The UAE Cybersecurity Council revealed that more than 12,000 Wi-Fi breaches have been recorded in the country since the start of this year. Providing information about this, the council highlighted the concerns and risks linked with using unsafe public Wi-Fi connections. It is also relieved that these breaches account for around 35% of the total reported cyberattacks across the Emirates.
The council said the hackers are using unsafe and open public Wi-Fi connections in airports, malls, and cafes to steal sensitive information like bank details, passwords, personal information, and more. It was also highlighted that people are unaware of the severity of the threats that can arise by using free Wi-Fi networks. These connections offer benefits and conveniences like high speed and no cost, but are not protected, making them more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Experts Urge Using VPNs, Enabling Safe Browsing, and Avoiding Sensitive Logins
The Emirates Cybersecurity Council revealed that open Wi-Fi networks are more prone to several cyber risks, including man-in-the-middle attacks. These attacks are commonly initiated by hackers to steal data, record calls, and redirect them to fake websites, and even listen to phone calls. Apart from these, the cybercriminals can secretly install spyware or harmful software on users’ devices without their knowledge.
Highlighting the concerns and risks related to security breaches because of using open and free Wi-Fi connections in public spaces, the council encourages every user to follow the following three steps to keep their device and data protected while accessing the internet on public networks:
- The first step is to download a reliable VPN app on your devices that secures the digital connection, making it challenging for unapproved users to access your data.
- The council requests the public to turn off safe browsing option in their browsers that protects them from fake and harmful websites by giving a warning in advance.
- The simplest step to safeguard your sensitive information from Wi-Fi breaches is to not open personal e-mail and bank accounts when using free public connections.
UAE Cyber Council’s ‘Cyber Pulse’ Campaign for Safe Browsing Awareness
The Cybersecurity Council UAE warns that hackers are now using open Wi-Fi to steal passwords, banking data, and more. Talking about the UAE Wi-Fi breaches 2025 with WAM, the country’s Cybersecurity Council’s chairman, Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, said that the government is making active and constant efforts to provide a secure cyberspace that protects users from rising cybercrimes and stays updated with the latest technological advancements.
He further added that this is part of the UAE’s wider plan to improve confidence in the nation’s digital space, highlight the importance of safe browsing, and educate the public about safe online practices. The Cybersecurity Council highlighted that awareness is the primary defense in creating a safer cyberspace. By downloading a reliable VPN app, the users can ensure protection of their sensitive information, an important tool to safeguard online identity in today’s highly linked world, where data breaches are common.
The Emirates’ Cybersecurity Council has announced the launch of a week-long awareness program to educate people about data breaches and the importance of safe browsing. This campaign is a part of the Cyber Pulse initiative, which aims to educate people about ways to protect their personal and sensitive data and the dangers of using free public connections, and guide them on how they can fight the cyber threats. The theme for the second week is Free Wi-Fi may reveal your personal data, and aims to encourage citizens and institutions to promote a strong cybersecurity culture and build awareness about online security in the country.
As highlighted in Best Startup Story, such awareness campaigns not only strengthen the UAE’s cybersecurity framework but also inspire startups and businesses to adopt stronger data protection practices, ensuring digital safety in a connected world.
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