UAE Banks Federation hosts Cyber Wargaming 2025
The UAE Banks Federation (UBF) recently organized the fourth edition of the “Cyber Wargaming 2025” event under the supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE and the UAE Cybersecurity Council. The event, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, saw participation from representatives of central banks across the GCC, leading banks, financial and technological institutions, cybersecurity experts, and senior banking and financial sector executives. In his keynote address, Dr.Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the Cybersecurity Council, emphasized that enhancing cybersecurity and protecting the nation’s digital achievements are top priorities for all partners. He highlighted the UAE’s significant investments in developing advanced infrastructure, building institutions on innovative foundations, and focusing on capacity building. The Cyber Wargaming event focuses on conducting simulations to assess cybersecurity teams’ capabilities to handle cyberattacks, identify strengths, and uncover vulnerabilities.
UAE boosts cybersecurity with simulations
The virtual attacks were designed to enhance knowledge about the techniques, methods, and procedures used by attackers, as well as the factors representing sources of threats. Jamal Saleh, Director General of the UBF, said that the federation considers cybersecurity a top priority due to the rapid adoption and deployment of advanced technologies in the banking and financial sector, which have increased risks related to transaction security and digital infrastructure.
Abdullah Matar Al Muhairi, Head of the Banking Supervision Department at the Central Bank of the UAE, said that the Central Bank is committed to ensuring the banking and financial sectors’ readiness to address any risks that may threaten the sector and its customers. He noted that organizing Cyber Wargaming reflects the banking sector’s ongoing efforts to develop its capabilities and provide the best conditions for customers to benefit from the achievements of digital transformation. The Cyber Wargaming 2025 event featured specialized sessions for cybersecurity teams, technicians, experts, and executives to develop their capabilities in managing various cybersecurity risk scenarios.
The UBF organizes several events and campaigns to raise awareness about fraud risks, anticipate future threats, and proactively address them by providing appropriate solutions to prevent fraud.
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