UAE addresses current cybersecurity threats

In recent years, the current cybersecurity landscape has drastically altered, with threats becoming increasingly sophisticated. In a bid to counter these attacks, the UAE recently organised The Risk to Resilience World Tour, with a range of cybersecurity experts and IT professionals hosting sessions to address the most up-to-date risks: ransomware, data theft and phishing. 

There, Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE government, discussed the shared vision between the UAE and Trend Micro in advancing cybersecurity resilience and introduced Trend Vision One. This is a new AI-powered cybersecurity platform designed to enhance the UAE’s critical cybersecurity infrastructure, to improve digital safety and strengthen cyber defences.

The keynote speech titled, ‘Race Against Threats: Resilience in the Era of Modern Threats’ offered a forward-looking analysis of the latest threat research, highlighting AI-driven attacks and ransomware evolution. This aimed to equip cybersecurity professionals with the knowledge to anticipate and counter these advanced threats.

Other sessions covered a range of topics, including:

• The impact of generative AI on SOC performance and the importance of integrated telemetry in accelerating threat identification and response.
• Cloud exposure management, container security, workload security and building a robust defence-in-depth strategy.
• Strategies for optimising operational defences and reducing breach likelihood through exposure management and next-gen endpoint protection.
• The long-term existential risks posed by quantum computing, supply chain vulnerabilities, and AI.
• How centralised strategies can enhance risk communication and streamline reporting, demonstrating the benefits of a unified platform for senior security leaders.

An important topic was the dual nature of generative AI, and its potential as both a cybersecurity risk and a valuable tool. The final session covered malicious uses of AI such as deep fakes and automated phishing, as well as positive applications such as advanced threat hunting and custom guidance.

Overall, the main trends in cybersecurity threats in the UAE follow a wider global trend. The Risk To Resilience World Tour is just the first step in raising awareness of these threats and educating companies on how these risks can be countered. 

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