Beware of cyber threats this Eid Al Fitr: UAE warns of rising risks during holidays

Dubai: The Cybersecurity Council has urged the public to take extra precautions during the Eid Al Fitr holidays due to the increased risk of cyberattacks.

In a statement shared on social media, the Council stressed the need for heightened awareness and protective measures to safeguard personal, organisational, and data security.

To protect against cyber threats, the UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued a series of tips to help avoid the risks of cyberattacks during Eid:

• Awareness of electronic hacking and fraud tools: Institutions and individuals must remain vigilant against cyber fraud and hacking tools.

• Caution with incoming emails: Exercise caution when handling incoming emails; avoid opening links unless their authenticity is verified.

• Protect personal data: Safeguard personal data and refrain from sharing it through suspicious links or unknown messages. Only disclose it through official channels.

• Activate cyber defence dystems: All authorities and institutions must activate robust cyber defence systems and promote cybersecurity awareness.

Major cyberattacks thwarted

Earlier this week, the Cybersecurity Council confirmed that national cybersecurity systems successfully blocked cyberattacks targeting 634 government and private entities. These attacks, aimed at leaking data from critical sectors, were thwarted using global best practices in cybersecurity.

Estimates suggest that approximately 140,000 entities worldwide may have been affected by the breach, including the 634 entities in the UAE—30 of which are government entities, 13 private, and the rest across various sectors.

The Council called on both government and private organizations to adhere to cybersecurity standards to protect against malicious activities. It also encouraged vigilance against cyber threats, particularly as cyber fraud and hacking tools become more sophisticated and deceptive.

Rising threats from AI-based tools

With the growing availability of AI-based tools among criminal groups, the Council warned of an impending wave of precise and complex cyberattacks targeting unprepared entities.

 The Council urged all institutions to enhance their cybersecurity measures, improve readiness, and report any suspicious activity targeting digital systems. It also emphasised adopting best security practices to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.