6 electronic risks facing travelers outside the country

The Chairman of the Cybersecurity Council of the UAE Government, Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, revealed six major threats monitored by the Council that target travelers, warning against sharing flight details or geographic location in real time via social media platforms.

He told Emirates Today that the most prominent threats that the Council monitors to travelers are electronic fraud, phishing messages, connection to unsafe public networks, and the use of open charging ports in public places, as well as attempts to steal digital identity, especially when using devices outside the country.

He explained that cyber risks increase when the traveler is in a hurry, connected to networks he does not trust, or shares his personal data via unsafe applications.

He recommended that travelers take proactive measures before leaving the country, including updating passwords, activating the multi-factor authentication feature, and ensuring that instant alerts are activated for bank accounts, with the importance of keeping backup payment methods separate from the phone.

He stressed the need to avoid entering any financial data via open networks, and to rely exclusively on official banking applications, while reviewing any suspicious requests related to transfer or verification operations.

He pointed out that “what we previously warned about public charging ports is based on a worrying reality, due to what is known as juice jacking attacks,” stressing that safe alternatives are to use a personal charger, a “power bank,” or rely on an electrical outlet with a personal cable for charging only without transferring data, while rejecting any requests to share data that appear on the device’s screen.

He stated that 79% of travelers expose their data to risk due to public charging ports at airports.

Regarding preventive measures when there is an urgent need to use open Wi-Fi networks in airports and hotels abroad, the Kuwaiti advised avoiding making any sensitive transactions, activating the virtual private network (VPN) when possible, and not logging into bank or government accounts through it. He also stressed the need to stop automatic file sharing, disable automatic connection to open networks, and ensure that applications and systems are fully updated.

He warned of the danger of sharing flight details and geographic location in real time via social media, as it may reveal to attackers that the house is empty or that the person is traveling, which opens the door to digital fraud or physical targeting. This is why the Council’s campaigns stress the importance of not publishing personal or sensitive data on social media platforms immediately or indefinitely.

If the phone is hacked or the digital identity is stolen outside the country, the immediate step that must be taken is to disconnect the device from networks, change the passwords from a secure device, and notify the banking authority or service provider immediately if there is suspicion of unauthorized access to the accounts. In more severe cases, one must contact the competent authorities and the embassy or consulate to obtain appropriate support, while documenting the incident and not deleting any digital evidence.

Al-Kuwaiti noted that the Council’s work integrates with national agencies and partners to expand awareness and response, in a way that supports digital readiness and protects society inside and outside the country. The Council’s approach is also based on enhancing continuous awareness and building digital resilience, which is consistent with its national programs and ongoing community campaigns.

He stressed that the golden advice he gives to every Emirati traveler to be a conscious digital ambassador for his country abroad is to treat his devices and data as he treats his passport. He does not leave them unprotected, does not share them with any untrusted party, and does not connect them to any unsafe network, port or application. Conscious digital behavior is the first line of defense, which is what the National Council’s campaigns seek to establish cybersecurity as a daily culture in society.

• 79% of travelers expose their data to risk through public charging ports at airports.