Malware attacks in the Middle East increased almost 17 per cent on an annual basis to 161 million in the first half of this year amid a rapid digital transformation of the region, a new report has found.
Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt and Qatar are among the countries that have reported a sharp rise in malware attacks, cybersecurity company Kaspersky said in the report.
Oman recorded the biggest increase of attacks at 67 per cent, followed by Kuwait (64 per cent), Bahrain (45 per cent), Egypt (32 per cent) and Qatar (16 per cent). But the UAE – the second biggest Arab economy – recorded a mere 7 per cent rise in attacks.
Malware is malicious software designed by cyber criminals to damage a computer, server or an entire online network.
It can get into a device in several ways, including by a user clicking on an infected link or advertisement, opening an attachment in a spam email or by downloading a malicious app.
The Middle East has become a target for cyber criminals amid a rise in remote working owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and rapid digital transformation of the region's economies, according to the Moscow-based company, which did not disclose the methodology of its report.
Cyber criminals are trying to exploit the “lack of user education or cyber security understanding”, said Maher Yamout, senior security researcher for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa at Kaspersky.
“Even though the scourge of malware has always been of concern, the past 12 months have highlighted how hackers are refocusing their efforts to compromise consumer and corporate systems and gain access to critical data and information," he said.
Turkey, which registered 44 million malware attacks between January and June – nearly a quarter of all malware attacks in the region. It recorded a drop of 4.4 per cent in the first six months of the year.
Egypt, the most populous Arab country, registered 42 million attacks, the UAE (34 million), Oman (14 million), Kuwait (11 million) and Bahrain (five million), the report found.
Victims of cyber crime worldwide lose $318 billion each year, according to UK technology comparison website Comparitech.
About 71.1 million people in the world fall victim to cyber crime annually – which equates to nearly 900 victims for every 100,000 people. The average victim’s loss is $4,476 for every cyber crime, Comparitech found.
Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai is among the recent victims of cyber criminals in the region. The hospital has started an investigation after hackers targeted some of its servers, it said on Monday.
Hackers have become more targeted with their attack strategies, focusing on advanced persistent threat-type attacks that are intended to steal sensitive data, Kaspersky said.
With so many people working remotely and accessing corporate networks from their personal devices, the companies must identify the rapidly expanding attack surface, Mr Yamout said.
“These devices might not have an adequate level of protection, meaning that once they are compromised and an employee logs into the network, hackers can potentially get access to sensitive data and cripple the organisation," he said.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
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The biog
First Job: Abu Dhabi Department of Petroleum in 1974
Current role: Chairperson of Al Maskari Holding since 2008
Career high: Regularly cited on Forbes list of 100 most powerful Arab Businesswomen
Achievement: Helped establish Al Maskari Medical Centre in 1969 in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region
Future plan: Will now concentrate on her charitable work
The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 380hp at 5,800rpm
Torque: 530Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Price: From Dh299,000 ($81,415)
On sale: Now
Scoreline:
Cardiff City 0
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Wijnaldum 57', Milner 81' (pen)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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War
Director: Siddharth Anand
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Ashutosh Rana, Vaani Kapoor
Rating: Two out of five stars
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
