Abu Dhabi: The UAE Cybersecurity Council has warned all government and private institutions, as well as individuals the possibility of cyberattacks, particularly during the New Year’s celebrations and the holiday season.
The council emphasised the necessity for all institutions and authorities to turn on their cyber defence systems, increase public awareness of personal security issues related to cyberattacks, and work together with relevant authorities to proactively communicate important information.
It mentioned how hacking tools have now easier to use, making it possible for hackers to benefit from the holiday season, particularly with the growing dependence on digital services. The council stressed the significance of adopting cybersecurity policies and protection mechanisms, as well as raising awareness of public and private institutions and individuals, which will play a key role in protecting the community against malicious cyberattacks, and warned of all types of cyberattacks against vital sectors.
The council then pointed out that many countries have witnessed the rapid digital transformation in services and daily transactions, which has increased the risks posed by cyber-attacks against various sectors, including electricity, gas and water.
As the Gulf country increasingly depends on information technology, there are concerns that it could suffer significant damage from cyber or electronic attacks, especially on these important days. Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti is the Chairman of the Cyber Security Council of the UAE Government and Abdelilah Nejjari Managing Director for the Gulf Region at Cisco.