UAE Cyberattacks Surge During Ramadan

A recent study conducted by Qrator Labs sheds light on a concerning uptick in cyberattacks targeting businesses across the UAE during the holy month of Ramadan. The study reveals a notable surge in cyber threats, presenting significant risks for companies operating in the region.

Heightened Cybersecurity Risks

Analysis indicates a concerning 22 percent increase in cyberattacks during the first quarter of 2023 compared to the previous quarter. This sharp rise underscores the urgent need for strengthened cybersecurity measures among UAE businesses.

Sector Vulnerabilities

Qrator Labs identifies various sectors particularly vulnerable to cyber threats during Ramadan. Classifieds emerged as the most targeted segment, comprising 26.7 percent of attacks, followed by digital education (13.3 percent), payment systems (11.5 percent), banks (9.3 percent), and game servers (5.2 percent). Experts warn that this trend is expected to persist throughout the holy month.

E-commerce Under Attack

One significant finding from the research is the surge in bot activity on e-commerce platforms, particularly during holiday sales periods like Ramadan. Bots, autonomous virtual programs emulating human behavior, increased their activity by an average of 45 percent during Ramadan. These bots engage in malicious activities such as mass registration of new accounts and manipulation of customer details, posing substantial challenges for online businesses.

Impact and Insights

Victor Zyamzin, Qrator Labs’ global head of business development, attributes the rise in cyberattacks during Ramadan to increased consumer spending during this period. Such attacks not only distort business metrics and marketing campaigns but can also lead to website slowdowns or unavailability, adversely affecting customer experience and revenue generation.