CSC highlighted the importance of Digital Accounts cleanup

As part of the weekly awareness campaign of the "Cyber Pulse" initiative launched by the Cyber Security Council (CSC), the Council emphasized the importance of cleaning and maintaining users’ digital accounts. It warned that many of these accounts remain vulnerable to cyberattacks, especially neglected or unsecured ones, which threaten individuals’ data and privacy. The campaign highlighted that such accounts pose a real risk not only to individuals but also to companies and institutions. In its weekly awareness message, the "Cyber Pulse" campaign stressed the importance of regularly securing and cleaning various digital accounts to ensure their safety and prevent them from becoming an entry point for cyber threats.

CSC confirmed that managing accounts and data has become critically important amid rapid technological advancements and the growing complexity of digital threats. Recent studies indicate that the average user downloads thousands of files every year, making these accounts a pivotal aspect of personal cyber safety. The Council noted that Secure Data Recovery estimated the number of files downloaded annually by an average user to reach around eleven thousand files. Statistics also show that the number of fake accounts in the Middle East has risen by approximately 30% due to the ease of creating digital accounts, further complicating the digital landscape and amplifying associated risks.

The "Cyber Pulse" campaign explained that inactive accounts fall into three main categories. The first category includes abandoned accounts, which are old accounts the user no longer remembers or interacts with. The second category involves excessive accounts created for temporary purposes or those no longer needed. The third category consists of fake accounts, typically created for marketing or fraudulent activities, making them the most dangerous in terms of cybersecurity.

The potential risks of inactive accounts include unauthorized access to users’ data, identity theft, and cyberattacks targeting sensitive information. These accounts can also be exploited in fraudulent schemes or within broader networks of online scams. Therefore, deleting and organizing such accounts is essential for strengthening both personal and organizational cybersecurity.

Building on this, the Cyber Security Council stressed that maintaining digital security requires organizing, securing, and closing unused accounts while properly protecting active ones. Through its weekly awareness campaign, the Council emphasized that account security is a core component of overall digital safety and must not be overlooked. Organizing and removing unnecessary accounts enhances users’ digital environments and reduces exposure to cyber threats. This is achieved through several measures, such as deleting unneeded accounts, removing email addresses from untrusted websites, closing inactive accounts, and regularly updating passwords for active accounts to ensure maximum protection.

The campaign highlighted that, with the rapid expansion of digital services and the increasing reliance on e-commerce, neglected or weakly secured accounts have become a potential tool for fraudsters. These accounts may appear legitimate and can be exploited for deception, online scams, or cyberattacks such as ransomware and other cyber threats. Old or forgotten accounts can also be used in fraudulent activities to trick victims into providing sensitive information or making payments. The Council therefore issued a series of recommendations urging users to remain vigilant, close unnecessary accounts, and secure important ones to avoid potential risks.

Now in its second consecutive year, the "Cyber Pulse" awareness campaign, launched by the Cyber Security Council across social media platforms, continues to support the UAE’s ongoing efforts to build a secure cyber environment that protects users from evolving digital threats. The initiative aligns with the nation’s comprehensive vision to foster trust in its digital ecosystem, strengthen cybersecurity culture, raise digital awareness among families and individuals, and enhance cybersecurity practices to ensure the safety and privacy of citizens and residents in an era of rapid digital transformation.