Cybersecurity Council: 60% of financial cyberattacks start with the theft of login data
Abu Dhabi, February 8, 2017 – The Cyber Security Council of the UAE Government stressed the importance of enhancing the protection of data and financial information for individuals and users in cyberspace, noting that financial information is one of the most targeted elements by fraudsters online, whether individuals, companies or institutions.
The Council explained that 60% of financial cyber attacks begin with the theft of login data, calling on individuals to be careful and cautious when dealing with any financial data, and to take preventive measures that reduce the chances of exposure to hacking and fraud.
In statements to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, the Council stressed the importance of avoiding saving sensitive passwords on unsecured devices, periodically reviewing privacy settings, deleting untrusted applications, in addition to using two-factor authentication and ensuring that operating systems and programs are updated regularly.
The Council stressed that every step an individual takes to protect his data, especially financial data, contributes to reducing the risk of falling victim to electronic fraud and identity theft crimes, whether through direct targeting of bank accounts, or through unauthorized entry into personal accounts and e-mail and then accessing financial information.
The Cybersecurity Council called for changing behaviors associated with the use of financial data via cyberspace, by relying on secure payment methods, avoiding storing financial information on phones or personal devices, periodically monitoring bank accounts, and not interacting with fake advertisements or unreliable parties, with the necessity of verifying incoming messages in light of fraudsters resorting to imitating the logos of approved banks and financial institutions.
The Council also stressed the importance of avoiding using open or free Wi-Fi networks to conduct any banking transactions, and the necessity of using strong and unique passwords for bank accounts and the accounts associated with them, in addition to activating immediate alerts from banks to follow up on any unusual movement, allowing for rapid reporting and taking the necessary measures when exposed to any hacking or fraud.
The Council indicated that these guidelines come within the framework of enhancing awareness of the dangers of electronic fraud, stressing the need for caution before clicking on any electronic links or sharing any personal or financial information in light of the rapid technical developments that require constant awareness and modification of wrong digital behaviors.
The Council considered that safety in cyberspace has become a major challenge, and that adherence to preventive measures and sound behaviors contributes to supporting government efforts aimed at confronting digital challenges and enhancing the security of the national digital system.
The Cyber Pulse awareness campaign launched by the Cyber Security Council in its second year in a row comes to support the UAE’s ongoing efforts to build a secure cyberspace that protects users from growing digital risks, and keeps pace with rapid technical developments within a comprehensive national vision to enhance confidence in the country’s digital system and enhance the culture of cybersecurity to raise the level of digital awareness among families and individuals, and enhance cybersecurity practices to ensure the safety and privacy of citizens and residents in the era of accelerating digital transformation.
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