Dubai – The UAE witnessed a 32% increase in ransomware attacks and an 18% rise in other cyber threats, including phishing, DDoS attacks, and online scams in 2024, according to Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council.
Speaking at the Proofpoint Protect conference, a cybersecurity event hosted by American firm Proofpoint in Dubai, Al Kuwaiti reassured that all attempted cyberattacks were successfully deterred through AI-powered defense systems and collaboration with private-sector partners.
Financially Motivated Cybercrimes on the Rise
“Cybercrime is mainly financially driven, with approximately 65% of cases involving ransomware, impersonation scams, and fraud, making it a significant challenge,” Al Kuwaiti said.
The UAE and other Gulf nations continue to rank high in the UN Global Cybersecurity Index, reflecting the region’s strong defenses against digital threats.
Social Media Used for Misinformation and Cyberterrorism
The Cyber Security Council chief also warned that social media platforms are being exploited for misinformation, radicalization, and cyberterrorism.
“Ransomware doesn’t just target technology infrastructure; it focuses on critical sectors like healthcare, impacting human lives directly,” he added.
AI and Community Engagement in Cyber Defense
The UAE is taking a proactive approach by implementing advanced AI solutions and fostering collaboration between government and private entities.
“The UAE has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’, focusing on joint efforts to defend against cyberwarfare,” Al Kuwaiti stated.
He also revealed that key sectors face over 50,000 cyberattacks daily, all of which are actively detected, deterred, and mitigated before causing harm.
Encouraging Innovation in Cybersecurity
Beyond cybersecurity defense, the UAE is positioning itself as a hub for innovation in next-generation technologies, intellectual property, and cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.
By inviting global experts and fostering innovation, the UAE aims to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats while strengthening its digital resilience.
