22.8% UAE users encounter cyber threat

An average of 17.4% users in the Middle East encountered cyber threats originating from the Internet in the third quarter of 2016, according to Kaspersky Security Network.

The countries with the highest percentage of users affected by these threats were Qatar (24.4%), United Arab Emirates (22.8%), Kuwait (20.1%), Saudi Arabia (17.9%) and Egypt (17.1%). At the same time, an average of 47% of users in the region encountered malware that spread in local networks, via USBs and storage disks.

“Raising awareness about cyber threats is fundamental for smart environments. Rapid technological advances in recent years require threat intelligence research and a strategic collaboration between critical infrastructure and smart cities. A cyber incident can have a major impact on the economical, reputational and productivity aspects of an organization, it can also threaten human lives. Consequently, we have been making a lot of efforts at Kaspersky Lab towards securing the different components of smart cities, contributing our expertise within the Securing Smart Cities not-for-profit global initiative, and that’s predominantly why we are highlighting these issues this week at Gitex,” said Mohammad Amin Hasbini, Senior Security Researcher, Global Research & Analysis Team, Kaspersky Lab.

The concept of a smart city involves bringing together various cutting-edge technologies and solutions to ensure the reliable and convenient provision of services to people, public safety, resources utilization, etc. However, these technologies also open the doors for serious cyber risks that must be addressed proactively. Smart city security should be top priority for the executives pioneering the smart city evolution.

“Our recent study investigated city kiosks as well as speed cameras and their supporting infrastructure. Our experts discovered that cybercriminals could easily compromise these cameras and manipulate the data collected. To prevent such situations in real life, there should be a comprehensive approach to the development and implementation of smart devices into a city’s infrastructure,” comments Hasbini.