UAE Cybersecurity Council warns against social engineering and online scams

Users are urged to remain vigilant, verify messages before sharing details

Last updated: August 16, 2025 | 14:21

1 MIN READ

UAE Cybersecurity Council warns against social engineering and online scams

Abu Dhabi: The UAE Cybersecurity Council has highlighted how fraudsters use cyber manipulation and social engineering to deceive victims.

Attackers often gather basic personal information, interact with targets online, or build trust before exploiting vulnerabilities to extract sensitive data.

In an awareness bulletin, the Council described scammers as professional actors trained in persuasion, capable of analysing personalities and emotions to gain trust before stealing information. It stressed verifying the background of anyone unfamiliar.

Key tips and guidelines

Users are urged to remain vigilant, verify messages before sharing details, and avoid giving scammers any opportunity. The Council warned: “Be smarter than them. Your awareness is your first line of defense in the digital world.” Phishing schemes often exploit fear, urgency, and misplaced trust.

It advised against sharing personal information online or on social media, recommended disabling location sharing, reviewing followers, and rejecting unknown friend requests. Strong PINs, biometric authentication, and regular updates are crucial to securing devices and personal data.

Protect your digital footprint

Cybersecurity begins with protecting devices and controlling digital presence. Every login leaves a trace, so users should share cautiously and employ security tools.

The Council revealed that 47% of cyber fraud victims worldwide fall prey to scams, while only 4% recover losses. It reiterated the importance of verifying identities, reporting suspicious activity, and remaining alert to social engineering tactics.

Abdulla RasheedEditor - Abu Dhabi

Abdullah Rashid Al Hammadi  is an accomplished Emirati journalist with over 45 years of experience in both Arabic and English media. He currently serves as the Abu Dhabi Bureau Chief fo Gulf News. Al Hammadi began his career in 1980 with Al Ittihad newspaper, where he rose through the ranks to hold key editorial positions, including Head of International News, Director of the Research Center, and Acting Managing Editor. A founding member of the UAE Journalists Association and a former board member, he is also affiliated with the General Federation of Arab Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists. Al Hammadi studied Information Systems Technology at the University of Virginia and completed journalism training with Reuters in Cairo and London. During his time in Washington, D.C., he reported for Alittihad  and became a member of the National Press Club. From 2000 to 2008, he wrote the widely read Dababees column, known for its critical take on social issues. Throughout his career, Al Hammadi has conducted high-profile interviews with prominent leaders including UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and key Arab figures such as the late Yasser Arafat and former presidents of Yemen and Egypt. He has reported on major historical events such as the Iran-Iraq war, the liberation of Kuwait, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the establishment of the Palestinian Authority. His work continues to shape and influence journalism in the UAE and the wider Arab world.