Over 50% of UAE Residents Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks, Warns Cyber Security Council

While stressing this concern, the UAE Cyber Security Council said that over 50% of the country’s residents were tricked by phishing websites and about 20% of victims were attackers through social networks in the third quarter of 2023. At the same time, the data breach events increased and involved 56 percent of businesses or organizations within the same timeframe.

Based on the council’s report, social engineering, which involves phishing websites, emails, social media scams, and instant messaging hoaxes, were the preferential attacks utilized by the hackers. There are two cases of social engineering that affect 19% of all individuals: phishing websites and social media scams.

The numbers illustrated above reveal how prevalent risk of being a victim to cybercriminals is and the importance of maintaining alertness at both personal and organizational levels. Social media scams were the second most popular attack vectors, comprising 19% of the incidents, with email and instant messaging phishing being another popular form.

As more complicated types of cyber threats and attacks arise, it becomes crucial for both individuals and companies to remain aware of the possible threats and take preventative measures to protect their data and online accounts. The Cyber Security Council has been trying to create awareness that social engineering attacks are real and providing ways that can be used to identify and fight such attacks.

With the threats of cyber attack on a continuous rise, it is important for everybody out there to be cautious and keen on practices that enhance security. People and business establishments can be able to protect themselves adequately against the wave of cybercrime through remaining informed, exercising caution in cyberspace and investing in proper security interventions.