The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has revealed that it received cyber defense support from Israel to fend off a recent distributed denial of service (DDoS) cyber attack. UAE cyber chief Muhammad al-Kuwaiti made this announcement during the Tel Aviv Cyber Week Conference. Al-Kuwaiti expressed gratitude for the support provided by Israel, citing the importance of the Abraham Accords in facilitating collaboration between the two countries. He emphasized the UAE’s commitment to cyber protection and defense, highlighting the contribution of Israeli companies in strengthening their cyber defenses.
At the same conference, Gabi Portnoy, the Head of Israel’s National Cyber Directorate, specifically addressed the cyber threats posed by Iran, Hezbollah, and the MuddyWater threat group. Portnoy issued a warning to those targeting Israeli citizens, stating that there will be consequences for carrying out cyber attacks against them.
In another significant development, Apple has joined several tech companies in expressing concerns about the UK’s Online Safety Bill. The bill, if passed, would grant the UK government backdoor access to any end-to-end encryption system. Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, would have the authority to require tech companies to scan for child sex abuse material (CSAM) in end-to-end encrypted messages. Apple, known for its iMessage platform, released a statement criticizing the bill. The company emphasized the importance of end-to-end encryption in protecting privacy and urged the government to amend the bill to safeguard this protection. This statement coincides with Apple’s previous attempt, in 2021, to implement a CSAM-detection feature in iMessage, which was met with backlash from privacy experts.
WhatsApp and Signal, two other messaging giants, have also voiced similar concerns about the Online Safety Bill. Together with five other secure messaging apps, they signed an open letter warning against the legislation’s potential implications. The letter highlighted the intrusive nature of the bill, as it could empower Ofcom to force the proactive scanning of private messages on end-to-end encrypted communication services. This action would compromise the privacy, safety, and security of all users.
Further afield, the White House has released guidance emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in its budget priorities. The guidance advises agencies to prioritize investment in “secure by design” technology for the fiscal year 2025 budgets. It aligns with President Joe Biden’s national cyber strategy, directing agencies to focus on zero-trust deployment and the closure of any gaps in requirements. The guidance highlights the need for durable and long-term solutions to secure the government’s technology infrastructure.
Former House Oversight and Reform Committee staff member, Mike Hettinger, expressed his support for prioritizing zero trust in government agencies. Hettinger emphasized the significance of implementing zero trust principles and architectures across the government to defend against ongoing cyber attacks. He stressed the importance of adequate funding to ensure the successful implementation of zero trust cybersecurity measures.
In summary, the UAE’s acknowledgment of cyber defense support from Israel demonstrates the growing collaboration between the two countries. Apple’s opposition to the UK’s Online Safety Bill highlights concerns about potential breaches of privacy and end-to-end encryption. The White House’s budget guidance emphasizes the need for secure technology solutions and zero-trust cybersecurity measures in government agencies. These developments underscore the ongoing efforts to enhance cyber defense strategies and protect against evolving threats.