25% of public files on the Internet contain sensitive personal data

The Cyber ​​Security Council of the UAE Government stressed the importance of adhering to safe digital practices in cyberspace, which contributes to confronting potential risks and threats, calling for the necessity of sharing files over the Internet in safe ways to avoid exposure to any cyber risks.

The Council noted that interest in encrypting data and securing accounts and files is one of the most prominent safe cyber habits because of its role in reducing the repercussions of increasing digital threats, explaining that securing files through encryption prevents unauthorized access and contributes to enhancing a safe cyber environment.

The Council explained that protecting files is not limited to encryption only, but also includes controlling access permissions and continuous monitoring to find out who is viewing the files, noting that about 25% of public files contain sensitive personal data.

The Council noted that cybercrimes are witnessing a rapid development, driven by more complex and intelligent methods, which requires strengthening file protection procedures as an essential part of the system for confronting these threats, explaining that between 68% and 77% of private shared files are available to people outside the target group, in addition to that cloud storage does not provide automatic protection, which makes encryption a basic necessity.

The Cybersecurity Council reviewed a set of preventive measures to protect files, including using strong passwords and changing them periodically, activating two-factor authentication, avoiding sharing public links to sensitive files, in addition to reviewing privacy settings and access permissions on a regular basis and deleting files or links that no longer need to be shared.

The Council called for securing wireless networks, keeping hardware and software constantly updated, periodically reviewing application permissions and deleting unused accounts, in addition to encrypting e-mail and activating virtual private networks (VPNs) when using Wi-Fi networks, with the importance of backing up data and ensuring that databases are secured on cloud services.

The Council stressed that confronting cyber threats begins with the individual by promoting digital culture, noting that many risks arise from simple daily practices that the user may not realize the extent of their danger and can be avoided by following easy procedures that contribute to protecting individuals and families in cyberspace.