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UAE warns - up to 700,000 daily cyberattacks from Iran-linked hackers

From Jerusalem Post · (35m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The UAE has issued urgent warnings about a surge in AI-powered cyber threats and disinformation campaigns linked to Iran, with daily attack attempts ranging from 500,000 to 700,000.
  • Iranian state-sponsored hackers are reportedly using AI tools like ChatGPT for reconnaissance, data collection, and generating sophisticated phishing emails, leading to a 32% rise in phishing incidents in Q1 2026.
  • The UAE Cybersecurity Council is deploying AI-based systems to counter these threats, while authorities warn of severe penalties for distributing AI-generated misinformation.

The United Arab Emirates is on high alert, facing an unprecedented wave of sophisticated cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns orchestrated by Iran-linked hackers. The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Center has released a stark warning, detailing how artificial intelligence is being weaponized to destabilize critical infrastructure and sow discord. The sheer volume of daily cyberattack attempts, estimated between 500,000 and 700,000, underscores the severity of this escalating digital conflict.

The UAE is currently facing between 500,000 and 700,000 cyberattack attempts each day.

— AuthoritiesStating the daily volume of cyberattack attempts faced by the UAE.

Our region's heightened tensions have unfortunately become fertile ground for these advanced cyber operations. Iranian state-sponsored actors are leveraging AI tools, including generative models like ChatGPT, for everything from initial reconnaissance to crafting highly convincing phishing emails. This has led to a significant increase in successful phishing incidents, disrupting businesses and potentially compromising sensitive data. The use of deepfakes to spread misinformation and incite panic is particularly concerning, threatening to undermine public trust and stability.

Phishing incidents have risen by 32% in the first quarter of 2026.

— ReportDetailing the increase in phishing incidents.

In response, the UAE is mobilizing its national cybersecurity resources, activating the National Cyber Security Operations Center and deploying its own AI-driven defense systems. We are committed to protecting our digital borders and ensuring the resilience of our critical infrastructure. Furthermore, we are educating the public on identifying and avoiding these threats, emphasizing the severe legal consequences for those who spread AI-generated falsehoods. This is not merely a technological challenge; it is a matter of national security and maintaining the integrity of our information ecosystem.

Experts noted a 340% increase in AI-driven cyber breaches in the region in the six months preceding May 2026.

— ExpertsHighlighting the significant rise in AI-driven cyber breaches.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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