What types of devices are being targeted in the cyberattacks?

Cybercriminals are targeting a wide range of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including smart home systems, CCTV cameras, smartphones, robotic vacuum cleaners, autonomous vehicle systems, and car dashboard cameras.

How significantly have cyberattacks increased in the UAE?

Daily cyberattacks in the UAE have surged from a baseline of 200,000-300,000 to over 800,000, with a peak of 640,000 attacks recorded on a single Tuesday during a recent period of regional conflict.

What is the new nature of cyberattacks mentioned by the Head of Cybersecurity?

Mohamed Al Kuwaiti stated that attacks have shifted from traditional ransomware to more destructive tactics, including the deployment of "wiper" malware designed to delete and erase data outright rather than steal it.

Which sectors are considered primary targets for these attacks?

Primary targets for cyberattacks include critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, electricity, water, desalination, and healthcare, indicating a focus on disrupting essential services.

All news

Market·4 September 2026

UAE Smart Homes and IoT Devices Targeted in Major Cyberattack Surge

Cyberattacks against the UAE have seen a fourfold increase, rising from a daily baseline of 200,000-300,000 to over 800,000, with smart home devices and IoT systems now key targets, according to Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head

The UAE has experienced a significant surge in cyberattacks, escalating from an average of 200,000-300,000 incidents daily to over 800,000, with 640,000 attacks recorded on a single recent Tuesday. This increase is attributed to recent regional conflicts.

Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, speaking at the FutureSec conference, highlighted that cybercriminals are now actively targeting Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including smart home systems, CCTV, smartphones, robotic vacuum cleaners, autonomous vehicle systems, and car dashboard cameras. These compromised devices are being used not only to cause damage but also "to send the message of fear, to send a message of terror."

Shifting Attack Landscape

Al Kuwaiti noted a change in the nature of these attacks, moving beyond traditional ransomware and data theft. Attackers are now deploying "wiper" malware, designed to permanently delete and erase data rather than hold it for ransom. Artificial intelligence is also increasingly integrated into nearly every type of cyberattack, from misinformation campaigns to sophisticated phishing and impersonation attempts.

Critical infrastructure has been a primary target, encompassing the energy, electricity, water, desalination, and healthcare sectors. Al Kuwaiti described this as a convergence of cybercrime, cyber warfare, and cyber terrorism aimed at disrupting essential services. While other countries faced similar attacks, the UAE was frequently at the forefront.

UAE's Proactive Cybersecurity Measures

The UAE's robust cybersecurity framework has been adopted by more than 25 countries globally, showcasing its effectiveness. Beyond that, the UAE launched its post-quantum cybersecurity strategy approximately 18 months ago, and has already migrated between 10 to 15 per cent of its critical infrastructure to post-quantum-secure systems. Details of the UAE's future cybersecurity roadmap are expected to be announced at an upcoming industry event. Public awareness and cross-sector cooperation remain vital components of the national defence strategy.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

What types of devices are being targeted in the cyberattacks?: Cybercriminals are targeting a wide range of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including smart home systems, CCTV cameras, smartphones, robotic vacuum cleaners, autonomous vehicle systems, and car dashboard cameras.
How significantly have cyberattacks increased in the UAE?: Daily cyberattacks in the UAE have surged from a baseline of 200,000-300,000 to over 800,000, with a peak of 640,000 attacks recorded on a single Tuesday during a recent period of regional conflict.
What is the new nature of cyberattacks mentioned by the Head of Cybersecurity?: Mohamed Al Kuwaiti stated that attacks have shifted from traditional ransomware to more destructive tactics, including the deployment of "wiper" malware designed to delete and erase data outright rather than steal it.
Which sectors are considered primary targets for these attacks?: Primary targets for cyberattacks include critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, electricity, water, desalination, and healthcare, indicating a focus on disrupting essential services.
What progress has the UAE made with its post-quantum cybersecurity strategy?: The UAE launched its post-quantum cybersecurity strategy about 18 months ago and has already migrated between 10 to 15 per cent of its critical infrastructure to post-quantum-secure systems.

Reported by

Khaleej Times — Real Estate

View original coverage

This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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