UAE thwarts cyberattacks from Iran amid regional disruptions

The UAE has foiled cyberattacks from Iran and its affiliates despite claims it lacks internet services, said Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cybersecurity Council.

In an interview with Dubai Eye 103.8's The Agenda, the official explained that Iran and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have managed to carry out cyberattacks through affiliates and a previously built infrastructure.

While he did not reveal how many cyberattacks Iran has carried out, Al Kuwaiti said average cyberattacks daily tripled to an average of 600,000 to 800,000 since February 28. It ranges from minor attacks to supply chain and wiper cyberattacks that use malicious software to permanently erase or corrupt data. 

Al Kuwaiti highlighted that the energy sector was the most targeted sectors during the conflict. The second target included the government sector and its services, and the third was financial.

Speaking ahead of GISEC 2026, he affirmed that the UAE has maintained its readiness for any type of cyberattack, especially through the "greater trusted technologies" developed through its partnership, which will be one of the focuses during the conference from September 16-18.