Today's Edition
Dr Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti
The writer is the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government
The pace of technological development continues to accelerate alongside our growing daily reliance on modern technologies, which have permeated all aspects of everyday life. These technologies have undeniably worked like magic in facilitating daily tasks - whether routine activities, work-related responsibilities, or other areas of life.
However, this convenience, which has led us to view modern technology as an indispensable necessity, has another side that raises concern and poses serious challenges, particularly in light of the evolving methods of cybercrime and the increasing sophistication of its tools. As a result, this technological blessing may turn into a curse, leading to serious repercussions for individuals and institutions alike, including financial losses and business disruption.
Technological advancement is, in essence, a double-edged sword. One side carries significant risks, especially when users are not cautious about its associated consequences. With the widespread adoption of modern technologies and the extensive use of smartphones and applications that now intervene in nearly every aspect of our personal and professional lives, any breach of these technologies poses a direct threat to both individual security and business operations.
A single mistake - stemming from misuse, complacency, lack of focus or awareness, or excessive trust - can result in the loss of personal information, financial savings, or critical data and files. Consequently, any negligence in dealing with electronic messages from unknown sources may have far-reaching implications for individuals' digital and financial security, as well as their professional future.
Accordingly, all individuals must exercise caution and awareness regarding the risks posed by such messages, and promptly report any fraud incidents to the relevant authorities.
Equally important in this context is the promotion of a cybersecurity culture and the adoption of correct procedures for handling such threats. This includes ensuring the installation of up-to-date antivirus and security software on computers and mobile devices, committing to regular updates, and using personal firewalls. It also involves avoiding banking transactions on public devices or networks, and ensuring proper logout from password-protected websites rather than merely closing the browser, as the latter does not actually terminate an active session.
In addition, it is strongly recommended to use only trusted websites when shopping or making payments, and to verify the website address before entering any personal or financial information.
Sensitive data should never be saved or entered through pop-up windows. Users should regularly review their account statements, activate banking alerts, and immediately notify their bank of any suspicious transactions or changes in contact information.
Account protection also depends heavily on proper password management, including choosing strong passwords of no fewer than eight characters that combine letters, numbers, and special symbols, changing them periodically, avoiding reuse across multiple accounts, maintaining strict confidentiality, and refraining from saving them on devices or browsers.
It is also advisable to regularly delete sensitive messages and files, avoid using unsecured wireless networks, refrain from sharing mobile devices with others, and not store confidential information on them. Immediate reporting of a lost or stolen phone is essential, along with activating advanced security features such as encryption and remote wiping to enhance protection. In this regard, adherence to smart cybersecurity practices represents the primary line of defence against the growing digital threats, as it helps reduce the likelihood of breaches and mitigate the impact of potential attacks.
Ignoring these measures, on the other hand, may result in severe losses that go beyond data breaches or service disruptions to include long-term financial and reputational damage affecting both individuals and institutions, as well as the continuity of their operations.
Safe practices also include encrypting sensitive communications, using virtual private networks (VPNs) when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, and creating regular backups of important personal and work-related data, while ensuring these backups are securely protected on cloud services. Equally important is awareness of the dangers of fraudulent messages and phishing attempts, which often rely on deception and the exploitation of trust to achieve criminal objectives.
In conclusion, adhering to safe digital practices at the beginning of the new year represents a cornerstone for building a more secure and stable cyberspace. Cybersecurity is no longer a complex technical issue; rather, it is a daily behaviour and a shared culture that begins with the simple decisions individuals make while using digital technologies.
As threats continue to grow and technological developments accelerate, sustained vigilance, awareness, and the adoption of smart cyber habits remain the most effective means of protecting ourselves, our families, and our digital community, and of ensuring a safe and sustainable digital future for all.
