The region is grappling with a significant increase in ransomware attacks, resulting in a staggering loss of $1 billion, according to a senior official’s remarks on Wednesday. Lt. Col. Saeed AlShebli, deputy director of the Digital Security Department at the UAE’s Ministry of Interior, highlighted that the world is witnessing a surge in sophisticated cyberattacks, particularly those assisted by advanced artificial intelligence (AI). He pointed out that the UAE, situated in a complex geopolitical landscape, faces unique challenges that accompany its ambition to become an AI-driven nation. Among these challenges, advanced persistent threats (APTs) are particularly concerning for both public and private sectors.
During the FutureSec Summit 2024, organized by Khaleej Times, AlShebli noted that both state and non-state actors are executing increasingly intricate cyberattacks targeting various sectors. Alarmingly, recent statistics reveal that nearly 40% of these attacks are aimed at infrastructure within the UAE. Fortunately, most of these threats have been successfully mitigated. However, the pervasive use of malware and ransomware remains a significant concern. While ransomware is not a new threat, its evolution has led to more sophisticated attacks targeting individuals and institutions, especially within the financial sector.
AlShebli emphasized that phishing and social engineering attacks are becoming more prevalent and sophisticated, posing risks to individuals as well as workers in both public and private sectors. Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem, director for cybersecurity and AI at Abu Dhabi Government, added that the UAE serves as a financial hub and plays a crucial role in supporting other nations in combating cybercrime. He stressed the importance of collaboration and intelligence sharing due to the diverse systems and languages involved in these international threats.
Sona Saha Das from Ceer Motors remarked on the UAE’s stringent regulatory measures against cyber threats, particularly emphasizing the clarity of the personal data protection law. Amit Mehta from Mastercard highlighted his company’s substantial investment in cybersecurity, totaling $5 billion over seven years. He noted that cyberattacks are often financially motivated but can also stem from nation-state actors. As digital connectivity continues to expand across various demographics, raising awareness about cybersecurity becomes a shared responsibility among organizations and individuals alike.
