The UAE Cyber Security Council revealed on Friday that the country’s cybersecurity systems successfully thwarted nearly 200,000 daily ransomware attacks targeting both public and private sector entities. These attacks, which aimed to breach critical data and lock digital systems, were preemptively detected and countered by emergency cybersecurity systems in collaboration with relevant authorities.
The council emphasized the growing threat posed by cyberattacks that leverage artificial intelligence (AI), including deepfake technology, social engineering, and enhanced malware such as ransomware. AI-driven threats have become an emerging challenge for digital infrastructure, and the authority has observed an increasing trend in such attacks.
Despite the rise of AI-powered cyberattacks, traditional methods like phishing and social engineering continue to be prevalent. The Council warned that AI-powered attacks are more complex and harder to detect, necessitating the use of cutting-edge technologies to combat these threats effectively.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding its digital infrastructure and protecting critical sectors. He emphasized that the country’s advanced digital systems are capable of swiftly identifying and mitigating cyber threats, and that both public and private entities must adhere to cybersecurity standards to enhance protection.
The Council also raised concerns about the increasing availability of sophisticated AI-powered tools in the hands of criminal organizations and terrorist groups, which could result in targeted, high-precision attacks against vulnerable entities.
In addition, the Council urged individuals and institutions to remain vigilant against cyberattacks, particularly phishing attempts and fraudulent communications. They advised against sharing personal information through suspicious links and recommended using secure, official communication channels to prevent falling victim to these malicious attacks.
Ransomware, a malicious form of software that locks and encrypts data on electronic devices, has severe financial implications, with institutions worldwide losing hundreds of millions of dollars annually due to such attacks.
