The UAE’s Cybersecurity Council has sounded a strong alert as cyber threats continue to rise globally, warning that rapid digital transformation has also empowered cybercriminals with new tools and opportunities. Officials say safer online behavior, awareness and shared responsibility have now become critical — not only for governments and companies, but for everyday citizens as well.
According to the Council, the world witnesses one cyberattack every 39 seconds. Projections further suggest that global cybercrime losses could reach $11.9 trillion by 2026, climbing to nearly $19.7 trillion by 2030 — underscoring that threats will not only grow, but become significantly more expensive and disruptive.
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Cybercrime, officials emphasize, is no longer confined to simple phishing emails or small-scale scams. It has evolved into smarter, more targeted and high-tech operations capable of infiltrating systems, stealing sensitive data and disrupting essential services. Against this backdrop, the UAE is focusing on building a strong, collective cyber-safety culture across all sectors.
UAE moves beyond strategy — toward full cyber integration
The Council highlighted that the country is moving rapidly to prepare for the post-quantum era. As part of this effort, cooperation with QuantumGate — a national platform backed by the Advanced Technology Research Council — has been further strengthened.
The goal: ensure that even when future quantum technologies gain the ability to break today’s encryption systems, the UAE’s digital infrastructure remains protected.
The next phase will extend beyond awareness and move toward full operational readiness, anchored by three flagship initiatives:
- National Information Assurance Program — strengthening baseline security across government and private institutions
- National Cybersecurity Index Platform — improving nationwide monitoring, assessment and response capabilities
- National Post-Quantum Transition Program — identifying vulnerable cryptographic systems, prioritizing migration and designing long-term protection strategies
With clear national guidelines, early migration roadmaps and coordinated implementation, the UAE is positioning itself among the few countries actively building a comprehensive post-quantum security framework.
“We don’t wait for threats — we prepare ahead”
Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, underlined the forward-looking approach:
“Our policy is not to wait for threats — but to prepare ahead of them. With QuantumGate’s advanced capabilities, we are building security today that can withstand tomorrow’s quantum challenges.”
As part of this drive, tools such as the Cryptography Discovery Tool — which helps organizations identify cryptographic assets across complex networks — and QSphere, a quantum-resistant VPN and data-protection suite, are being rolled out. Additional technologies like Salina and Secure VMI will further strengthen protection across government agencies and enterprise environments.
Public alert: avoid charging phones at unsafe public stations
Alongside national initiatives, the Council issued a consumer warning on the growing threat of “juice-jacking” — cyber risks linked to public charging ports in airports, hotels and malls.
Studies indicate:
- 79% of travelers unknowingly expose their data when using untrusted charging outlets
- 68% of companies have faced incidents traced back to compromised charging stations
Some public charging ports may secretly contain malicious software capable of accessing data or installing spyware once a device connects. Warning signs can include sudden battery drain, sluggish performance, frequent app crashes, unusual pop-ups or unfamiliar icons appearing on the screen.
Essential cyber-safe travel habits
To reduce risk, the Council urged residents and travelers to adopt a few simple — yet powerful — precautions:
- Always carry a personal charger or power bank
- Reject any data-transfer prompts while charging
- Enable two-factor authentication and biometric log-ins
- Review app permissions regularly and disable unnecessary access
- Download apps only from verified, official platforms
Officials stressed that in an era where cybercrime crosses borders, technologies and platforms with ease, awareness, early detection and safe digital habits remain the most reliable first line of defense.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
