The Cybersecurity Council warns of the dangers of destructive scanning viruses

The UAE Government Cyber ​​Security Council has warned of the growing threat of destructive scanning viruses known as “Wiper Malware” as they represent a cyber threat that may target individuals and entities alike by erasing or destroying data and disabling systems and services, which may lead to direct impacts on daily digital uses, business continuity and operational processes, especially in the event of poor readiness or the absence of appropriate preventive measures.

The Council explained that in light of the rapid development of cyber threats, the risks are no longer limited to attacks aimed at stealing information or unauthorized access, but rather have extended to sabotage attacks designed to cause widespread disruption within the targeted digital environments. This type of software falls within this category of threats as it is used to damage or delete files and damage systems, which may lead to the disruption of operations and delay recovery and restoration of services.

The Council pointed out that the danger of this software lies in its direct impact on data and systems, whether at the level of individuals through the loss of their important digital files and data, or at the level of entities through the disruption of operational systems, services and processes, in addition to the challenges this imposes on response and recovery, especially in environments that do not have separate and tested backup copies or clear plans for dealing with cyber incidents.

The Council stressed that reducing the risks of this type of threat begins with strengthening basic preventive practices among individuals and entities, most notably updating systems and programs on an ongoing basis, addressing security vulnerabilities, and raising the level of caution when dealing with untrusted links or attachments, in addition to implementing periodic and separate backup copies and testing them regularly to ensure their effectiveness when needed.

He stressed the importance of raising the level of preparedness in the face of sabotage attacks by adopting safe digital behavior among individuals, developing effective response plans for entities, monitoring systems to monitor any unusual behavior, and enhancing awareness of the nature of these threats and methods of preventing them, indicating that sabotage cyberattacks may not only have effects on the technical structure, but may extend to daily digital use and the continuity of services, operations, and businesses.

The Council indicated that this warning comes within the framework of efforts aimed at enhancing cyber resilience, supporting business continuity and services, and establishing a preventive culture that contributes to building a safer digital environment for individuals and entities, stressing that awareness of cyber risks and commitment to preventive practices represent an important element in supporting readiness and reducing the potential effects of cyber incidents.

The UAE Government Cybersecurity Council reiterated that prevention and advance preparation represent the first line of defense against this type of threat, calling on individuals and entities to adopt safe digital practices and enhance the protection of data and systems in a way that contributes to reducing the impact and raising the level of preparedness in the face of disruptive cyber attacks.