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UAE Issues Google Chrome And Apple Security Warning
Users are advised to update their software to the latest versions to avoid high-risk vulnerabilities.
The UAE’s Cyber Security Council has issued a “critical security warning” of high-risk vulnerabilities found in Google Chrome and several Apple products, urging users to take immediate action to ensure their devices are safe.
The vulnerabilities found in Google’s Chrome browser could allow “malicious actors” to execute harmful code on users’ systems, the council explained on Saturday in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
🚫 Important Security Alert 🚫
The Cyber Security Council of the UAE government has issued a critical warning regarding high-risk vulnerabilities in the Google Chrome browser. These vulnerabilities could potentially allow malicious actors to execute harmful code on your operating… pic.twitter.com/2Jm5rLAtpC— Cyber Security Council (@cscgovae) October 28, 2023
“We strongly advise all users to promptly update their Chrome browsers to the latest version to safeguard against any potential threats,” the government organization said.
With around 3.3 billion users, Google Chrome is the world’s most-used web browser. The browser has about 65% of the market share and is installed on PCs, smartphones, tablets, and more.
The Cyber Security Council also warned of several Apple-specific vulnerabilities that span desktop and mobile operating systems, as well as in the Safari browser, Apple Watch, and even the Apple TV’s tvOS.
“We strongly recommend all users to update their systems and software immediately to mitigate potential threats,” the Cyber Security Council said, amidst fears that hackers could exploit the security flaws to gain control of user’s devices.
Also Read: The Largest Data Breaches In The Middle East
Established in 2020, the UAE Cyber Security Council is responsible for legislation to strengthen cyber security after a recent surge in digital attacks.
The UAE also recently announced plans to develop a cyber security vision to strengthen action against digital crime over the next 50 years. The move will give the Emirate “the highest level of resilience” and boost its ability to “address growing digital challenges”, said Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council at the time of the announcement.
“As the UAE looks forward to its centennial in 2071, we had an opportunity to pause, examine how the world might evolve, and how we can use technology to optimize outcomes for humanity,” he said.
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UAE Prepares To Launch Two Satellites: Thuraya-2 And MBZ-SAT
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Space Council yesterday.
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Space Council in Dubai on December 16, 2024. The session highlighted the UAE’s ambitious space plans and took stock of the sector’s economic progress.
The council emphasized the growing role of private companies in advancing space technologies, noting that their contributions are now equal to that of the public sector. Members also praised initiatives like the Space Economic Zones Programme, which are designed to fuel innovation and investment in the space industry.
خلال ترؤسنا الاجتماع الأول للمجلس الأعلى للفضاء، بحثنا الاستثمارات الوطنية والمشاريع المقبلة في قطاع الفضاء والذي يشهد تطوراً مستمراً… وجددنا التزامنا بدعم ومواصلة تنفيذ برامج طموحة لاستكشاف الفضاء الخارجي حيث وصل حجم الاستثمارات في هذا القطاع إلى 40 مليار درهم خلال السنوات… pic.twitter.com/etJ33OnuSu
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) December 16, 2024
Discussing the UAE’s space journey, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum remarked, “The national space sector continues to grow and advance, and we take immense pride in the remarkable achievements we have accomplished over the years”.
Sheikh Hamdan also received updates on two upcoming satellite projects: Thuraya-2 and MBZ-SAT. Thuraya-2, developed by Space42, is slated for launch this December. Meanwhile, the MBZ-SAT, created by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), will soon follow. MBRSC, a major driver of the UAE National Space Programme, continues to lead the nation’s space-related developments.
Space42 took the opportunity to showcase its advancements, including ongoing collaborations between public and private entities. The company also outlined strategies to promote innovation, boost revenue streams, and create new opportunities for growth in the sector.
Also Read: IBM Opens New Doha Office To Support Qatar’s Digital Growth
The UAE’s current projects build on a growing legacy of space exploration. Back in 2020, the nation made headlines with its Mars mission, successfully sending a probe into the planet’s orbit in 2021. This mission, which is now in its second phase as of June 2024, has been collecting critical data to develop a comprehensive diurnal image of Mars.
The UAE also ventured into lunar exploration with an unmanned mission aimed at studying untouched regions of the Moon’s surface. While the probe ultimately crashed during its landing attempt after communication was lost seconds before touchdown, the effort represented a significant step in the country’s exploration ambitions.