AI-exploiting cyberattacks thwarted by UAE

Multiple AI-enabled cyber intrusions against the United Arab Emirates' digital infrastructure over the weekend were confirmed to have been foiled by the country's Cyber Security Council, according to The Record, a news site by cybersecurity firm Recorded Future.

"The Council indicated that the attacks included attempts to infiltrate networks, deploy ransomware, and conduct systematic phishing campaigns targeting national platforms," the council said in a statement. Officials described the use of AI-powered tools as a notable escalation in tactics. The council did not provide further details or respond to requests for comment.

Such a development comes as Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, who leads the country's Cyber Security Council, disclosed that over 70% of the groups behind cyber threats against the UAE are backed by foreign governments. Iran state-sponsored threat actors were reported to have targeted the UAE's transportation, aviation, and satellite communications sectors in a malware campaign last year.