INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Enterprise Security

Highlighting the urgency of the situation , the report has identified over 155,000 vulnerable assets within the UAE , with more than 40 % of critical vulnerabilities remaining unaddressed for over five years . This vulnerability , coupled with the surge in advanced cyber-attacks such as ransomware , underscores the essential need for robust cyber defences in a region that is at the forefront of AI-driven technological innovations and geopolitical significance .

The report delves into key trends shaping the current cybersecurity challenges , including ransomware attacks , which represent over half of the cyber incidents . The Government , Energy , and Information Technology sectors are the most targeted by cyber threat actors , and traditional attack vectors such as Business Email Compromise , BEC and phishing remain prevalent , still posing a continuous threat .

These methods are likely to become more sophisticated with the integration of AI tools , enhancing social engineering efforts , phishing lures , and the deployment of deepfake technology to deceive victims .

The trend is further compounded by the financial repercussions of data breaches , with the Middle East , including the UAE , experiencing the second-highest data breach costs globally , reflecting the economic targets of cyber threat actors against the backdrop of Gulf prosperity . The rise in Distributed Denial of Service , DDoS attacks further emphasizes the geopolitical intricacies of cyber threats , necessitating a comprehensive and strategic defence mechanism to protect the nation .

HE Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti , Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government , said : “ In an era marked by increasingly sophisticated cyber threats that pose significant risks to our national security , the imperative for collective vigilance and strategic action has never been greater . The entire ecosystem should engage proactively in reducing the UAE ’ s vulnerability to these threats .”

HE Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti , Head of Cyber Security , UAE Government

Hadi Anwar , Executive Director , Strategic Programmes , CPX , added : “ The latest cybersecurity report not only underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of cyber threats but also sheds light on the economic vulnerabilities at stake . The economic fallout from cyber incidents , as detailed in our

analysis , necessitates a unified approach to bolster our national defences .

The report also highlights the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by the UAE , including advanced persistent threats , APTs , the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure , and the sophisticated tactics of cybercriminals . It emphasizes the need for the UAE to enhance its defence capabilities and foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness across all sectors of society .

Compiled by a consortium of cybersecurity experts , the report acts as a strategic guide for government entities , businesses , and individuals , providing actionable insights to navigate the complexities of the digital era .

Key best practices to mitigate cyber risks highlighted in the report include :

• Implement Endpoint Detection and Response , EDR

• Establish a 24x7 Security Operation Centre , SOC

• Leverage Cyber Threat Intelligence

• Create and Implement an Incident Response Plan

• Adopt Proactive Threat Hunting Processes p

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