The cybersecurity landscape in the UAE is facing heightened challenges, with malware detections skyrocketing by 65.3% in 2024, according to the Acronis Threat Research Unit. This sharp rise highlights the growing risks that both businesses and individuals in the region are facing. Although ransomware incidents have slightly decreased, other threats like URL-based attacks have surged by 36.9%, underscoring the complexity of the evolving cyber threat landscape. As businesses across the UAE continue their digital transformation, the need for robust cybersecurity solutions has never been more critical.
The 2024 report from Acronis provides a detailed snapshot of the cybersecurity threats facing the UAE. While ransomware attacks, once a dominant cyber threat, have decreased, other forms of cybercrime have surged. The report identifies malware, phishing, and advanced persistent threats (APTs) as the primary culprits behind the exponential increase in malicious activity. Malware, in particular, has become a significant concern, with detections climbing by over 65% compared to previous years. This surge has been attributed to a range of factors, including increased digitalization, the proliferation of IoT devices, and the growing adoption of cloud services.
A Shift in Cybercriminal Tactics
While the decrease in ransomware incidents seems like a silver lining, experts warn that these statistics may not paint the full picture. According to Ziad Nasr, General Manager of Acronis Middle East, many ransomware incidents go unreported due to companies’ reluctance to disclose security breaches publicly. Nasr warns that the reported numbers could be “just the tip of the iceberg,” as ransomware remains a lucrative tool for cybercriminals.
More worrying is the rise in URL-based attacks, which jumped by nearly 37% in 2024. These types of threats often involve malicious links embedded in emails or websites that lead to malware infections, data breaches, or phishing scams. They are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often bypassing traditional security measures by leveraging new techniques such as AI-driven attacks and deepfake technologies.
UAE’s Response to Growing Threats
In response to the escalating threat landscape, Acronis has partnered with e& enterprise (formerly known as Etisalat) to launch a state-of-the-art Cyber Cloud Data Centre in Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in Q2 of 2024. This facility is designed to enhance the cybersecurity posture of enterprises in the UAE by offering scalable, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions. The Cyber Cloud Data Centre will provide Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT departments with tools for data protection, compliance, and threat mitigation, ensuring faster and more secure solutions tailored to the region’s specific needs.
Nasr emphasizes that Acronis’s expansion isn’t merely about growth but about empowering businesses with the tools they need to defend themselves against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. With a 68% year-over-year revenue growth in the region, Acronis is committed to continually investing in cybersecurity to keep pace with the rapid digital transformation in the UAE.
In addition to the Abu Dhabi data centre, Acronis has formed strategic partnerships with over 160 MSPs in the UAE, significantly expanding its reach. These partnerships are vital in addressing the vulnerabilities posed by the ongoing shift to cloud services, IoT, and other emerging technologies.
The Future of Cyber Threats in the UAE
Looking ahead to 2025, cybersecurity experts foresee a rise in more complex and sophisticated cyberattacks in the UAE, particularly targeting critical infrastructure, such as energy, oil, gas, and financial sectors. As the UAE solidifies its position as a global financial hub, cybercriminals are expected to increasingly focus on disrupting industrial systems and exploiting smart city technologies.
The threat landscape is expected to evolve further with the advent of quantum computing, which poses a significant risk to traditional encryption methods. Phishing attacks, already on the rise, are also expected to become more advanced, with cybercriminals leveraging AI to create more convincing phishing scams. Deepfakes and other AI-driven cyber tactics are predicted to become common, making it harder for organizations to distinguish between legitimate and malicious activities.
Nasr warns, “As more data migrates to the cloud, cybercriminals are following. Our approach must evolve to protect not just data but the very systems that keep our businesses operational.”
10 Ways to Mitigate Cyber Threats
To protect against these rising threats, businesses and individuals should adopt the following cybersecurity best practices:
- Implement Regular Software Updates: Ensure that all software and systems are updated with the latest security patches to close any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strengthen account security by requiring multiple forms of authentication, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access.
- Regularly Back Up Data: Maintain up-to-date backups of critical data to mitigate the impact of a ransomware attack or other data compromise.
- Employee Training: Conduct regular cybersecurity training sessions to educate employees on how to recognize phishing scams, social engineering, and other common threats.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Encourage the use of strong, complex passwords and consider implementing a password manager for enhanced security.
- Monitor Network Traffic: Implement network monitoring tools to detect suspicious activity early and prevent potential breaches.
- Segment Networks: Isolate sensitive data and critical systems from the rest of the network to limit the scope of damage in case of an attack.
- Invest in Endpoint Protection: Utilize advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to protect devices that access the network, including laptops, smartphones, and IoT devices.
- Conduct Regular Security Audits: Periodically assess your cybersecurity infrastructure for weaknesses and implement improvements as needed.
- Engage in Threat Intelligence: Stay informed on the latest cyber threats by subscribing to threat intelligence services, which provide real-time updates on emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The 65.3% surge in malware detections in the UAE is a stark reminder of the critical need for robust cybersecurity strategies in an increasingly digital world. As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, the cyber threats they face will only grow in complexity and sophistication. With organizations like Acronis investing in cybersecurity solutions and partnerships, the UAE is taking proactive steps to address these challenges. However, businesses and individuals must also take responsibility by implementing best practices and staying vigilant to protect themselves from the growing wave of cyber threats.
Source: Zawya
Want to stay on top of cybersecurity news? Follow us on Facebook – X (Twitter) – Instagram – LinkedIn for the latest threats, insights, and updates!
