The UAE stands as the third-best globally in countering cyberattacks and addressing cyber threats, according to a senior official. The frequency and volume of these attacks have surged due to geopolitical tensions, said Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, the head of cybersecurity for the UAE Government. "The UAE has long been a target of cyberattacks, and recently, due to geopolitical factors, the number of attacks, whether in frequency, quality, or volume, has escalated significantly. In fact, among those closely monitoring these attacks, the UAE ranks third worldwide in terms of being targeted. Thanks to the collective efforts, all these attacks have been detected and thwarted," Al Kuwaiti stated during the FutureSec Summit 2024 organized by Khaleej Times. He further explained that many of these attacks have been thoroughly investigated, with the assistance of partner organizations, leading to the identification of the responsible individuals.
"We have successfully constructed a robust and resilient infrastructure for small, medium, and large businesses, as well as government entities. While we cannot predict what lies ahead, we are fully prepared to face any cyberattacks," Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of cybersecurity for the UAE Government, emphasized. Earlier, Khaleej Times reported that the UAE successfully detected and defeated 200,000 cyberattacks in a single week, thanks to stringent measures against cyber threats implemented by the UAE and its partners both domestically and internationally. The UAE has recently topped the United Nations' Global Cybersecurity Index, reflecting the concerted efforts of government, private sector, academia, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti highlighted that ransomware attacks are on the rise globally, increasing by 32 percent, and the government has taken proactive steps to address this issue. "Last week, we conducted the National Cyber Drill to ensure everyone has a communication channel and is trained. Additionally, we hold monthly cyber drills to ensure readiness and compliance," he said at the FutureSec Summit 2024. The UAE Cybersecurity Council chief also mentioned that new laws and regulations are being developed and will be introduced in the coming months. He added that all entities in the country will be required to upgrade to post-quantum cryptography, particularly in the financial sector, government bodies, and critical infrastructure firms.
"The UAE is translating its leadership's vision into practical actions. We are not only formulating these plans but also executing them to ensure everyone's safety and security. We strongly encourage vigilance and proactive measures in dealing with cyber threats. Reporting cyber incidents is crucial for us to proactively address and deter such attacks. This is essential for minimizing these threats in the UAE," Dr. Al Kuwaiti concluded.
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