Unauthenticated mobile applications pose a security concern, according to the UAE Cybersecurity Council's advisory.
In the digital age, the UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued a timely reminder that online activities leave a digital footprint, exposing users to potential risks such as fraud, identity theft, and cyber threats. To mitigate these risks, the Council's "Cyber Pulse" initiative is emphasizing best practices for protecting digital privacy and avoiding cyber threats.
The initiative encourages users to avoid granting apps access to contact lists unless essential. It also advises against using unverified apps due to the high risk of malware and data breaches. The Zero Trust security model is being adopted for federal entities and high-risk sectors to restrict access strictly on a need-to-know basis.
The "Cyber Pulse" initiative also promotes strong internal network segmentation, especially in critical infrastructure, to prevent widespread damage from attacks. Public-private partnerships are being encouraged to enhance sector-wide cybersecurity measures, including comprehensive asset inventories and monitoring privileged access to prevent unauthorized activities. Rapid detection, containment, and recovery through incident response planning tailored to specific industries is another key focus.
The campaign underscores the importance of user vigilance against cyber threats. Users are advised to steer clear of unverified applications, verify content sources, especially headlines that seem vague, misleading, or unrealistic, and be cautious of clicking on suspicious links or responding to messages designed to provoke curiosity.
Online shoppers are encouraged to browse only secure websites, look for HTTPS and padlock symbols in the address bar, and verify the legitimacy of sellers before entering personal or financial information. Restricting location, camera, and microphone access to when absolutely required is also advised.
The initiative also promotes best practices and empowers individuals to take responsibility for their digital safety. It features training programmes, community outreach, and a virtual academy to boost cybersecurity literacy across the nation. The campaign is backed by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
The UAE's Cybersecurity Council's national awareness campaign, "Cyber Pulse," is in its second year. To maintain digital privacy and cybersecurity resilience, users are advised to routinely check and adjust app permissions, regularly update privacy settings, reject unnecessary default permissions, and disable background access.
The Council warns that some deceptive content is generated using artificial intelligence to spread misinformation and fear. Therefore, it is crucial for users to verify their sources and practise caution when navigating the digital world.
In conclusion, the "Cyber Pulse" initiative combines technical defenses, procedural controls, and public education to strengthen digital privacy and cybersecurity resilience in the UAE. By following these guidelines, users can help ensure their own digital safety and contribute to a culture of cybersecurity awareness across all segments of society.
- The "Cyber Pulse" initiative, in its second year, encourages users to routinely check and adjust app permissions, regularly update privacy settings, and disable background access to maintain digital privacy and cybersecurity resilience.
- To prevent unauthorized activities and improve sector-wide cybersecurity measures, public-private partnerships are being encouraged as part of the "Cyber Pulse" initiative.
- The Zero Trust security model, adopted for federal entities and high-risk sectors, restricts access strictly on a need-to-know basis, aligning with the "Cyber Pulse" initiative's focus on cybersecurity best practices.
