Cybersecurity Warns of Risks from Neglecting Digital Footprint Security

The Cybersecurity Council of the UAE government has warned about the dangers of neglecting the security of personal digital footprints, emphasizing the importance of adopting safe digital practices to mitigate the risks of breaches and privacy violations amid the growing global cyber threats.

The council stated, in remarks to the Emirates News Agency "WAM", that the digital footprint left by users while browsing the internet or using social media applications represents a digital record of their activities and interactions. It clarified that every login, post sharing, image upload, or comment leaves a digital trace that can be tracked and exploited by malicious entities if not handled with caution.

It pointed out that over 1.4 billion accounts are hacked monthly worldwide, reflecting the scale of cyber threats linked to personal data and digital footprints. It noted that the information collected or shared through devices and applications can reveal much about the user's identity, behaviors, and interests, making it a target for hackers and untrustworthy applications.

The council explained that the digital footprint is divided into two main types: passive footprint, which is collected about the user without their knowledge or consent through tracking electronic activities, and active footprint, which the user leaves voluntarily by posting images, videos, comments, and various shares on digital platforms.

It confirmed that the risks of digital footprints are not limited to privacy violations alone but also include account breaches, unauthorized access to personal data, identity theft, and phishing attacks, as well as the exploitation of stolen information in harmful electronic activities.

The council warned that some unofficial or unreliable applications may contribute to the collection of personal data in illegal ways, including recording calls or accessing the camera and microphone without the user's knowledge.

The council emphasized the importance of raising digital awareness among individuals and following best preventive practices, including being cautious when interacting with others online, not accepting friend requests from unknown sources, regularly reviewing follower lists, and thinking carefully before sharing geographic location or personal information on digital platforms.

The Cybersecurity Council urged users to download applications only from official stores, verify the permissions required before granting them to any application, and activate two-factor authentication to protect digital accounts, including email, social media accounts, and online banking services.

The council confirmed that digital security begins with awareness and individual responsibility before relying on technical solutions, noting that protecting privacy and personal data requires a continuous commitment from users to safe usage practices of modern technologies.

The United Arab Emirates continues its efforts to build a secure and reliable cyber space that protects users from growing digital risks and keeps pace with rapid technological developments, as part of a comprehensive national vision to enhance trust in the digital ecosystem, establish a culture of cybersecurity, and raise digital awareness among community members to ensure the protection of privacy and data integrity in the era of digital transformation.