.
As the UAE fortifies its cybersecurity framework, the Council has called for collective vigilance to combat evolving cyber threats effectively.
