Nearly 40 percent of social media users in United Arab Emirates have experienced privacy breaches after sharing personal details online, according to UAE Cyber Security Council. The Council issued a public warning highlighting the growing risks associated with oversharing on digital platforms, cautioning that seemingly harmless posts can expose individuals to theft, digital identity fraud and other forms of cybercrime. The advisory underscores the increasing sophistication of online threats and the need for greater vigilance among users across the country.
Authorities noted that irresponsible posting of personal information significantly heightens exposure to malicious activity. Even routine updates about daily life, travel, workplaces or family events can be pieced together by threat actors to design targeted scam campaigns. The Council emphasized that shared data can be weaponised to craft tailored fraud schemes directed at individuals, businesses and institutions. Publicly available information, when combined with stolen login credentials or leaked datasets, can amplify the effectiveness of phishing attacks and financial scams. The warning comes amid broader concerns about rising digital identity fraud and the misuse of personal information circulating across social networks.
The Council further explained that circulating sensitive information in open online environments increases the likelihood of privacy violations in cyberspace. Details such as precise home or workplace addresses, personal phone numbers, upcoming travel plans or family photographs may appear routine but can be exploited for fraudulent purposes. Fraudsters are increasingly deploying advanced techniques to harvest and manipulate such data, enabling them to impersonate victims, bypass security checks or initiate financial transactions. The advisory follows separate reports indicating that a significant share of financial cyberattacks begin with stolen login details, reinforcing the link between personal data exposure and broader cybersecurity risks.
To reduce vulnerability, the Council urged users to strengthen their digital hygiene practices. Recommendations include securing social media accounts and mobile devices, regularly updating software, restricting camera, microphone and location permissions, and using strong passwords combined with multi factor authentication. Users are also advised to verify secure communication channels before sharing information and to closely monitor accounts for suspicious activity or unexpected messages. By adopting these protective measures, authorities aim to mitigate the risks associated with oversharing and enhance individual resilience against evolving cyber threats in United Arab Emirates.
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