September 15, 2025

Hold on to your smartphones! The UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) has dropped a sizzling warning that will make you think twice before clicking that "login" button. They say over a staggering 1.4 billion accounts are hacked across the globe every single month. Yes, that’s billion with a B! Every online action—whether it's a login, a post, or a simple comment—leaves a digital footprint that hackers can track and exploit. But what are these footprints? The CSC highlights two types: first, the "passive footprint"—this sneaky trail is collected without you even noticing when websites or apps track your activities behind the scenes. Then there's the "active footprint," which is everything you willingly post like photos, videos, and comments. The big risk? If your digital data isn’t locked tight, it can lead to major privacy breaches, account hijacks, phishing scams, and even identity theft. What’s scarier? Using unofficial or untrusted apps. The CSC warns, "some [apps are] capable of recording calls or accessing cameras without users' knowledge," turning your phone into a spying device! So, how to stay safe in this digital jungle? The council advises only to download apps from official stores. Be a permission hawk—always check what rights you give apps. Don’t forget to enable two-factor authentication, the secret weapon against hackers. Most importantly, be cautious while sharing your location or accepting friend requests from strangers. Their weekly campaign, "Cyber Pulse," is flashing the red light on this critical issue. The fifth week’s theme revolves around the dangers of ignoring personal digital footprints. Remember, as the CSC stresses, online safety doesn’t just depend on tech—it’s YOU who must guard your digital shadow carefully. So, think before you click and protect your digital life like a gold treasure!

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Tags: Digital footprints, Cyber security, Uae cyber security council, Account hacks, Online safety, Data privacy,