UAE Cyber Security Council And CPX Unveil Comprehensive Cybersecurity Report For 2025

The UAE Cyber Security Council and CPX have unveiled the "State of the UAE Cybersecurity Report 2025." This report provides a comprehensive look at the evolving cyber threat landscape in the UAE. It stresses the urgent need for advanced cybersecurity measures due to increasingly complex cyber-attacks. The report highlights that over 223,800 assets in the UAE are vulnerable to cyber threats, with many critical vulnerabilities left unaddressed for more than five years.

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting sectors like government, finance, and energy. In 2024, drive-by downloads were a common method for initial attacks, alongside phishing and web server compromises. These tactics are becoming more sophisticated with AI tools enhancing social engineering, phishing lures, and deepfake technology to deceive victims.

The report identifies key trends shaping cybersecurity challenges. Misconfiguration accounts for 32% of incidents, followed by improper usage and unlawful activity at 19%. The financial impact of data breaches is significant, with the Middle East recording the second-highest costs globally. This reflects how cybercriminals target economic prosperity in the Gulf region.

eCrime remains a major concern as ransomware groups in the UAE have grown by 58%. However, there was a notable decline in distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks from 58,538 to just 2,301 between early 2023 and early 2024. This decrease is a positive development amid rising cyber threats.

The report also addresses unique cybersecurity challenges in the UAE. There is an increase in AI-powered threats and sophisticated tactics by cybercriminals. Advanced persistent threats (APTs) involve state-sponsored actors using AI in their attack strategies. Enhancing defence capabilities and promoting cybersecurity awareness across all sectors is crucial.

Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, stated: "As we stand on the cusp of a new era powered by emerging technologies, the rise in AI-driven attacks and widening cyber capabilities demand stricter vigilance to secure the future. The path forward requires international collaboration, innovation, and commitment. Together, we will continue building a secure and prosperous digital UAE, where innovation flourishes, opportunities thrive, and our systems remain resilient in the face of any challenge."

Commitment to Digital Transformation

Hadi Anwar, CEO of CPX, commented: "The latest cybersecurity report delves into the strategies, policies, and innovations that are shaping the UAE’s digital transformation while addressing the complexities of protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive data. The country’s remarkable progress in cybersecurity reflects a commitment to creating a secure environment where digital advancements and national resilience go hand in hand."

The report underscores that as AI-driven technological innovation advances rapidly in this geopolitically significant region, robust cyber defences are essential. It calls for international cooperation to ensure a secure future where digital growth aligns with national resilience.

With inputs from WAM