A joint initiative combining internet intelligence and agentic AI defense to protect government, energy, and healthcare assets amid escalating regional cyber threats.
Censys and Rilian have officially launched Operation Digital Shield in the United Arab Emirates, building upon their strategic partnership established in December 2025. Designed to fortify Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), the initiative merges Censys’ advanced internet intelligence with Rilian’s automated cyber defense and agentic AI solutions to protect sensitive sovereign assets.
The launch comes at a critical time. According to Meriam ElOuazzani, VP for META at Censys, the UAE Cyber Security Council recently recorded a surge from 200,000 to 600,000 cyberattacks targeting digital infrastructure during heightened geopolitical conflicts. Protecting vital sectors, including hospitals, energy grids, and utilities, requires moving beyond basic visibility into proactive defense.
Operation Digital Shield operates on a robust three-pillar framework:
- Emergency Response: Delivers real-time intelligence, national exposure assessments, and critical vulnerability alerts directly to Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and Cyber Commands.
- Civilian Protection: Secures vital public services and oversees Industrial Control Systems (ICS/SCADA) to detect attacks at machine speed.
- Team Preparedness: Invests in advanced cybersecurity education to equip security teams with the skills needed to mitigate evolving threats.
According to Ryan Elzein, Regional Director for Europe and the Middle East at Rilian, the platform pinpoints sensitive data and at-risk systems within CNIs, enabling organizations to prioritize security gaps and strengthen overall resilience. The UAE deployment serves as a cornerstone for a broader regional rollout across the META region, providing government and essential service providers with actionable threat remediation.
