UAE Cybersecurity Council issues warning over unverified apps

Abu Dhabi: The UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued a strong warning against the use of unverified or unofficial mobile applications, highlighting the serious risks such apps pose to users’ digital privacy.

Downloading apps from unauthorised sources may result in surveillance, data theft, or unauthorised access to personal files, including photos and conversations.

The Council stressed the importance of downloading applications only from official and trusted platforms and urged users to review app permissions before installation.

With over 1.4 billion accounts hacked globally every month, the Council warned that online activities leave a digital footprint that can expose users to fraud, identity theft, and other cyber risks. Personal data, browsing habits, and even casual interactions on social media can become gateways for cybercriminals.

To protect their digital identities, users are advised to regularly update privacy settings, reject unnecessary default permissions, and disable background access unless absolutely necessary.

The Council pointed out that while mobile apps need certain permissions to function, some demand excessive or irrelevant access — posing a major risk to user privacy. It advised users to:

Users were also cautioned against clicking on suspicious links or responding to messages designed to provoke curiosity, such as “Breaking News: Click the link” or “Watch this exclusive video”. These messages often contain malware or lead to phishing sites.

The Council emphasised the importance of verifying content sources — especially headlines that seem vague, misleading, or unrealistic. Some deceptive content is even generated using artificial intelligence to spread misinformation and fear.

Online shoppers were advised to browse only secure websites, look for HTTPS and padlock symbols in the address bar, and verify the legitimacy of sellers before entering personal or financial information.

Now in its second year, the Council’s national awareness campaign, “Cyber Pulse,” aims to build a culture of cybersecurity across all segments of society. The initiative promotes best practices and empowers individuals to take responsibility for their digital safety.

With the UAE facing an estimated 200,000 cyberattacks daily, the Council reiterated that every individual is the first line of defence against cyber threats.

Backed by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), the campaign features training programmes, community outreach, and a virtual academy to boost cybersecurity literacy across the nation.