The USE’s Cyber Security Council has urged the public to strengthen the protection of their financial information, warning that such data remains a prime target for online fraudsters seeking to steal assets from individuals, companies, and institutions. The Council stressed the need for caution when handling financial information online, noting that every protective step taken by users reduces the risk of cyberattacks, fraud, and identity theft.
According to the Council, attacks may directly target bank accounts and financial credentials or occur indirectly through unauthorised access to personal accounts, including email, which can then be used to obtain sensitive financial details. As part of its weekly awareness campaign, the Council highlighted the importance of constant vigilance to prevent fraudulent attempts aimed at banking and financial data.
It called on individuals to adopt safer online behaviours, including relying on secure payment methods, avoiding the storage of financial information on mobile phones or personal computers, and regularly monitoring bank accounts for suspicious activity. Users were also advised to avoid engaging with fake advertisements or unverified entities outside official banking channels, and to carefully verify messages claiming to be from financial institutions. Fraudsters, the Council warned, increasingly use advanced technologies to mimic bank logos and identities to deceive users.
The Council noted that 60 percent of cyberattacks begin with stolen login details, urging individuals to avoid storing sensitive passwords on unsecured devices, review privacy settings, delete untrusted applications, enable two‑factor authentication, and keep operating systems and software updated. It also advised against using open or free Wi‑Fi networks for banking transactions due to their vulnerability to breaches.
Creating strong, unique passwords and enabling instant bank alerts were recommended as essential steps to detect suspicious activity quickly and report potential fraud. The Council emphasised that awareness and caution remain the strongest defences against electronic fraud, especially as rapid technological advancements introduce new cyber risks.
These guidelines form part of the Cyber Pulse awareness campaign, now in its second year, which supports the UAE’s efforts to build a secure digital environment. The initiative aims to enhance cybersecurity awareness among individuals and families, strengthen safe online practices, and protect users amid the nation’s accelerating digital transformation.