More than three quarters of UAE residents fell victim to cybercrime over the last year, at a cost of Dh2.3 billion, according to a report issued today.
At least two UAE residents a minute are subject to attacks from computer viruses, online scams and phishing attacks, according to the Norton Cybercrime Report.
The total amount of cash stolen from UAE residents over the last 12 months amounted to Dh770 million, with the time lost sorting out cybercrime cases valued at Dh1.5 billion.
The report found that 76 per cent of UAE residents were victim to cybercrime over the last 12 months.
That is above the average global rate of 65 per cent, according to the report issued by Symantec, which makes Norton anti-virus software.
The high rate of mobile use in the country meant that 20 per cent of residents have experienced phone-related scams, double the global rate.
The most common form of attack in the UAE was via computer viruses, followed by online scams and phishing.
"There is a critical need for users to take... steps to protect their personal information on the web just as they would for their physical belongings," said Tamim Taufiq, the head of consumer sales for the Mena region at Symantec.
"Eighty-four per cent of cybercrime victims in the UAE found an online attack to be just as frustrating and upsetting as one in the 'real world'," he added.
bflanagan@thenational.ae
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Fourth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit
As he spoke, Mr Aboul Gheit repeatedly referred to the need to tackle issues affecting the welfare of people across the region both in terms of preventing conflict and in pushing development.
Lebanon is scheduled to host the fourth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit in January that will see regional leaders gather to tackle the challenges facing the Middle East. The last such summit was held in 2013. Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki told The National that the Beirut Summit “will be an opportunity for Arab leaders to discuss solely economic and social issues, the conference will not focus on political concerns such as Palestine, Syria or Libya". He added that its slogan will be “the individual is at the heart of development”, adding that it will focus on all elements of human capital.
