UAE Cybersecurity Council said its system blocked cyberattacks on financial sector Friday. The attacks were detected and neutralised under national protocols, according to the state news agency WAM. The council emphasized that the national cyber defence system is built to protect the financial sector from sophisticated threats.
National Cyber Defence Repels Threats
The council highlighted that its monitoring and response teams work around the clock within an integrated national framework. Teams coordinate with relevant authorities, financial institutions and strategic partners to identify, analyse and counter threats in line with global best practices. This constant vigilance helped maintain uninterrupted financial services and stable digital infrastructure throughout the incident. These measures ensure continuity of financial services and stability of the digital infrastructure, as highlighted by WAM.
Officials detailed the range of techniques used by the attackers. Attempts were made to compromise digital systems and technical infrastructure, launch advanced phishing campaigns, exploit security vulnerabilities and deploy malicious software. Some of the malicious code reportedly leveraged artificial intelligence to increase complexity, underscoring the evolving nature of cyber threats against financial systems.
In addition to the immediate response, the council stressed that its capability to detect AI‑enhanced attacks reflects a broader shift in threat tactics worldwide. By continuously updating detection algorithms and sharing intelligence with partners, the council aims to stay ahead of sophisticated adversaries targeting the sector. The council also noted its enhanced early detection capabilities as part of its rapid‑response protocols.
Ongoing Safeguards for Financial Services
The council outlined a suite of proactive measures that remain in place. Continuous monitoring, cyber‑intelligence sharing, readiness drills and rapid‑response protocols are designed to safeguard critical assets and preserve trust in financial services. These actions support the resilience of the sector against future incidents.
Institutions were urged to comply with national cybersecurity policies, strengthen preventive measures, update systems regularly and report any suspicious activity through official channels. The council said it will continue to conduct readiness exercises and expand collaboration with partners to reinforce the protective shield around the financial ecosystem.
The statement also underscored that the UAE’s advanced national cybersecurity framework and strategic partnerships provide the country with strong capabilities to counter evolving threats, protect the digital space and ensure the sector’s long‑term resilience.
Frequently asked questions
What happened during UAE financial sector cyberattacks?
The UAE Cybersecurity Council blocked sophisticated cyberattacks on banks and financial institutions, ensuring service continuity and digital stability.
How did UAE stop cyberattacks on banks?
The national cyber defense system detected and neutralized attacks using 24/7 monitoring, global best practices, and coordination with financial institutions.
Were AI techniques used in UAE cyberattacks?
Yes, some attacks used AI-enhanced malicious code to exploit vulnerabilities and launch advanced phishing campaigns.
What measures protect UAE financial services?
Proactive measures include continuous monitoring, cyber-intelligence sharing, readiness drills, and rapid-response protocols to safeguard critical assets.
