UAE’s collaborative approach brings ransomware attacks down by 70%

 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reported a significant drop of over 70% in ransomware attacks at the start of 2023, as compared to the same period last year. According to Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, the UAE government’s cyber security chief, this can be attributed to the country's strengthened ability to respond to cyber-attacks swiftly and quickly, thanks to sophisticated key performance indicators and standard operating procedures. Al Kuwaiti also highlighted the increased vulnerabilities in the world’s reliance on technology, particularly as cyber-attacks continue to become more advanced. He emphasized that the UAE's collaboration with international agencies, including Interpol, has helped to bring more expertise to shield the country's infrastructure from various cyber-attacks.

A recent study by Palo Alto Networks revealed that 53% of chief executives in the UAE reported that their potential financial losses due to a significant cyber attack had increased in the past 12 months. The study also showed that 60% of respondents considered cyber security to be a bigger risk than their competitors, and 56% agreed that it was a bigger risk than economic uncertainty. However, the study found that training for top-level officials in UAE companies regarding cyber security remained low.

Despite the growing threat of cyber-attacks, Helmut Reisinger, Palo Alto Networks’ chief executive for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, said that the Middle East and Africa remains resilient to the danger. He attributed this to the region's improved cyber awareness, strong economic growth, and significant investments.