The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Centre has issued a cybersecurity warning highlighting a surge in digital threats during emergencies, as UAE authorities report increased use of artificial intelligence in cyberattacks allegedly linked to Iran. The warning was released through a Cybersecurity Awareness Guide During Crises, which identifies six major cyber threats that tend to intensify during periods of instability. In parallel, Dr Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Government Cybersecurity Council, stated that Iran has recently used artificial intelligence tools, including ChatGPT and similar platforms, to develop cyberattacks targeting users in the UAE, marking a shift toward more AI-enabled cyber operations.
The cybersecurity guide, developed in collaboration with the Department of Government Enablement and issued under the “Our Community is Ready” campaign, outlines six key threat categories observed during crises. These include phishing and online fraud, account breaches, malware distribution, identity theft, creation of fake social media accounts, and AI-enabled fraud techniques involving deepfakes. Authorities highlighted that deepfake technologies are being used to generate synthetic voice recordings, fabricated images, and manipulated videos that appear to originate from trusted individuals or official institutions. These methods are increasingly being used for deception, financial fraud, and misinformation campaigns. The guide also warns of data leaks through untrusted websites, which remain a persistent risk during emergency situations when users are more vulnerable to digital manipulation.
The document further explains that cyberattacks typically increase during crises due to heightened public fear, confusion, and urgency, which can lead individuals to make rushed decisions without proper verification. It also notes that misinformation spreads more rapidly during such periods, especially when users rely on unofficial communication channels. The guide identifies warning indicators of fraud attempts, including urgent requests for personal information or verification codes, suspicious links, unexpected money transfer requests, fake prize notifications, login alerts from unknown devices, and unsolicited voice or video messages. It also highlights impersonation tactics where attackers mimic official entities or trusted organizations, often using unusually formal or inconsistent messaging styles to appear credible.
Officials have urged individuals to follow strict preventive measures during crises, including avoiding unknown links, not sharing passwords or one time codes, refraining from downloading applications from unofficial sources, and avoiding data entry on untrusted websites. The guide also emphasizes the importance of enabling multi factor authentication, using strong unique passwords, and updating default device settings. Individuals are advised to rely solely on official sources for information, avoid spreading unverified content, and verify all audio and video material before sharing. Additional recommendations include avoiding unsecured public Wi Fi networks, regularly updating systems and applications, backing up critical data, and promptly reporting suspicious messages or digital activity.
Dr Mohammed Al Kuwaiti stated that artificial intelligence has become a core component of modern cyberattack strategies rather than a supporting tool. He noted that hostile actors, including Iran, are using AI for reconnaissance, vulnerability detection, phishing enhancement, malware development, and creation of misleading content for information warfare. He added that AI has significantly increased the speed, scale, and sophistication of cyberattacks, making them more convincing and cost effective.
The UAE Cybersecurity Council reported that the country currently faces between 500,000 and 700,000 cyberattacks daily, particularly targeting strategic sectors during high alert periods. Most of these attacks are attributed to state backed actors. Authorities also noted a rise in attack complexity following recent regional escalations, with greater reliance on AI and deepfake technologies. The national cybersecurity framework includes zero trust architecture, the National Cybersecurity Operations Center, advanced monitoring systems, intelligence analysis tools, disinformation tracking, and cyber crisis simulation exercises. Officials emphasized that individuals remain the first line of defense, underscoring awareness, caution, and reliance on verified information as essential elements in countering evolving AI driven cyber threats.
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