The Cyber Security Council has called on individuals to take stronger precautions to safeguard their financial information online, warning that financial data remains one of the most targeted assets by cybercriminals seeking to steal from individuals, businesses, and institutions.
The Council stressed that careful handling and secure protection of financial data in cyberspace significantly reduces the risk of cyber threats, online fraud, and identity theft. Attacks may involve direct attempts to access bank accounts or indirect methods such as hacking email or personal accounts to obtain sensitive financial details.
As part of its weekly awareness initiative, the Council highlighted the need for constant vigilance, noting that fraudsters increasingly use advanced technologies to impersonate the logos and identities of banks and trusted financial institutions to deceive users.
Individuals were urged to adopt safer online habits, including using secure payment methods, avoiding the storage of financial information on personal devices, regularly monitoring bank accounts, and verifying messages before responding. The Council also advised against engaging with suspicious advertisements or untrusted entities outside official banking channels.
Citing that 60 percent of cyberattacks begin 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 deleting untrusted applications.
The Council further warned against conducting banking or financial transactions over open or free Wi-Fi networks, which are often vulnerable to breaches. Enabling instant bank alerts was also encouraged to allow rapid detection and reporting of suspicious activity.
These efforts form part of the Cyber Pulse awareness campaign, now in its second year, which supports the UAE’s broader strategy to build a secure digital environment and promote a strong culture of cybersecurity across society.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
