Military and Strategic Journal
Issued by the Directorate of Morale Guidance at the General Command of the Armed Forces
United Arab Emirates
Founded in August 1971

2024-04-04

UAE Cybersecurity..Report Calls for Action Against Cyber Threats

The UAE Cyber Security Council and CPX Holding, a renowned provider of digital-first cybersecurity solutions and services, have jointly launched the much-anticipated ‘State of the UAE — Cybersecurity Report 2024’. 
 
This in-depth report delves deep into the evolving cyber threat landscape, shedding light on the pressing need for advanced cybersecurity measures amidst escalating complexities and the ever-growing sophistication of cyber threats. 
 
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the report has identified over 155,000 vulnerable assets within the UAE, with more than 40 per cent of critical vulnerabilities remaining unaddressed for over five years. 
 
This susceptibility, coupled with the surge in advanced cyber-attacks such as ransomware, underlines the need for robust cyber defences in a region that is at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven technological innovations and geopolitical significance.
 
Ransomware Attacks
The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the prevailing cybersecurity landscape, spotlighting crucial trends driving contemporary challenges. Notably, ransomware attacks loom large, constituting over half of the cyber incidents surveyed. Targeting sectors like Government, Energy, and Information Technology, cyber threat actors persistently exploit traditional attack vectors such as Business Email Compromise (BEC) and phishing, perpetuating a persistent threat. 
 
With the integration of AI tools, these methods are poised to evolve into more sophisticated forms, amplifying social engineering endeavours, refining phishing tactics, and leveraging deep-fake technology to ensnare unsuspecting victims.
 
This trend is exacerbated by significant financial losses from data breaches, with the Middle East, including the UAE, ranking second globally. This reflects cyber threat actors’ economic motivations amidst Gulf prosperity. The rise in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks underscores geopolitical intricacies, necessitating a strategic defence mechanism to protect the nation.
 
Collective Vigilance
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, said: “In an era marked by increasingly sophisticated cyber threats that pose significant risks to our national security, the imperative for collective vigilance and strategic action has never been greater. The entire ecosystem should engage proactively in reducing the UAE’s vulnerability to these threats. This report serves as an urgent call to action for all stakeholders to unite in enhancing our cybersecurity measures, thereby protecting our digital infrastructure and securing the economic well-being and safety of our nation.” 
 
Hadi Anwar, Executive Director — Strategic Programmes, CPX, added: “The cybersecurity report not only underscores the evolving nature of cyber threats but also sheds light on the economic vulnerabilities at stake. The economic fallout from cyber incidents, as detailed in our analysis, necessitates a unified approach to bolster our national defences.

Policymakers, companies, and individuals must collectively engage in strengthening our cybersecurity posture. This involves not just adopting advanced technologies and practices but also fostering a culture of cyber awareness and resilience. CPX works closely with the UAE Cyber Security Council, to equip organisations with the necessary knowledge, tools, and strategies to safeguard against these threats.”  
 
The report highlights the UAE’s unique cybersecurity challenges, including APTs, growing digital reliance, and sophisticated cybercriminal tactics. It emphasises the urgent need for enhanced defence capabilities and widespread cybersecurity awareness across society. 
 
Strategic Guide 
Compiled by a consortium of cybersecurity experts, the report acts as a strategic guide for government entities, businesses, and individuals, providing actionable insights to navigate the complexities of the digital era. 
 
The report highlights key best practices to mitigate cyber risks, including implementing Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) for comprehensive threat identification and mitigation, establishing a 24/7 Security Operation Centre (SOC) for continuous incident surveillance and management, leveraging Cyber Threat Intelligence for real-time threat anticipation and neutralisation, creating and implementing an Incident Response Plan for preparedness and swift action, and adopting proactive Threat Hunting Processes to identify and mitigate hidden threats.
 
The UAE Cabinet established the Cybersecurity Council in 2020 to bolster the nation’s dedication to a secure digital transformation. 
 
Led by Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, it includes diverse federal and municipal authorities, charged with crafting legislative frameworks to tackle cybersecurity challenges and cybercrime while ensuring the security of current and future technologies.
 
CPX, based in Abu Dhabi, is a leading provider of digital-first cybersecurity solutions since 2022. It offers customised services to public and private sector organisations, enhancing their cybersecurity posture and compliance with standards.
 

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