Cyberattacks targeting the UAE rose from a typical 200,000–300,000 per day to more than 800,000 daily during the recent regional conflict.
Smart home devices, CCTV systems, smartphones and even robotic vacuum cleaners have become targets in a wave of cyberattacks against the UAE. Criminals are exploiting compromised Internet of Things (IoT) devices both to spread fear and cause direct damage, Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, said on Wednesday.
Addressing the third FutureSec conference, organised by Khaleej Times and attended by senior public and private sector officials, Al Kuwaiti said recent attacks had also involved autonomous vehicle systems and car dashboard cameras, with attackers seeking to intimidate the public and create a sense of terror.
Ted Kemp, Chief Content Officer at Khaleej Times, opened the one-day conference with a welcome address.
Cyberattacks rise fourfold during regional conflict
Cyberattacks targeting the UAE climbed from a typical 200,000–300,000 per day to more than 800,000 daily during the recent regional conflict, Al Kuwaiti said.
He revealed that the country recorded 640,000 attacks on Tuesday alone.
In his keynote address, he said cyber warfare continues despite ceasefires and ongoing negotiations, with attacks taking place persistently.
AI features across cyberattack categories
Al Kuwaiti said artificial intelligence now plays a role in almost every type of cyberattack, from misinformation and disinformation on social media to phishing, spear-phishing and impersonation targeting organisations and individuals.
He noted that attacks during the recent crisis had shifted beyond conventional ransomware and data theft towards more destructive methods. Attackers used “wiper” malware to permanently erase data, rather than steal it for extortion or blackmail.
Critical infrastructure was a key target, including energy, electricity, water, desalination and healthcare services. Al Kuwaiti described an overlap between cybercrime, cyber warfare and cyber terrorism intended to disrupt essential services. He added that other countries experienced similar attacks during the same period, although the UAE was frequently at the forefront.
More than 25 countries adopt UAE cybersecurity framework
Al Kuwaiti said more than 25 countries have adopted the UAE’s cybersecurity framework, highlighting its approach to building resilience through public-private partnerships and community involvement.
He confirmed that the UAE introduced its post-quantum cybersecurity strategy about 18 months ago. Since then, between 10 and 15 per cent of its critical infrastructure has transitioned to post-quantum-secure systems.
Further details of the country’s cybersecurity roadmap will be announced at an industry event in the coming weeks, he said. He also stressed that public awareness, community participation and cooperation across sectors remain essential to national cyber defence.
