"Cyber ​​security": 75% of cyber attacks start with fake phishing emails

Abu Dhabi, 5 April / WAM / The UAE Government Cyber ​​Security Council warned of the cyber risks associated with email fraud, stressing the importance of being cautious of deceptive or fake emails that fraudsters use to hack electronic accounts, including personal accounts, and steal financial data, which may expose individuals and institutions to the risks of hacking and data theft.

The Council explained to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, that more than 75% of electronic hacking cases begin with phishing emails or fake messages that may contain malicious software or aim to steal login data or pave the way for impersonation operations, warning of the danger of these messages and their repercussions, pointing to the spread of this type of fraud that depends on exploiting the lack of awareness and sound digital behaviors among some users.

The Council indicated that more than 3.4 billion phishing messages are sent daily to target large numbers of individuals around the world with the aim of stealing their information and personal and financial data, in addition to sensitive information that may later be used to carry out cyber attacks or blackmail operations and demand ransom.

The Council stressed the need to focus on protecting personal data, pointing out that there are a number of signs through which phishing messages can be detected, the most prominent of which are messages that include requests to pay sums of money in advance, or those that put pressure on the recipient to take quick action without thinking, or that request personal data without clear justification, as well as messages that offer tempting offers in an exaggerated way that raises suspicion, or that invite users to log in via unknown links.

The Council explained that messages containing typographical and linguistic errors are common signs of phishing messages that may be used to hack individuals’ accounts and steal their data.

The Council advised citizens and residents to follow a set of guidelines to protect themselves from fraudulent messages, including avoiding clicking on suspicious or unknown links, not scanning QR codes in public or untrusted places, in addition to the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of personal information and login data and not sharing them with any untrusted parties.

The Council stressed the need to secure personal accounts, whether e-mail or social media accounts, which may contain important information, by activating the multi-factor authentication feature and ensuring that systems and applications are updated periodically, in addition to immediately reporting any fraudulent or suspicious messages and not interacting with them or with the sending party, and informing the competent authorities to take the necessary measures.

He stressed that the human element remains the most important link in the cybersecurity system, stressing the importance of immediately reporting to security teams any phishing attempts or suspicious messages that are monitored, as the speed of reporting contributes to enabling response teams to analyze threats and take the necessary preventive measures, which may prevent the occurrence of serious security incidents.

The Council noted that safety in cyberspace has become a major challenge, and that adherence to preventive measures and sound digital behaviors contributes to supporting ongoing government efforts to confront digital challenges associated with rapid technical developments.

It is worth noting that the “Cyber ​​Pulse” awareness campaign launched by the Council comes within the framework of supporting the UAE’s efforts to build a secure cyberspace that protects users from growing digital risks and keeps pace with technical developments, within a comprehensive national vision that aims to enhance confidence in the digital system, raise the level of digital awareness among individuals and families, and establish cybersecurity practices to ensure the protection of the privacy and safety of citizens and residents in light of the accelerating digital transformation.

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