UAE Blocks Over 200,000 Cyberattacks in a Week, Strengthening National Cybersecurity

"The UAE is a hub for the financial sector, which often makes it a prime target for cyberattacks. However, due to our resilience, partnerships, and collaborations, all attacks were thwarted," Al Kuwaiti said during a panel discussion titled State Cybersecurity Outlook: Shaping the Future of AI Digital Economy, held on the third day of Gitex Global 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Senior officials and ministers from the US, Malaysia, Paraguay, the UK, and Cyprus also participated in the panel, discussing various aspects of global cybersecurity.

 

Global Recognition

The UAE has earned global recognition for its robust efforts against cybercrimes. It was rated among the top-tier countries in cybersecurity, according to the Global Security Index 2024 released in September.

"Cybercrimes like fraud and scams are widespread, and the first line of defense is awareness," Al Kuwaiti emphasized.

 

Tackling Threats with New Technology

Al Kuwaiti noted that whenever new technology is introduced, the "threat landscape increases exponentially." He outlined three main cyber threats:

1. Cybercrime – involving fraud, scams, and impersonation.

2. Cyberterrorism – including misinformation and disinformation, which can influence public opinion.

3. Cyberwarfare – targeting critical infrastructure like electricity, oil and gas, aviation, and healthcare.

He highlighted the risks to healthcare facilities in particular, emphasizing that attackers often disregard the potential human impact.

To counter these threats, the UAE is building coalitions and working on a deterrence strategy. Al Kuwaiti also called for a 'Cyber Geneva Convention' to unify global efforts against cyber threats. “Such a convention would create a safer online environment for businesses of all sizes," he said.

 

Updating Policies

The UAE is continuously updating its cybersecurity policies to stay ahead of technological advancements. The country’s cybersecurity strategy will be revised to ensure robust governance, defense, and protection. Al Kuwaiti mentioned that specific laws related to the Internet of Things (IoT) would also be updated to cover devices used in sectors such as healthcare and oil and gas.

Additionally, the UAE's cloud-first policy will be enhanced to incorporate advanced security measures, ensuring comprehensive protection across various industries.

For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels