UAE Cybersecurity Council Warns About Digital Footprints

UAE Cybersecurity Council Warns About Digital Footprints. The UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued an advisory urging individuals to better protect their digital footprints as cybercriminals increasingly exploit personal data shared online. In statements carried by Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Council said that everyday online activity—such as browsing, social media interactions, and using digital platforms—creates records that can be collected, tracked, and misused. It warned that weak digital security practices can lead to identity theft, phishing attacks, account compromise, and other threats. The Council said more than 1.4 billion accounts are compromised globally every month, underscoring the scale of risk. It also distinguished between passive footprints, gathered without users’ knowledge through tracking, and active footprints, generated when people intentionally post or comment. The advisory further cautioned about unofficial or untrusted mobile applications.