The UAE Government Cybersecurity Council has warned against complacency in protecting personal digital footprints, stressing the importance of adopting safe online practices to reduce the risks of cyberattacks and privacy breaches amid the growing global cyber threat landscape.
The Council explained that a digital footprint, created through internet browsing and the use of social media platforms, forms a digital record of a user’s online activities and interactions. Every login, social media post, photograph, comment and online interaction leaves a trace that can potentially be tracked and exploited by malicious actors if not handled with appropriate caution.
Highlighting the scale of the threat, the Council noted that more than 1.4 billion online accounts are compromised globally every month, underscoring the increasing cybersecurity risks associated with personal data and digital footprints. It added that information collected or shared through digital devices and applications can reveal significant details about a user’s identity, behaviour and interests, making such data an attractive target for cybercriminals and untrusted applications.
The Council explained that digital footprints are broadly categorised into two types. Passive digital footprints are collected without the user’s knowledge or consent through the tracking of online activities, while active digital footprints are intentionally created by users when they publish photographs, videos, comments and other content across digital platforms.
It further warned that the risks associated with digital footprints extend beyond privacy violations to include account compromise, unauthorised access to personal information, identity theft, phishing attacks and the exploitation of stolen data for malicious cyber activities.
The Council also cautioned that unofficial or untrusted applications may collect personal information through unlawful means, including recording phone calls or accessing device cameras and microphones without users’ knowledge.
To strengthen digital security, the Council urged individuals to enhance their cybersecurity awareness by exercising caution when interacting with others online, avoiding friend requests from unknown accounts, regularly reviewing follower lists and carefully considering the potential implications before sharing location data or personal information on digital platforms.
It also encouraged users to download applications exclusively from official app stores, verify requested permissions before granting access to any application and enable multi-factor authentication to protect digital accounts, including email, social media and online banking services.
The Council emphasised that effective cybersecurity begins with awareness and personal responsibility before relying on technological safeguards. It noted that protecting privacy and personal data requires users to remain committed to secure digital practices and responsible use of modern technologies.
The warning forms part of the UAE’s broader efforts to build a secure and trusted cyber environment that safeguards users against evolving digital threats while keeping pace with rapid technological developments. These initiatives support the country’s comprehensive national vision to strengthen confidence in the digital ecosystem, promote a culture of cybersecurity and enhance digital awareness across society, ensuring the protection of privacy and personal data throughout the ongoing digital transformation.
