Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

More than 12,000 cyber breaches linked to unsafe Wi-Fi use have been reported in the UAE since the start of 2025, the Cyber Security Council (CSC) has revealed. The council said these incidents account for 35 percent of all reported cyberattacks in the country, with hackers targeting users through unsecured public networks at airports, cafes, and malls. Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, told state news agency WAM that the UAE is “pioneering efforts to build a safe cyber environment that protects users from growing digital threats while keeping pace with rapid technological developments.” The CSC urged users to avoid logging into sensitive accounts on free Wi-Fi and to adopt safe practices such as enabling multi-factor authentication, using VPNs, and updating software regularly. It also listed three key safety steps: use a reliable VPN, activate “Safe Browsing” features, and avoid entering sensitive data on public networks. The warning comes under the Cyber Pulse awareness campaign, now in its second year, which aims to build a culture of safe digital practices across the UAE. ICA/Expat Media
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