Friday, July 8, 2022 – 1:00 PM
ABU DHABI, 8th July, WAM / The UAE has managed to consolidate the digital lifestyle in various aspects of life and provide a smart infrastructure for the telecommunications sector and digital transformation to present the world with an inspiring model of development and progress and benefit from technology to enhance the quality of life of the population.
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, said in a statement to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, that with the rapid technological development and reliance on digital technologies, the countries of the world are witnessing an increase in phishing attempts targeting members of society, specifically those sent through messages. SMS, which is referred to as “text scam” where smartphone users click on suspicious links attached in SMS to share personal information (username, password, credit card details and other personal information) or call a number attached to the message to receive a prize. .
His Excellency pointed out that the Council, in cooperation with its strategic partners, launched the Cyber Pulse initiative to enhance the participation of all members of society in the field of cyber security and to qualify them to contribute to spreading digital awareness in society.
The Cyber Security Council drew attention to the importance of addressing various types of electronic attacks and raising the awareness of all members of society of any suspicious electronic activities that may harm them, which plays a key role in protecting society from electronic fraud.
The Cyber Security Council has identified a set of steps to protect once morest the risks of electronic fraud.
The steps that must be taken to avoid becoming a victim of electronic fraud are as follows: “Always be careful not to publish private contact data on unreliable platforms or sites, and not to click on any link that arrives via any text message, while always making sure to keep a backup copy of your personal data.” To update the smartphone operating system permanently and follow the security alerts issued by the manufacturers of the phone while not downloading or downloading any applications from unknown sources.
And regarding the most prominent indicators of falling victim to the danger of electronic fraud.
The council identified a set of factors as follows: “Battery depletion and consumption at an abnormal rate with general slowness in the smart device, in addition to the device performing automatic tasks that you did not activate, for example: “Sending text messages to contacts or downloading additional applications” in addition to the high temperature of the device. Without using apps that consume device resources.
As for the steps that must be taken in case of exposure to electronic fraud, they are as follows: “Not to submit to any threat and make any concessions to the fraudster, in addition to reporting immediately through one of the official reporting channels.”
The Cyber Security Council has identified a set of electronic fraud reporting channels that must be followed: “Abu Dhabi Police through the Aman electronic service or through the toll-free phone” 800 2626 “or through an SMS text message on the number “2828” .. in addition to the platform “eCrime” for Dubai Police” and through the “Al Ameen” service or on the number “8004888” from within the country, or the number +9718004888 from outside the UAE, or via text messages on the number “4444”.
It is also possible to report through the smart application “My Community is Safe” launched by the Federal Public Prosecution in June 2018, in addition to communicating with the nearest police station or calling 999 to request assistance or by communicating with the smart police stations SPS deployed in the Emirate of Dubai. In addition to the “Najeed” service in Sharjah Police, call the toll-free number “800151” or via SMS text messages to the number “7999”.
WAM/ Ahmed Al Nuaimi/ Dina Omar