It has been reported that the public sector in the United Arab Emirates is under constant threat from cyberattacks, with an estimated 50,000 attempts occurring each day. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, head of cybersecurity for the UAE government, addressed this issue at the GRC Summit in Dubai, highlighting the wide range of threats faced by the government, including port scanning, phishing emails, DDoS attacks, and ransomware.
In response to these threats, the UAE government has been collaborating with the private sector to enhance its resilience against cyberattacks. This partnership aims to strengthen the defenses of government ministries and ensure their ability to withstand various forms of cyber incidents.
Al Kuwaiti also expressed concern about cybersecurity attacks on the private sector, suggesting that the number of threats faced by businesses could be significantly higher than what the public sector experiences. He specifically noted the financial sector as being the most exposed to cyberattacks, underscoring the need for increased vigilance and security measures in this industry.
Furthermore, reports have indicated that the number of cybersecurity incidents targeting businesses in the UAE has been steadily increasing on an annual basis. A study revealed that 87% of companies in the UAE have encountered various forms of cyber incidents in the past two years, signaling a pressing need for stronger cybersecurity measures across the board.
As a response to this growing concern, the UAE has established threat intelligence-sharing partnerships with the US Treasury Department and several other nations. These collaborations are aimed at bolstering the security of the financial services sector and enhancing the overall cybersecurity capabilities of the UAE.
The rise in cyber threats targeting both the public and private sectors in the UAE emphasizes the critical importance of investing in robust cybersecurity measures. The government’s efforts to collaborate with the private sector and form international partnerships demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing these pressing cybersecurity challenges.
With the increasing digitization of services and the growing prevalence of online transactions, cybersecurity has become a top priority for businesses and government entities alike. As such, it is crucial for organizations to continuously update their cybersecurity strategies and stay vigilant against evolving cyber threats.
The prevalence of cyberattacks in the UAE serves as a reminder of the ever-present risk posed by malicious actors in cyberspace. By working together and leveraging international partnerships, the UAE aims to strengthen its defenses and mitigate the impact of cyber incidents on its public and private sectors. These efforts underscore the importance of collaborative cybersecurity initiatives in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.