Cohesity study reveals high awareness and readiness among UAE employees, urging organisations to bridge the final mile in cyber defense
A new study by Cohesity reveals that UAE employees are leading the EMEA region in cyber awareness and confidence, with 86% feeling capable of identifying cyber threats and 89% trusting their organisation’s ability to respond and recover. The findings reflect the UAE’s strong national push toward digital resilience, supported by initiatives from the UAE Cybersecurity Council.
“What stands out is not just awareness, but the willingness to act. The next step is closing the gap—equipping employees with the tools, clarity, and confidence to respond without hesitation.”
— Johnny Karam, Managing Director & VP, International Emerging Region, Cohesity
The study, conducted across the UAE, UK, France, and Germany, shows that UAE employees are not only aware but also action-oriented—67% would report suspicious activity to cybersecurity teams, and 66% have received cybersecurity training in the past year.
“The future of cybersecurity will be defined by how quickly organisations can enable secure, informed decisions at every level. AI-powered data security is no longer a luxury—it’s an operational necessity.”
— Mark Molyneux, CTO, EMEA, Cohesity
However, the report highlights critical gaps. A notable 15% of UAE employees would try to resolve threats themselves, and 19% would turn to personal contacts, bypassing formal protocols. Fear of blame (46%) and unclear responsibilities (27%) were cited as key reasons for not reporting incidents correctly.
As the UAE continues to invest in advanced cybersecurity infrastructure, organisations must empower employees with the right tools, clarity, and confidence. With a workforce ready to respond, the UAE is poised to set a global benchmark in cyber resilience—if awareness is matched with decisive, secure action.
