The United Arab Emirates Cybersecurity Council has issued a warning, urging citizens to strengthen the protection of their digital footprints, warning that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting personal information shared online. The Council said that poor digital security practices can expose users to identity theft, phishing attacks, account breaches and other cyber threats, underscoring the importance of managing online privacy.
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In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the UAE Cybersecurity Council explained that digital footprints are created through everyday online activities, including web browsing, social media interactions and use of digital platforms. Every connection, comment, photo, post and online interaction leaves behind a record that can be collected, tracked and potentially exploited if users do not manage their online presence responsibly.
Digital Fingerprints Create Valuable Data for Cybercriminals
According to the UAE Cybersecurity Council, digital fingerprints provide a detailed profile of an individual’s identity, interests, preferences and online behavior. This information, often collected through websites, mobile apps and connected devices, has become increasingly valuable to hackers and untrusted platforms seeking to exploit personal data.
Underlining the scale of the threat, the Council noted that more than 1.4 billion accounts are compromised globally every month, highlighting the growing risks associated with inadequate digital security. The organization warned that the accumulation of personal information across multiple online platforms can make users more vulnerable to cyberattacks if appropriate protection measures are not taken.
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Understanding the Two Types of Digital Fingerprints
The UAE Cybersecurity Council described two distinct categories of digital footprints created by internet users.
The first is passive digital fingerprints, which are created without the user's direct knowledge. These are collected automatically through the monitoring of online activity by websites, applications, and other digital services.
The second category is active digital footprints, which are created when users intentionally share information online. This includes posting on social media, posting photos, commenting, participating in discussions, or sharing other forms of digital content.
The Council noted that while active disclosure is often voluntary, both passive and active digital footprints contribute to a comprehensive digital profile that can be analyzed or abused if left unprotected.
Cyber Risks Extend Beyond Privacy Concerns
The UAE Cybersecurity Council warned that the risks associated with unmanaged digital footprints extend far beyond simple privacy issues. These risks include account breaches, identity theft, phishing attacks, and the misuse of personal information by malicious actors.
The Council also warned users about unofficial or untrusted mobile apps that may illegally collect sensitive information. Some of these apps, it said, could access devices' cameras and microphones or even record phone calls without proper user consent. Such practices increase the risk of personal information being exposed or exploited.
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Among its recommendations, the Council advised users to avoid interacting with unknown individuals on digital platforms and to regularly review their social media follower lists to identify unknown or suspicious accounts. It also urged citizens to limit the amount of personal information and location data shared publicly, reducing opportunities for cybercriminals to collect sensitive details.
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