By Staff Reporter
The Cyber Security Council has urged the public to strengthen the protection of their financial information online, warning that financial data remains a prime target for cybercriminals aiming to defraud individuals, companies, and institutions.
According to the Council, careful handling and secure storage of financial information in digital spaces can significantly lower the risk of cyber threats, online fraud, and identity theft. Criminals may attempt to directly access bank accounts or use indirect tactics, such as hacking email or personal accounts, to obtain sensitive financial details.
As part of its weekly awareness campaign, the Council emphasized the importance of staying vigilant, noting that fraudsters are increasingly using advanced technologies to mimic the logos and identities of banks and trusted financial institutions to deceive users.
The Council advised individuals to adopt safer online practices, including using secure payment methods, avoiding saving financial details on personal devices, routinely monitoring bank accounts, and verifying the authenticity of messages before responding. It also warned against interacting with suspicious advertisements or dealing with unverified entities outside official banking platforms.
Highlighting that over 60 percent of cyberattacks start with stolen login credentials, the Council recommended enabling two-factor authentication, creating strong and unique passwords, regularly updating software and operating systems, reviewing privacy settings, and removing untrusted applications.
Additionally, the Council cautioned against conducting financial transactions over public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks, which are more susceptible to breaches. Activating instant banking alerts was also encouraged to help detect and report suspicious activity promptly.
These initiatives are part of the “Cyber Pulse” awareness campaign, now in its second year, supporting the UAE’s broader efforts to foster a secure digital environment and strengthen cybersecurity awareness across society.
Source: Emirates News Agency
