CSC calls for protecting and safeguarding digital identity

Confirmed that 40% of social media users have been hacked

As part of the weekly awareness campaign of the "Cyber Pulse" initiative launched by the Cybersecurity Council (CSC), the Council emphasized in its weekly message on the critical importance of digital identity.

CSC describe online identity as one of the most valuable assets owned by both individuals and organizations, noting that it is no longer a simple online existence. Rather, personal data, financial transactions, and health records it encompasses make it a highly sensitive asset that must be adequately protected by users.

CSC further stressed in its weekly awareness campaign that with the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence tools, the Internet of Things, and cloud applications, digital identity has become an easy target for cybercriminals who exploit any vulnerability for impersonation, fraud, or the sale of data on the black market. It underscored that protecting digital identity is not a technical luxury, but an existential necessity that safeguards privacy, prevents fraud, and ensures the continuity of digital services without disruption or significant financial losses.

The Council also cited recent data revealing that approximately 97% of cyberattacks target passwords, highlighting the scale of threats associated with traditional security methods. In contrast, the data indicated that around 40% of social media users worldwide have either been compromised or have unintentionally shared personal data, underscoring the urgent need to enhance digital security awareness.

Indicators further show that the first half of the year witnessed a significant increase of 32% in cyberattacks targeting digital identities, amid the growing reliance on digital services and smart applications. In light of this escalation, the Cybersecurity Council emphasized the importance of adopting advanced solutions such as multi-factor authentication, which has proven capable of preventing more than 99% of attacks on digital identities, making it one of the most effective tools for user protection.

CSC also warned that the consequences of a digital identity breach extend beyond data loss to include identity theft, fraud, financial losses, and negative impacts on personal and professional reputation. It noted that these multifaceted risks elevate digital identity protection to a strategic necessity rather than merely a technical option.

To strengthen protection, the "Cyber Pulse" weekly awareness campaign presented a set of essential measures, such as refraining from sharing any sensitive personal information, avoiding the reuse of weak passwords, choosing strong and complex passwords, and enabling multi-factor authentication. It stressed that these steps, despite their simplicity, constitute the first line of defense against growing threats.

The Council concluded that the battle to protect digital identity is no longer purely technical, but has become a matter of awareness and behavior. Advanced technologies alone are insufficient without users who understand the risks and can respond intelligently, especially as digital transformation continues and innovation accelerates. The challenge remains in striking a balance between usability and security, which requires integration between regulatory policies, advanced technologies, and a well-informed digital culture capable of protecting individuals and societies alike.

The "Cyber Pulse" awareness campaign, launched by the Cybersecurity Council and now in its second consecutive year across social media platforms, forms part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to build a secure cyberspace that protects users from growing digital threats while keeping pace with rapid technological advancements. This initiative aligns with a comprehensive national vision to strengthen trust in the country’s digital ecosystem, enhance cybersecurity culture, raise digital awareness among individuals and families, and promote best practices that ensure the safety and privacy of citizens and residents in an era of accelerated digital transformation.