UAE Cyber Security Council: How to Protect Yourself from Malware and Cyber Fraud

27 October 2024

Glory Sony

The UAE Cybersecurity Council has released a serious alert to residents of the UAE concerning the growing danger of harmful advertisements that are making their way into even the most reputable websites.  

Dubai: These deceptive ads, which sometimes appear to be genuine promotions, have the potential to deceive users into unknowingly downloading malware, leading to significant risks like theft of data, fraud, and compromise of devices.   

Growing Threat of Malicious Ads

The Cybersecurity Council pointed out that numerous websites, even those that are well-known and trusted, depend on third-party digital advertising companies to showcase ads.   Regrettably, these ads are not consistently reviewed for security, which puts users at risk of being exposed to harmful content.   Malicious individuals are taking advantage of this situation by hiding destructive software within seemingly harmless ads, like advertisements for items, contests, or software downloads.

As per the Council, these harmful ads could redirect users to unsafe websites or trigger the automatic installation of malware when clicked on, which could potentially lead to the exposure of sensitive personal and financial information stored on their devices.   

The Impact of Malicious Ads

Malicious advertisements, also known as "malvertising," are increasingly becoming a significant global issue as hackers discover new methods to spread malware through well-known, reputable websites.   The danger is elevated because users often become complacent while browsing trusted sites, assuming that all content, including advertisements, is secure.

Once malware is installed, it can result in various cybersecurity threats, ranging from personal data breaches and identity theft to more serious consequences such as financial fraud or ransomware attacks, where users are locked out of their devices until a ransom is paid.

The UAE Cybersecurity Council emphasized the importance of recognizing these risks and taking proactive steps to identify and avoid potential online traps.   The Council highlighted, "Users must realize that even reputable websites can display these fraudulent advertisements.  

How to Protect Yourself

In light of these growing concerns, the Cybersecurity Council has provided the following recommendations to help UAE residents protect themselves from falling victim to these fake and dangerous ads:

1.      Be wary of unsolicited offers: Always exercise caution when encountering advertisements promoting deals or software that seem too good to be true.   It's best to avoid engaging with products or offers that you did not actively seek out.

2.      Refrain from clicking on ads: If possible, avoid clicking on advertisements completely.   Instead, go directly to the company's website if you're interested in a product or service to verify the legitimacy of the source.

3.      Utilize trusted antivirus software: Install and consistently update reputable antivirus and anti-malware programs on all your devices to identify and block potential threats.

4.      Keep browser and system security up-to-date: Make sure your browser is current with the latest security updates, and enable any ad-blocking features that can stop harmful advertisements from appearing.

5.      Be cautious when downloading: Never download software or files from unreliable sources.   Always verify that the file you're about to download is from a reputable website.

6.      Monitor financial transactions: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity that could indicate a cyber attack or fraudulent behavior.  

Government's Commitment to Cybersecurity

The UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued a warning as part of a larger effort to improve the online safety of the nation's people.   The UAE's goal is to maintain a secure digital infrastructure as it grows as a key player in global business and technology.

The Council has repeated its commitment to safeguarding individuals, businesses, and organizations from cyber attacks.   Recently, the Council has been running campaigns to raise public awareness and working with local and international partners to create strong cybersecurity strategies. 

Vigilance is Key