UAE Cybersecurity Council Urges Public to Reduce Digital Footprint to Curb Online Fraud
The UAE Cybersecurity Council has urged individuals to take proactive steps to reduce their digital footprint, warning that excessive online exposure significantly increases the risk of fraud, identity theft, and data breaches.
The Council highlighted that every application downloaded, online account created, or piece of personal information shared adds to an individual’s digital footprint, expanding the number of potential entry points for cybercriminals. Unused applications and inactive accounts were identified as particular vulnerabilities, often overlooked by users but frequently targeted in cyberattacks.
According to the Council, dedicating just a few minutes to managing digital exposure can make a measurable difference. Regularly reviewing online presence and limiting unnecessary data sharing can reduce the risk of cyber incidents by up to 30 per cent, it noted.
To help users strengthen their digital security, the Council recommended several practical measures. These include deleting unused applications, closing inactive online accounts, reviewing privacy settings across social media platforms, and checking which personal details are publicly accessible online. Users were also advised to review application permissions and restrict access to only what is essential for functionality.
The advisory stressed the importance of being mindful before sharing personal information online and encouraged individuals to take greater control over who can view or access their data. Such steps, the Council said, help minimise exposure to phishing attempts, account takeovers, and other forms of cybercrime.
The warning comes as global internet usage continues to rise rapidly, with billions of users now connected worldwide. While digital connectivity brings clear economic and social benefits, the Council noted that it also amplifies cybersecurity risks if personal data is not properly managed.
Reaffirming its commitment to public awareness, the UAE Cybersecurity Council emphasised that individual responsibility, combined with informed digital habits, remains a critical line of defence in an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape.
