Digital Dubai, represented by the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), conducted a simulation workshop of a global cyberattack scenario where 18 Dubai-based government and private sector entities took part.
The exercise focused on imparting agile cybersecurity practices to the participants to boost their ability to counter cyberattacks. The workshop is part of the Cyber Node initiative, launched by the DESC to develop an advanced and specialized cyber-workforce through awareness courses and training programs targeting all segments of the community, including establishing a secure and effective environment to test cybersecurity capabilities. Simulations of real-life scenarios were used to train participants on the tactics and prepare them for various other cybersecurity threats.
The training was attended by cybersecurity leaders from a number of Dubai government and private sector entities, those who will be responsible for overseeing cybersecurity procedures in their respective entities and protecting their establishment in the event of a cyberattack. Participants included representatives from Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Dubai Customs, Dubai Culture, Dubai Statistics Centerand du.
Participants also included the Dubai Courts, Dubai Public Prosecution, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Department of Finance, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Community Development Authority, along with the Dubai Electronic Security Center.
Commenting on the event, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, said, "A robust cybersecurity ecosystem is a prominent sign of readiness in the digital age, reflecting business sustainability and continuity of life under all circumstances. It has become synonymous with holistic and comprehensive digital transformation, and with that in mind – and under the Dubai Cyber Innovation Park initiative – our team at Digital Dubai will be undertaking enormous and dedicated efforts to increase cybersecurity levels across the city, which include continuous awareness and training exercises amongst other activities."
"The Cyber Node initiative is the first product of the Dubai Cyber Innovation Park," Al Mansoori continued. "It provides an integrated training system for cybersecurity leaders in government and private sector entities in the Emirate of Dubai, complete with a customized training environment that simulates realistic cyberattack scenarios that allow for a thorough evaluation of the speed and effectiveness of each entity’s response to cyberthreats. This enables us to develop and improve cybersecurity processes, in line with our leadership’s vision for Dubai to become a global leader in cybersecurity and other latest technological innovations."
DESC launched the Cyber Node initiative during GISEC 2022, in partnership with Thales Group, a global leader in cybersecurity technologies and data protection. Cyber Node is the first initiative under the Dubai Cyber Innovation Park.
According to the Cyber Risk Index released by NordVPN, the UAE is the third most attractive target for cybercriminals after Iceland and Sweden. Other countries whose residents are most exposed cyberattacks include Norway, US, Singapore, Ireland, New Zealand, Denmark and UK.
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