UAE Cyber Security Council Urges Secure Digital Payments Ahead of Ramadan
As Ramadan approaches, the UAE Cyber Security Council has urged individuals and organizations to adopt secure electronic payment methods to guard against cyber fraud and financial crimes. In particular, the Council emphasized that verifying secure payment channels during online transactions can significantly reduce cyberattacks targeting financial data. Moreover, this step helps prevent schemes designed to misappropriate the assets of individuals, companies, and institutions.
It stressed that adopting secure payment systems can reduce fraudulent activity by up to 25 percent, thereby lowering the risks of theft, electronic fraud, and identity theft. According to the Council, 79 percent of organizations were exposed to payment fraud or attempted fraud in 2024, which underlines the urgent need for constant vigilance in digital transactions.
Risks Linked to Unsecured Payment Methods
At the same time, the Council warned about the dangers associated with unsecured electronic payment mechanisms. These risks include data breaches, unauthorized access to personal information, credit card fraud, and fake refund schemes. Furthermore, payments processed through unknown or unverified service providers may bypass compliance with approved standards and regulations, increasing exposure to financial loss.
Therefore, the Council urged individuals and businesses to adopt responsible practices when handling financial data online. For example, users should verify secure payment platforms, avoid storing financial information on personal devices, and regularly monitor bank accounts. By taking these precautions, both individuals and institutions can limit potential vulnerabilities.
Strengthening Protection Against Fraudulent Activities
As fraudsters increasingly exploit advanced technologies to imitate bank and financial institution logos, the Council emphasized the importance of verifying messages and confirming authenticity before completing transactions. In addition, it warned against interacting with fraudulent advertisements or unauthorized operators operating outside trusted financial frameworks.
To strengthen security, the Council recommended adopting technologies such as encryption, dual or multi-factor authentication, data tokenization, and fraud detection systems. These measures help protect sensitive data, verify digital identities, and detect suspicious activity to reduce fraudulent transactions.
Finally, the Council advised regularly reviewing privacy settings on personal devices, deleting untrusted applications, and keeping software and operating systems updated. Such practices remain vital as technological risks continue to evolve, and they help safeguard both individuals and institutions against emerging threats.
