Abu dhabi: The UAE Cyber Security Council has issued a warning about the increasing cyber risks associated with email fraud, emphasizing the need for vigilance against deceptive emails that fraudsters use to infiltrate accounts and steal financial data. These cyber threats can expose individuals and institutions to hacking and data theft risks.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Council highlighted that over 75 percent of cyber breaches are initiated through phishing emails or fraudulent messages. These messages often contain malware, aim to steal login credentials, or facilitate identity theft. The Council underscored the serious nature of these messages, noting their widespread prevalence and the exploitation of users' lack of awareness and poor digital practices.
The Council revealed that more than 3.4 billion phishing messages are sent daily, targeting a vast number of individuals worldwide to steal personal, financial, and sensitive information. This stolen data can be used to conduct cyberattacks, extortion, or ransom operations.
The Council emphasized the need for protecting personal data and outlined several indicators that can help identify phishing messages. These include requests for advance payments, urgency to act immediately, demands for personal data without clear justification, suspiciously attractive deals, or invitations to log in via unknown links.
It was also noted that phishing attempts often contain spelling and grammatical errors, serving as common indicators of fraudulent messages. Citizens and residents were advised to avoid clicking on suspicious links, refrain from scanning QR codes in untrusted places, and maintain the confidentiality of personal information and login credentials.
The Council urged securing personal accounts, including email and social media accounts, by enabling multi-factor authentication and regularly updating systems and applications. It also recommended promptly reporting any fraudulent or suspicious messages to the relevant authorities to enable swift response and prevent potential security incidents.
The Council affirmed that humans are the most critical link in cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of reporting phishing attempts to security teams. Rapid reporting allows response teams to analyze threats and take preventive measures, potentially averting serious security breaches.
It concluded that safety in cyberspace has become a significant challenge, and following preventive measures and sound digital practices supports ongoing government efforts to address digital challenges posed by rapid technological advancements.
