The UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued a cybersecurity advisory urging individuals to strengthen the protection of their digital footprints, warning that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting personal information shared online. The Council said poor digital security practices can expose users to identity theft, phishing attacks, account compromise, and other cyber threats, highlighting the growing importance of managing online privacy.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the UAE Cybersecurity Council explained that digital footprints are created through everyday online activities, including internet browsing, social media interactions, and the use of digital platforms. Every login, comment, photograph, post, and online interaction leaves behind a record that can be collected, tracked, and potentially exploited if users fail to manage their online presence responsibly. 

Digital Footprints Create Valuable Data for Cybercriminals 

According to the UAE Cybersecurity Council, digital footprints provide a detailed profile of an individual’s identity, interests, preferences, and online behavior. This information, often gathered through websites, mobile applications, and connected devices, has become increasingly valuable to hackers and untrusted platforms seeking to exploit personal data. 

Highlighting the scale of the threat, the Council noted that more than 1.4 billion accounts are compromised globally every month, demonstrating the growing risks associated with inadequate digital security. The organization warned that the accumulation of personal information across multiple online platforms can make users more vulnerable to cyberattacks if appropriate protection are not in place. 

Understanding the Two Types of Digital Footprints 

The UAE Cybersecurity Council outlined two distinct categories of digital footprints that internet users generate. 

The first is passive digital footprints, which are created without a user’s direct knowledge. These are collected automatically through the tracking of online activity by websites, applications, and other digital services. 

The second category is active digital footprints, which are generated when users intentionally share information online. This includes publishing social media posts, uploading photographs, leaving comments, participating in discussions, or sharing other forms of digital content. 

The Council noted that while active sharing is often voluntary, both passive and active digital footprints contribute to a comprehensive digital profile that can be analyzed or misused if left unprotected. 

Cyber Risks Extend Beyond Privacy Concerns 

The UAE Cybersecurity Council warned that the risks linked to unmanaged digital footprints extend well beyond simple privacy issues. These risks include account breaches, identity theft, phishing attacks, and the misuse of personal information by malicious actors. 

The Council also cautioned users about unofficial or untrusted mobile applications that may unlawfully collect sensitive information. Some of these applications, it said, could gain access to device cameras and microphones or even record phone calls without obtaining proper user consent. Such practices increase the risk of personal information being exposed or exploited. 

Among its recommendations, the Council advised users to avoid interacting with unknown individuals on digital platforms and to regularly review their social media follower lists to identify unfamiliar or suspicious accounts. It also urged people to limit the amount of personal information and location data they share publicly, reducing opportunities for cybercriminals to gather sensitive details.