UAE issues cybersecurity alert for potential Eid break cyber threats

Abu Dhabi: With the Eid Al Fitr holiday approaching, the UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued a warning about the heightened risk of cyberattacks during this period.

Emphasizing that cybercriminals remain active even during holidays, the Council highlighted the extended duration of Eid Al Fitr, which can span up to nine days including weekends, as a time of increased vulnerability. Large businesses are often closed or operate with reduced staff during festivities, leaving IT networks and systems unsupervised and susceptible to attacks.

To mitigate these risks, organizations are urged to review their security strategies and ensure they are prepared to address potential cyber threats during the holiday season. This includes updating protection programs and operating systems regularly, conducting periodic scans of devices, exercising caution when interacting with suspicious links or attachments, using strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication for accounts.

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The Council underscored the importance of fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness among individuals and institutions to minimize the likelihood of falling victim to cyber threats. It advised exercising caution when dealing with emails and verifying the credibility of unusual requests to avoid falling prey to phishing attempts.

Additionally, the Council provided guidance on preventing scams, emphasizing the importance of year-round cybersecurity measures, such as conducting awareness training for staff, having contingency plans in place, diversifying systems to prevent single points of failure, and ensuring that security systems are regularly updated.

By equipping employees with the knowledge to recognize and avoid common cyber threats like phishing and social engineering attacks, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of breaches stemming from human error.

As the Eid Al Fitr holiday approaches, vigilance and proactive cybersecurity measures are crucial to safeguarding against potential cyber threats and ensuring a secure digital environment for individuals and institutions alike.