The detailed report focuses on urgent cyber threats and defense strategies for the UAE.
The UAE Cybersecurity Council and CPX Holding, a leading provider of digital-first cybersecurity solutions and services, announced the release of “The State of the UAE – Cybersecurity Report 2024”.
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the cyber threat landscape facing the UAE and highlights the critical need for advanced cybersecurity measures to respond to increasingly complex and sophisticated cyber threats.
Underscoring the urgency of the situation, the report identified more than 155,000 vulnerable assets in the UAE, with more than 40% of critical vulnerabilities remaining unaddressed for more than five years. This vulnerability, coupled with the proliferation of advanced cyber-attacks such as ransomware, highlights the essential need for robust cyber defenses in a region at the forefront of AI-driven innovation and geopolitical importance. .
This report delves into the key trends shaping today's cybersecurity challenges, including ransomware attacks, which account for more than half of cyber incidents. Government, energy, and IT sectors are among the most targeted by cyber threat actors, with traditional attack vectors such as business email compromise (BEC) and phishing remaining prevalent and continuing threats. These techniques are likely to become even more sophisticated through the integration of AI tools, increased social engineering efforts, phishing scams, and the introduction of deepfake techniques to deceive victims.
This trend is further exacerbated by the economic impact of data breaches, with the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, ranked second in the world, reflecting the economic targeting of cyber attackers given the prosperity of the Gulf region. High data breach costs are occurring. The rise in distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks has further highlighted the geopolitical complexity of cyber threats, necessitating comprehensive and strategic defense mechanisms to protect the nation.
Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwait, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, said: “In an era marked by increasingly sophisticated cyber threats that pose significant risks to our national security, the need for collective vigilance and strategic action has never been greater. We need to work proactively to reduce the UAE's vulnerability to these threats. This report highlights the need for all stakeholders to come together to strengthen cybersecurity measures, thereby protecting our digital infrastructure and It serves as an urgent call to action to ensure our nation’s economic well-being and security.”
Hadi Anwar, Executive Director of Strategic Programs at CPX, said: “The latest cybersecurity report not only highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of cyber threats, but also highlights the economic vulnerabilities at stake. Detailed in our analysis The economic impact of cyber incidents requires a unified approach to strengthening our national defense. Policymakers, businesses, and individuals must work together to strengthen our cybersecurity posture. This includes not only adopting advanced technologies and practices, but also fostering a culture of cyber awareness and resilience. CPX is at the forefront of this mission, leading the way in UAE cybersecurity We are working closely with the Council to provide organizations with the knowledge, tools and strategies they need to protect against these threats, setting a new standard for cybersecurity excellence.”
The report also highlights the unique cybersecurity challenges facing the UAE, including advanced persistent threats (APTs), increased reliance on digital infrastructure, and advanced tactics of cybercriminals. The report highlights the need for the UAE to strengthen its defense capabilities and foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness across all sectors of society.
Compiled by a consortium of cybersecurity experts, this report serves as a strategic guide for government agencies, businesses, and individuals, providing actionable insights to navigate the complexities of the digital age. Key best practices for mitigating cyber risks highlighted in the report include:
- Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR): Essential for effectively identifying and mitigating cyber threats and ensuring comprehensive visibility across your digital assets
- Establish a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC). Essential for continuous monitoring and management of cyber incidents, protecting your digital ecosystem 24/7
- Leveraging Cyber Threat Intelligence: The key to predicting and neutralizing emerging cyber threats in real time through informed strategic decision-making
- Create and implement an incident response plan. The cornerstone of cyber resilience is ensuring preparedness and rapid action in the face of a cyber incident.
- Employ a proactive threat hunting process. A proactive approach to identifying and mitigating hidden threats and strengthening your overall security posture
As the UAE continues to lead the way in digital transformation, addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort by government agencies, private organizations and individuals to ensure the resilience and security of the country’s digital environment. .
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