The document provides a detailed analysis of the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape in the UAE, highlighting the urgent need for advanced cybersecurity measures to counter increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks. As the UAE solidifies its position as a leader in AI-driven technological innovation and plays a critical role in the geopolitical arena, it faces a heightened risk of cyber threats. These threats necessitate the implementation of robust and proactive cybersecurity defences to protect the nation’s digital infrastructure and economic stability.
A key finding in the report is the expanding attack surface within the UAE, with over 223,800 assets potentially exposed to cyber-attacks. Alarmingly, half of the critical vulnerabilities identified have remained unaddressed for over five years, significantly increasing the risk of exploitation. This widespread exposure, combined with the growing complexity and sophistication of cyber-attacks, emphasizes the necessity for advanced cybersecurity strategies to safeguard critical infrastructure, sensitive data, and the digital economy. As digital transformation accelerates across all sectors, the importance of resilient cybersecurity frameworks has never been more crucial.
The report identifies several key trends shaping the current cybersecurity landscape in the UAE. Misconfiguration is the leading cause of security breaches, accounting for 32% of cyber incidents, followed by improper usage and unlawful activity at 19%. These issues underscore the importance of comprehensive security configurations and adherence to best practices in safeguarding digital assets. The government, finance, and energy sectors are identified as the most targeted by cyber threat actors, reflecting their strategic significance to the nation’s economy and national security. These sectors face increased risks from state-sponsored actors and financially motivated cybercriminals seeking to disrupt operations or steal sensitive data.
The report also examines the evolution of attack vectors, highlighting the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks. In 2024, drive-by downloads remained a prevalent method for initial entry, posing significant risks to individuals and organizations. Phishing and web server compromises also continued to be major concerns. These attack vectors have become more advanced through the integration of AI tools, enhancing social engineering efforts, phishing lures, and the deployment of deepfake technology to deceive victims. Cybercriminals are leveraging AI to increase the scale and effectiveness of their attacks, making it more challenging for traditional security measures to detect and mitigate threats.
The financial implications of data breaches are particularly significant in the UAE and the broader Middle East region, which recorded the second-highest data breach costs globally. This financial impact reflects the economic motivations of cyber threat actors, who target the region’s wealth and economic prosperity. The report highlights the increasing prevalence of eCrime, with ransomware groups operating in the UAE growing by 58%. This rise underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and maintain business continuity. Despite these challenges, there is a positive trend in the reduction of distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. The UAE experienced a drastic decrease in DDoS incidents, from 58,538 in the first half of 2023 to just 2,301 in the first half of 2024, indicating improved resilience against certain types of cyber threats.
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, emphasized the importance of heightened vigilance and proactive measures to secure the nation’s digital future. He highlighted the rise of AI-driven attacks and the widening cyber capabilities of threat actors, stressing the need for international collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to building a resilient digital ecosystem. According to Dr. Al Kuwaiti, ensuring the security of the UAE’s digital landscape is crucial for maintaining national security and supporting economic growth.
Hadi Anwar, CEO of CPX, reinforced the significance of the UAE’s progress in cybersecurity as a key component of the country’s digital transformation strategy. He emphasized the role of strategic policies and innovative solutions in safeguarding critical infrastructure and sensitive data, ensuring that digital advancements and national resilience are mutually reinforcing. Anwar noted that the UAE’s commitment to cybersecurity not only protects its digital economy but also enhances its global competitiveness in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The document provides an in-depth overview of the unique cybersecurity challenges facing the UAE. One of the most pressing issues is the surge in AI-powered threats. Cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors are increasingly integrating AI into their attack frameworks, enhancing the speed, scale, and complexity of their cyber-attacks. These AI-driven threats pose significant risks to national security, critical infrastructure, and economic stability. The report also highlights the increasing sophistication of advanced persistent threats (APTs), which are highly targeted cyber-attacks designed to infiltrate and remain undetected within a system for extended periods. These APTs are often state-sponsored and utilize AI to evade traditional security measures, making them particularly challenging to detect and mitigate.
The UAE’s status as a hub for digital innovation and economic growth makes it a prime target for cybercriminals seeking financial gain or geopolitical leverage. Cyber threat actors are increasingly targeting the UAE’s critical infrastructure, financial institutions, and government entities to exploit vulnerabilities and disrupt operations. These cyber-attacks not only pose significant financial risks but also threaten national security and public safety. As the UAE continues to embrace digital transformation and adopt emerging technologies, the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect its digital assets and maintain public trust is paramount.
To address these challenges, the report offers a series of strategic recommendations and best practices. These recommendations are designed to enhance the UAE’s cybersecurity posture and mitigate emerging risks in the new AI era. The report emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity awareness and education initiatives to educate government employees, businesses, and the public on best practices. Regular cybersecurity audits and compliance checks are essential to maintaining the integrity of critical infrastructure and essential services, ensuring compliance with international cybersecurity standards.
The report also highlights the importance of creating a comprehensive asset inventory to identify network anomalies and threats that traditional defences might miss. Establishing a 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) is recommended as a proactive approach to continuous monitoring and analysis of security incidents. The implementation of Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) is crucial for enabling security analysts and threat hunters to effectively identify compromises and maintain historical process execution records.
In addition to these technical measures, the report underscores the need for a robust cyber threat intelligence function to deliver real-time insights into emerging risks. This intelligence enables organizations to adapt their security postures and respond effectively to evolving threats. The development of AI governance frameworks is also highlighted as a critical component of ensuring the safe and ethical use of AI within organizations, mitigating risks associated with AI-powered threats.
The document concludes by emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to cybersecurity in the UAE. It calls for coordinated efforts from government agencies, private sector entities, and individuals to enhance the nation’s cybersecurity resilience and protect its digital landscape. The report underscores the importance of international cooperation, public-private partnerships, and a comprehensive regulatory framework to address the complex cybersecurity challenges of the AI era.
As the UAE continues to lead in digital transformation, it must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing cybersecurity threats. By implementing the recommended best practices, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, and leveraging advanced technologies, the UAE can strengthen its defence capabilities, safeguard its digital economy, and maintain its position as a leader in innovation and national resilience. The document serves as a strategic guide, offering actionable insights to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape and secure the future of the UAE’s digital ecosystem.