UAE: The Cyber Security Council cautions against electronic fraud in Ramadan
The public is being cautioned to be cautious and watchful against online begging and fraudulent fundraising schemes, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, by the UAE Government Cyber Security Council.
The council highlights the need for cyber awareness when it comes to philanthropic endeavors like aid, donations, charity, and zakat. Its goal is to protect contributors' money and guarantee that it reaches worthy beneficiaries via safe routes.
The Cyber Security Council urges people not to reply to donation requests they receive via social media in order to preserve donors' donations and stay protected from potential scams. Donations should only be made via routes that have been approved by the appropriate authorities. In addition, people are advised to avoid disclosing private financial information online, such as credit or bank card data, unless the sender's identity and reputation have been confirmed.
Given the escalating threat of cyber attacks, particularly phishing attempts, the council underscores the importance of enhancing cyber awareness among all members of society. To this end, the council has outlined five key tips for identifying and avoiding phishing messages, thereby bolstering digital security, safeguarding personal information, and mitigating cyber threats. These tips include verifying the authenticity of official social media channels, exercising caution regarding suspicious offers or deals, scrutinizing brand elements for signs of potential fraud, refraining from disclosing sensitive information via email or text messages, and verifying the identity of callers before divulging any personal details.
With rapid technological advancements and the widespread use of email in daily communications, concerns regarding fraudulent messages aimed at stealing sensitive data have escalated. Therefore, it is imperative for individuals to remain vigilant, familiarize themselves with these risks, and adopt preventive measures to mitigate the risk of falling victim to cyber fraud. The council highlights common phishing email scenarios, including fraudulent messages impersonating legitimate entities such as shipping companies or social media platforms. These messages often contain urgent requests prompting recipients to update information or provide sensitive data, thereby facilitating unauthorized access to personal accounts and increasing susceptibility to electronic fraud.
In order to detect phishing messages effectively, the Cyber Security Council advises individuals to carefully examine sender email addresses, communicate directly with companies through trusted channels, exercise caution with urgent messages, and refrain from clicking on suspicious links. By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can better protect themselves against the pervasive threat of cyber fraud and safeguard their digital assets.
