Censys and Rilian have launched Operation Digital Shield in the UAE to safeguard critical national infrastructure. The initiative integrates internet intelligence and AI-driven automation to protect essential services, including hospitals and energy utilities, against an increase in regional cyberattacks.
“The need for proactive cyber defense measures continues to grow. The UAE Cyber Security Council recorded an increase from 200,000 to 600,000 cyberattacks during the recent geopolitical conflict, targeting the country’s digital infrastructure,” said Meriam ElOuazzani, Vice President – Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) at Censys. “Protecting critical infrastructure and sovereign data requires more than visibility alone, calling for practical defense mechanisms. Through Operation Digital Shield, Censys’ unparalleled internet intelligence capabilities and Rilian’s in-depth knowledge of security orchestration, automation and sovereign cyber defense, the companies remain committed to ensuring organizations stay ahead of emerging cyber threats, providing actionable insights.”
The program extends its protective reach to vital civilian organizations such as hospitals, energy, utilities and other critical national infrastructure, presenting visibility into exposed attack surfaces and helping organizations detect attacks at the speed of AI. It is built upon a three-pillar framework encompassing emergency response, civilian protection and team preparedness. The model delivers real-time intelligence to Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and Cyber Commands. This provides insights such as national exposure assessments, alerts on critical vulnerabilities, and oversees Industrial Control Systems and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (ICS/SCADA). The launch also invests in advancing cybersecurity education and preparedness, enabling security teams with the skills and knowledge to detect, respond, and mitigate evolving cyber threats.
“With evolving cyber threats, organizations demand precise and reliable intelligence to protect critical infrastructure,” said Ryan Elzein, Regional Director for Europe and the Middle East at Rilian. “Operation Digital Shield locates sensitive data and highlights at-risk systems within CNIs. This, in return, enables organizations to gain clarity regarding the gaps in security systems, prioritizing critical issues and strengthening overall cybersecurity. The initiative will help strengthen cyber resilience spanning key sectors, supporting the initiative’s broader expansion in the META region. Together with Censys, Rilian delivers an end-to-end intelligence and automation platform that strengthens regional cyber resilience.”
The UAE launch is a part of a broader expansion of Operation Digital Shield within the META region. Through partnering with regional cybersecurity organizations, this program will equip critical infrastructure operators, government entities and essential service providers with extensive insight into cyber exposure, addressing at-risk intelligence and actionable remediation.
