UAE Cyber Security Council Runs Crisis Simulation to Test Government Readiness
A crisis simulation exercise led by the UAE Cyber Security Council and conducted with cyber resilience specialist Immersive has tested how government teams would respond to a disruptive cyberattack targeting shared services and critical infrastructure, according to WAM.
The UAE Cyber Security Council has carried out a specialised crisis simulation exercise in cooperation with Immersive to strengthen the cyber readiness of government entities across the country. According to WAM, the drill was designed to improve preparedness at a time when the country is seeking to reinforce protection across all cyber domains and secure its digital infrastructure against potential threats.
The exercise placed participating teams in a realistic scenario involving a possible disruptive cyberattack aimed at shared government services and critical infrastructure. It focused on how institutions would confront, contain and halt an escalating incident while maintaining essential operations under pressure. The simulation also tested best practices in incident response, threat intelligence and business continuity management.
WAM reported that the scenario began with suspicious activity that at first appeared manageable before developing into a large-scale crisis attributed to an international actor. Participants were required to evaluate changing information, coordinate across technical, operational and leadership functions, and make key decisions despite time pressure and incomplete visibility.
The exercise also highlighted the role of communication in cyber crisis management, including clear incident-response procedures, designated points of contact and the secure exchange of information between relevant entities. Roles covered the full response chain, from SOC analysts handling early detection and analysis to CISOs guiding strategic decisions, with business continuity teams supporting operational resilience.
Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, said the council continues to work with relevant entities to protect the country’s cyberspace and digital assets in all circumstances. He also stressed that cyber awareness among individuals remains a vital part of the national cybersecurity framework, describing people as the first line of defence against cyber threats, WAM said.
The simulation used a customised crisis model replicating a targeted attack on shared services with complex network interconnections. It is expected to produce a detailed report identifying vulnerabilities and proposing improvement plans, further supporting the UAE’s wider push to strengthen national preparedness and protect government services and critical infrastructure from advanced cyber threats.
Source: WAM.
