Encouraging individuals to regularly review their activities in cyberspace

CSC calls for activating "digital cleansing" to protect against cyber risks

​​​​​​As part of the weekly awareness campaign of the "Cyber Pulse" initiative launched by the Cyber Security Council (CSC), the Council called on citizens, through its weekly awareness message on cyber risks, to regularly review their various activities in cyberspace. CSC also emphasized the importance of "digital cleansing" as a key protective measure against cyber threats and as an effective way to reduce individuals’ digital footprints, thereby lowering the risks of exposure to fraud, phishing, and online scams.

The Council explained that digital cleansing refers to the periodic review of all activities carried out by individuals across different areas of the digital space. This process enables individuals to filter their data, delete unnecessary applications, review privacy settings, and close accounts that are no longer needed. The Council noted that such practices can reduce individuals’ exposure to fraud, phishing, and other cyber threats by approximately 30%, including risks such as online extortion, ransomware attacks, and similar malicious activities used by cybercriminals to target users.

The Council’s weekly awareness message also warned that leaving one’s digital footprint unmanaged and unchecked can lead to identity theft, phishing attacks, data breaches, and loss of privacy. It urged all individuals to pay close attention to, and regularly review, all online activities conducted through websites and digital applications, whether accessed via mobile phones or laptops, and regardless of whether these activities are routine, work-related, or part of daily life.

In this context, the Council provided a set of practical tips to help reduce digital footprints in cyberspace. These include periodically searching for one’s name online, setting up name-based alerts, reviewing privacy settings on all personal devices, exercising caution before sharing personal information on any website or application, including social media platforms and artificial intelligence applications, and regularly checking the permissions granted to various apps on mobile devices. The Council also stressed the importance of closing unused accounts, using secure methods to store passwords, and avoiding linking accounts unless absolutely necessary.

The Council further emphasized that regular and comprehensive reviews of individuals’ digital footprints should evolve into a consistent personal culture aimed at securing online presence and protecting digital accounts. It encouraged individuals to adopt this practice as a routine habit, dedicating time on a weekly or monthly basis to clean their mobile devices, delete unused applications, close neglected accounts, review privacy settings and granted permissions, verify personal social media accounts and update their passwords, as well as review email accounts, both personal and work-related. In addition, the Council highlighted the importance of periodically reviewing financial applications and ensuring they are adequately secured to protect individuals’ savings and assets.

In its weekly awareness message, the Cyber Security Council reaffirmed that these guidelines underscore the critical importance of vigilance and awareness in confronting electronic fraud. The Council stressed the need for constant caution before clicking on any links and for refraining from sharing personal or financial information, noting that the rapid and continuous pace of digital developments requires sustained alertness and heightened awareness of evolving cyber risks.

The Council concluded by noting that online safety in cyberspace has become a major challenge, and that these preventive measures complement ongoing government efforts to address current digital challenges associated with rapid technological advancement. Within this framework, the Cyber Pulse awareness campaign, now in its second consecutive year on social media platforms, supports the UAE’s continued efforts to build a secure cyberspace that protects users from growing digital risks, keeps pace with fast-moving technological developments, and aligns with a comprehensive national vision to strengthen trust in the country’s digital ecosystem. The campaign also aims to foster a strong cybersecurity culture, raise digital awareness among families and individuals, and promote best cybersecurity practices to ensure the safety and privacy of citizens and residents in an era of accelerated digital transformation.