UAE Cyber Security Council Urges Users to Strengthen Financial Data Protection

The Cyber Security Council in the UAE has urged individuals and online users to strengthen the protection of their financial information, warning that financial data remains one of the primary targets for cybercriminals seeking to steal assets belonging to individuals, companies, and institutions.

In a statement reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the council called on users to exercise heightened caution when handling financial data online and to ensure such information is properly secured at all times. It stressed that every step taken to safeguard personal and financial data across cyberspace significantly reduces the risk of falling victim to cyber threats, online fraud, and identity theft. These attacks may involve direct attempts to access bank accounts and financial records or indirect methods, such as gaining unauthorized access to personal accounts, including email, before stealing financial information.

The council’s weekly awareness campaign highlighted the growing threats in the digital space, noting that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting technological advancements to deceive users. Fraudsters now use sophisticated methods to impersonate the logos and identities of banks and trusted financial institutions. They often rely on fake advertisements or misleading messages designed to trick users into sharing sensitive information.

Individuals were advised to verify messages received via email, text, or social media and avoid interacting with untrusted sources outside official banking channels. The council also recommended using secure payment methods and cautioned against storing financial information on electronic devices such as mobile phones or personal computers.

The council emphasized the need for users to change behaviours related to financial data online. Recommended measures include regularly monitoring bank accounts, avoiding saving card details on devices, and being wary of suspicious advertisements or links. Proactive steps are essential for individuals, companies, and institutions to prevent identity theft and fraudulent transactions, which can result in significant financial losses.

According to the council, 60 percent of cyberattacks begin with the theft of login credentials. Users were urged to avoid storing sensitive passwords on unsecured devices, regularly review privacy settings, delete untrusted applications, enable two-factor authentication, and keep operating systems and software updated.

The council also highlighted the risks of using open or free Wi-Fi networks for banking or financial transactions, advising that such networks are often unsecured. Users were encouraged to create strong, unique passwords for banking and financial accounts and enable instant bank alerts, which allow rapid response and immediate reporting in case of a breach or fraud.

Reaffirming its guidance, the council stressed that rapid technological development has increased both digital convenience and cyber risk, making sustained vigilance essential. Cybersecurity has become a major challenge in the digital space, and these preventive measures complement ongoing government efforts to address risks associated with rapid digital advancement.

The Cyber Pulse awareness campaign, now in its second year across social media platforms, supports the UAE’s efforts to build a secure cyberspace. It aims to protect users from rising digital threats, promote a culture of cybersecurity, raise awareness among families and individuals, and strengthen practices to ensure the safety and privacy of citizens and residents amid the country’s rapid digital transformation.