The UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) has sounded an urgent warning over the growing risks of online activity, revealing that more than 1.4 billion accounts are hacked globally every month.
According to the CSC, every click, post, or login leaves behind a digital footprint that can be misused. Two types of footprints were identified: passive footprints, which are tracked unknowingly through the data gathered by websites and apps, and active footprints, which are created intentionally by users through posts, photos and videos they post online.
The CSC cautioned that weak data protection could expose people to privacy violations, phishing, and even identity theft. A particular danger comes from unofficial or untrusted apps, some of which can record calls or access cameras without permission.
To stay safe, users are advised to download apps only from official stores, check app permissions, enable two-factor authentication, and be cautious when sharing locations or accepting friend requests.
The campaign, part of the council’s ongoing 'Cyber Pulse' initiative, highlights that safeguarding digital life is not just about technology but also about personal awareness and responsibility. The fifth week of this initiative focusses on the dangers of failing to secure personal digital footprints.