70% of Smart Home Devices Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks, UAE Council Warns

A staggering 70 percent of smart home devices in the UAE are vulnerable to cyberattacks, according to a recent warning from the UAE Cyber Security Council. As households increasingly adopt technologies like voice assistants, smart lighting, and connected surveillance systems, many remain unaware of the security risks posed by improper usage and weak protective measures.

Risky user behaviors significantly contribute to these vulnerabilities. Many individuals leave voice assistants perpetually active on unsecured networks or share their primary Wi‑Fi passwords with guests, inadvertently granting potential intruders access to sensitive home data and remote control over connected devices. The council also singled out baby monitors as a particular concern, noting that these commonly used gadgets can be easily compromised. Unauthorized access could allow hackers to record private conversations, monitor movements within the home, or even communicate directly with children.

To counter these threats, the CSC recommends several practical steps. Households should use strong, unique passwords and ensure all smart device software is regularly updated. Managing smart systems through a single centralized device can help minimize potential entry points for attackers. Additional advice includes turning off voice assistants when not in use, activating built-in security features, and isolating smart devices on a separate network away from the main household Wi‑Fi. These recommendations form part of the council’s ongoing “Cyber Pulse” awareness campaign, which aims to educate families on cybersecurity best practices.

The broader cyber threat landscape in the UAE remains intense, with authorities blocking more than 200,000 attacks daily. Strategic sectors such as government, finance, and education are frequently targeted by actors seeking to disrupt infrastructure and steal sensitive data. Cyberterrorist groups from 14 different nations have been identified, employing tactics that range from ransomware and phishing scams to sophisticated denial-of-service attacks.

AI-powered cyber threats represent an escalating concern, introducing new levels of risk and adaptability. Attackers now use artificial intelligence to develop self-learning ransomware, create convincing deepfakes for social engineering, and deploy autonomous malware capable of spreading through networks without human guidance. In the first half of 2024, ransomware incidents in the UAE increased by over 30%, with platforms like Lockbit3 and Medusa growing in prominence. These tools often use double extortion methods, threatening to publicly release stolen data unless ransoms are paid.

Despite these challenges, the UAE has made notable progress in reducing certain types of cyber incidents. Reported distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, for example, dropped dramatically from 58,538 in the first half of 2023 to just 2,301 in the same period this year. This improvement is attributed to the country’s proactive cybersecurity strategy, which includes advanced threat detection systems and a collaborative national model involving government, industry, and the public.

Significant investments in cyber infrastructure and regulatory frameworks have positioned the UAE as a regional leader in digital defense. Nevertheless, the rapid evolution of threats, especially those enhanced by artificial intelligence, requires ongoing vigilance, adaptive strategies, and continued cooperation across all sectors of society.

(Source: Economy Middle East)