A hacker accessed sensitive UAE-linked systems then demanded $5m

Dubai: A cyberattack on a private-sector organization linked to UAE government systems demanded $5 million from the hacker, who threatened to expose stolen data on the dark web, the nation's cyber security chief disclosed. Dr Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government's Cyber Security, described the incident as one of the most serious attacks on critical infrastructure in the country.

During a session at the Arab Media Summit, Al Kuwaiti reported that the attacker gained unauthorized access to the private organization's systems and data, then contacted the hacker demanding payment. The hacker claimed to have mapped the organization's systems and outlined how to navigate them. The breach was attributed to an unpatched vulnerability in the latest software updates.

Cooperation between private and international organizations helped mitigate the attack and prevent data leaks, according to Al Kuwaiti. The episode highlighted the evolving nature of cyber threats, which now extend beyond disrupting services and temporarily disabling systems. The UAE has faced an average of 640,000 cyberattacks in a single day targeting critical sectors such as infrastructure, electricity, water, and the economy.

These threats have become increasingly decentralized, enabling threats from a single individual armed with deepfakes, fabricated information, or misleading rumors. Al Kuwaiti emphasized the psychological impact of digital manipulation, citing a case of students using filters and digital techniques to alter photographs of a female student, leading to severe bullying and blackmail that forced her to leave school for over a year.

He warned that fifth-generation warfare could target ideas, values, customs, and traditions and exploit online platforms to spread extremist ideologies, potentially leading to terrorism and loss of life. Al Kuwaiti identified "cyber terrorism" as a major challenge requiring enhanced preparation, public awareness, and stronger countermeasures.

He suggested that artificial intelligence could aid in identifying rumors and responding to them more swiftly, but human judgment would remain essential in crafting and validating those responses. Al Kuwaiti urged media organizations to serve as a central defense against disinformation, recommending that social media influencers verify information from official sources, uphold the UAE's customs and traditions, and strive for accuracy and truthfulness in their content.