The UAE has been acknowledged as a global leader by the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 for its commitment to promoting robust cybersecurity practices and measures. With a notable increase in maturity, the UAE has attained the highest tier-one rating, distinguishing it as a ‘role model’ among countries.
It has also been globally recognized to be progressive in making strategic investments, and adopting innovative technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence. While the nation has made considerable progress in digital governance, it still faces challenges in securing critical infrastructure for both public and private sectors.
The modernization of infrastructure and digital transformation has sparked innovation and growth, especially through initiatives like UAE’s ‘Entrepreneurial Nation’. However, there is an urgent need to enhance stability and resilience within critical infrastructure. Readiness to address risks that arise from accessing information across various devices, through diverse communication channels, and within an ever-evolving technology landscape is essential for survival.
Evolving Business Frontline
Securing the enterprise’s security perimeter is crucial, as it has become the frontline for businesses. As more users and devices traverse traditional network boundaries, and as automation increases through non-human identities, the ‘attack surface’ of organizations is constantly expanding. The rising demand for cloud computing and the use of AI, machine learning for operational efficiency have significantly broadened the security perimeter.
Today, the concern is not whether an organization will face an attack, but rather how it can effectively respond, defend, and minimize damage to its critical business assets while recovering from such incidents. This shift from the timing of attacks to methods of response has led organizations to focus on building resilience into their infrastructure. Although technology solutions can help foster secure working environments, they do not provide full assurance of security. Weak processes that utilize these technological solutions can still be vulnerable.
Today’s Challenges
The ease of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into business meetings, processes, and operations have made it a decisive factor for organizations striving to remain competitive. However, the rapid adoption of AI by employees pose management challenges for organizations, similar to the infiltration of shadow IT applications into enterprise systems. Clear guidance and direction are essential for the smooth integration of AI and applications within organizations.
In today’s knowledge economy, ‘data’ has emerged as a new currency; data breaches can dismantle trust built over years, undermining customer and partner confidence. Recent research on hacktivism posts on the dark web indicated that the most prevalent topics were related to data (33%) and access (21%). Adopting approaches like ‘Zero Trust Architecture’ provide a structured method for maintaining a secure posture. However, this must be implemented holistically, addressing both process security and secure technology architecture.
According to 2024 Verizon Data Breach Report, 55% of data breaches could be attributed to human error. It is crucial for enterprises to cultivate sound cybersecurity practices to sustain a secure digital environment and effectively mitigate human-related risks.
Unauthorized access to information assets can lead to an organization’s infrastructure being misused for launching cyberattacks against government entities or other organizations. For instance, penalties for compromising a government website in the UAE can include a seven-year prison sentence and fines ranging from Dh 250,000 to
Dh 1.5 million.
UAE Cybersecurity Landscape
According to the UAE Cyber Security Council’s ‘State of the UAE – Cybersecurity Report 2024,’ 21% of exposure to cyber threats was linked to insider actions, and 40% of identified vulnerabilities in assets have persisted within the enterprise for more than five years. These figures highlight deficiencies in organizational security processes, leaving them susceptible to exploitation through ransomware, phishing, and other attacks. A study by IBM in 2024 indicated that phishing was the primary attack vector in 27% of enterprise breaches.
To bolster enterprises in their security efforts, the UAE has introduced a National Cybersecurity Strategy, backed by well-defined assurance frameworks, policies, and standards. These guidelines are applicable to organizations based on their industry and significance to the national economy, regardless of their size. The strategy is built on five key pillars and encompasses 60 initiatives aimed at mobilizing the entire cybersecurity ecosystem. Complementing this framework, UAE Cyberlaws define strict measures to combat cybercrime, imposing penalties and imprisonment for cyber attacks and breaches.
Organizations operating in UAE must be aware of the regulatory landscape governing their digital assets and infrastructure, enabling them to adopt necessary measures to comply with cybersecurity requirements. In cases of a breach or compromise, organizations in the UAE are expected to demonstrate due diligence and the appropriate actions taken to protect, respond, and recover, in accordance with established assurance frameworks.
What can businesses do?
A sound understanding of UAE’s cybersecurity landscape and initiatives can help shape and direct security programs effectively. Knowledge of sector specific cybersecurity requirements, thorough understanding of risks posed to critical assets, vulnerability assessement of its enterprise estate with measured exposure to cyber threats should form the basis of defining and adopting an enterprise secure profile through good governance, secure processes, and an optimized security architecture.
When organizations implement robust security policies and controls that align with their technology investments, they establish a dependable security control framework to consistently manage critical assets and guide user behavior to reduce risks while ensuring regulatory compliance. Regular communication about the significance of cybersecurity and recognition of employees’ contributions can reinforce positive behaviors and offset human risks.
Business operations often require organizations to adhere to various industry-specific compliance regulations, which must be demonstrated through certifications or their equivalent. Certifying competence in securing information assets will enhance organizations’ competitiveness by meeting qualification criteria and ensuring compliance with regulatory demands, besides avoiding potential fines and legal complications. Security can no longer remain an after-thought for organizations.
Leadership must prioritize cybersecurity and exemplify good security hygiene practices to foster a growth mindset. It’s time to go beyond survival tactics and set the course to thrive in today’s digital economy.
