The UAE Cyber Security Council has issued a warning that social engineering, which targets human vulnerabilities rather than technical flaws, is involved in almost 98% of cyberattacks.
This warning was highlighted during the sixth week of the Council’s Cyber Pulse initiative, a year-long campaign designed to enhance digital literacy and resilience among individuals and organizations against cyber threats.
The Council noted that attackers often impersonate officials, friends, or trusted entities to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or taking harmful actions. Strategies include offering fake incentives, impersonating trusted entities, sending urgent threats, or overwhelming victims with conflicting information.
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According to the Council, fraudsters use not only malware but also direct communication tactics, exploiting emotions like empathy, urgency, or fear to gain trust. Their main goal is often to access banking or personal information or pressure victims into quick decisions.
They use messages that seem friendly or sympathetic, and sometimes even sad, aiming to prompt victims to react without hesitation.
The Council urged people to verify identities, avoid sharing personal details like account information or passwords, and be cautious of unexpected messages demanding immediate action. They also recommended staying informed through official alerts and keeping up with cybersecurity advice.
Awareness is your primary defense, they stated. Confirm the identity of individuals and organizations before sharing information and avoid disclosing personal data over the phone or on social media.
Now in its second year, the Cyber Pulse campaign is part of national efforts to bolster digital safety, protect users from increasing cyber risks, and build trust within the UAE’s digital environment.
