With many large businesses either closed or operating with minimal staff during the festive period, the risk of cybersecurity breaches tends to escalate. The council stressed the importance of regularly updating protection programs and operating systems, conducting routine scans of devices
During the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday period, the UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued a stern warning, urging both individuals and institutions to remain vigilant against the heightened threat of cyberattacks. Emphasising that cybercriminals do not take breaks, the council underscored the significance of maintaining cybersecurity measures, especially during extended holiday periods like Eid Al Fitr, which can stretch up to nine days when combined with weekends.
With many large businesses either closed or operating with minimal staff during the festive period, the risk of cybersecurity breaches tends to escalate. The council stressed the importance of regularly updating protection programs and operating systems, conducting routine scans of devices, exercising caution when interacting with suspicious links or attachments, utilising strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication for accounts.
Furthermore, the council highlighted the necessity of promoting cyber awareness and fostering a culture of cybersecurity among both individuals and institutions to mitigate the risks of threats. It urged vigilance in handling emails and advised verifying the credibility of any unusual requests to prevent falling prey to phishing attempts.
Organisation leaders and individuals were encouraged to bolster their cybersecurity efforts year-round, emphasising the need for comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training programs for staff, readiness with contingency plans, system diversification to avoid single points of failure, and ensuring that security systems remain up-to-date.
Teaching employees how to recognise and evade common phishing, smishing, and other social engineering attacks was singled out as a crucial measure to significantly reduce breaches caused by human error.
The council emphasised that by implementing robust cybersecurity measures and providing appropriate personnel training, organizations and individuals can better safeguard themselves against cyber threats, thus ensuring a more secure digital environment for all.
