The UAE Cyber Security Council has sounded the alarm on the scale of social engineering threats, revealing that nearly 98 percent of cyberattacks worldwide rely on manipulating people rather than breaching systems.
The warning was issued during the sixth week of the Council’s Cyber Pulse initiative, a year-long program aimed at boosting public awareness and resilience against digital crimes.
According to the Council, cybercriminals frequently disguise themselves as trusted figures—whether officials, friends, or reputable institutions—to trick victims into handing over sensitive information or making reckless choices. These schemes often involve fabricated rewards, impersonations of legitimate organizations, urgent threats, or an overload of confusing messages.
Fraudsters are not limited to using malicious software. The Council stressed that they also exploit human psychology by creating a false sense of urgency, fear, or empathy to win trust. Their ultimate goal is to extract personal or banking details or pressure individuals into unsafe actions.
The Council urged everyone to remain cautious by verifying identities, avoiding the disclosure of passwords and financial data, and being alert to suspicious or sudden requests. It also encouraged the public to follow official alerts and keep updated with cybersecurity guidance.
Now in its second year, the Cyber Pulse campaign underscores national efforts to strengthen digital safety, safeguard users, and maintain trust in the UAE’s growing digital ecosystem.
