Censys and Rilian launch UAE critical infrastructure initiative

Censys and Rilian have launched Operation Digital Shield in the UAE, combining internet intelligence and AI-powered security capabilities to strengthen protection of critical national infrastructure.

The initiative, announced by Rilian, builds on a strategic partnership established by the two companies in December 2025 and is designed to help government agencies and critical infrastructure operators identify exposed assets, detect threats and respond to cyber risks more quickly.

According to Censys, citing figures from the UAE Cyber Security Council, cyberattacks against the UAE increased from 200,000 to 600,000 during a recent period of geopolitical tension, highlighting growing pressure on the country’s digital infrastructure.

Cyberattacks against the UAE surged from 200,000 to 600,000 during a recent period of geopolitical tension.

— Source: Censys, citing the UAE Cyber Security Council.

Operation Digital Shield combines Censys’ internet intelligence capabilities with Rilian’s security automation technology to provide visibility into exposed attack surfaces, AI-powered threat detection, and continuous monitoring of critical environments, including Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.

Three pillars of critical infrastructure protection

The program is structured around three areas: emergency response, civilian protection, and cybersecurity preparedness. It is intended to provide Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and cyber command centers with real-time intelligence, including national exposure assessments, alerts on critical vulnerabilities, and remediation recommendations.

Meriam ElOuazzani, Vice President for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa at Censys, said organizations need more than visibility into cyber risks and require actionable intelligence that can support practical defense measures.

“Protecting critical infrastructure and sovereign data requires more than visibility alone, calling for practical defense mechanisms.”

— Meriam ElOuazzani, Vice President – Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META), Censys

The initiative will support critical sectors including healthcare, energy, utilities, and other essential services. It also includes cybersecurity training aimed at strengthening the ability of security professionals to detect, respond to, and mitigate increasingly sophisticated threats.

Ryan Elzein, Regional Director for Europe and the Middle East at Rilian, said combining intelligence with automation can help organizations identify sensitive data, uncover vulnerable systems, and prioritize risks across critical infrastructure.

Following its UAE launch, Operation Digital Shield is expected to expand across the wider Middle East, Turkey and Africa region through partnerships with regional cybersecurity organizations.