As part of the weekly awareness campaign of the “Cyber Pulse” initiative, launched by the Cyber Security Council, the Council warned about the risks posed by fake applications, which may serve as gateways for data and personal information theft, as well as fraud and cyber extortion. The campaign emphasized that avoiding the download of such applications and verifying sources can help users minimize risks and limit fraudsters’ access to user data. The Council explained that the risks posed by fake applications are not limited to data theft. They may also be used to lure victims and subsequently blackmail them after obtaining sensitive information, images, or financial data, exploiting the trust of users who download these applications without sufficient verification. Statistics indicate that, in 2025, approximately 73% of institutions were exposed to forms of cyber fraud through fake applications and other malicious digital tools, while more than 200 fake applications were identified and downloaded over 40 million times via the Google Play Store. The Cyber Security Council also confirmed that distinguishing between a legitimate and a fake application is possible through a set of measures often overlooked by users.

As part of the weekly awareness campaign of the ‘Cyber Pulse’ initiative launched by the Cyber Security Council, the Council highlighted the critical importance of cloud storage in addressing the growing digital and cyber threats. In its weekly awareness message, the campaign highlighted that cloud storage enables individuals and users to reduce risks, limit fraudsters’ access to user data, and safeguard personal information. The Council also pointed out several common cloud storage mistakes that individuals must avoid to protect their personal and financial data in cyberspace. The weekly awareness campaign noted that the most prominent of these mistakes include granting excessive identity and access management permissions, failing to enable multi-factor authentication, overreliance on public cloud storage that may expose sensitive data and facilitate the spread of malware, misconfigured security settings that leave critical systems vulnerable, absence of encryption (both at rest and in transit), and downloading applications without verifying their source or security standards. These mistakes expose many users to significant risks that directly threaten their digital security.

The Cyber Security Council established a strategic partnership with the Safe AI Cup 2026 to promote the ethical and secure use of artificial intelligence. Through this partnership, the Council sponsored and hosted the Safe AI Cup 2026, helping students across the UAE engage confidently with the digital era and deepen their understanding of AI technologies. As part of this effort, the Council also supported the students’ understanding of the role of artificial intelligence in their daily lives and in shaping the present and future through the CyberE71 program, contributing to the UAE’s long-term vision for a secure, sustainable, and resilient digital future. The Safe AI Cup 2026 is part of the ‘Safe AI for Society’ initiative, organized by the Emirates Safer Internet Society (eSafe), the Robotics and Automation Society (RAS), and the Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship (GIE), and hosted by the University of Dubai.