Dubai: Internet intelligence company Censys has partnered with agentic AI technology provider Rilian to launch Operation Digital Shield in the UAE, a cybersecurity initiative aimed at improving the protection of the country’s critical national infrastructure (CNI).
The programme combines Censys’ internet intelligence capabilities with Rilian’s security automation technologies to help government agencies, critical industries and essential service providers identify exposed digital assets, detect cyber threats more quickly and strengthen cyber resilience. The initiative builds on the strategic partnership the two companies announced in December 2025.
According to Censys, the launch comes as cyber threats against the UAE continue to rise. The company cited figures from the UAE Cyber Security Council showing cyberattacks increased from 200,000 to 600,000 during a recent period of geopolitical tension, placing greater pressure on the country’s digital infrastructure.
Meriam ElOuazzani, Vice-President for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa at Censys, said organisations require more than visibility into cyber risks and need practical defence measures to stay ahead of evolving threats. She said the collaboration with Rilian is designed to provide actionable intelligence that enables organisations to respond more effectively to emerging cyber risks.
Operation Digital Shield will support a wide range of critical sectors, including healthcare, energy, utilities and other essential services. The platform provides visibility into exposed attack surfaces, AI-powered threat detection and continuous monitoring of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) environments.
The initiative is structured around three key areas: emergency response, civilian protection and cybersecurity preparedness. It delivers real-time intelligence to Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and cyber command centres, including national exposure assessments, alerts on critical vulnerabilities and recommendations for remediation.
In addition to technology deployment, the programme includes cybersecurity training designed to strengthen the skills of security professionals in detecting, responding to and mitigating increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Ryan Elzein, Regional Director for Europe and the Middle East at Rilian, said the platform helps organisations identify sensitive data, uncover vulnerable systems and prioritise security risks across critical infrastructure. He added that combining intelligence with automation enables organisations to improve their overall cyber resilience.
Following its UAE launch, Operation Digital Shield is expected to expand across the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) region through partnerships with regional cybersecurity organisations. The initiative aims to provide governments, critical infrastructure operators and essential service providers with greater visibility into cyber exposure while supporting faster remediation of identified risks.
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