The UAE Cyber Security Council has urged individuals and organizations to adopt secure electronic payment methods as Ramadan approaches, highlighting their importance in protecting against cyber fraud and financial crimes.
The Council highlighted that verifying secure payment methods during online financial transactions helps reduce cyberattacks targeting financial data and prevents schemes designed to misappropriate assets of individuals, companies, and institutions.
It stressed that adopting secure payment systems can reduce fraudulent activity by up to 25 percent, significantly lowering 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, underlining the need for constant vigilance when conducting digital transactions.
Risks of unsecured payment methods
The Council warned about the dangers of using unsecured electronic payment mechanisms, including data breaches, unauthorized access to personal information, credit card fraud, and fake refund schemes.
It also cautioned against payments processed through unknown or unverified service providers, noting that such methods may bypass compliance with approved standards and regulations.
The Council urged individuals and businesses to adopt responsible practices when handling financial data online, such as verifying secure payment platforms, avoiding the storage of financial information on personal devices, and regularly monitoring bank accounts.
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Protecting 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 engaging in transactions.
It also warned against interacting with fraudulent advertisements or unauthorized operators 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.
The Council further advised regularly reviewing privacy settings on personal devices, deleting untrusted applications, and keeping software and operating systems updated, noting that such practices are vital to safeguard both individuals and institutions amid evolving technological risks.
