focuses on ways to secure cameras and related devices "Cyber Pulse" Initiative Highlights Measures to Secure Virtual Meetings

As part of the weekly awareness campaign of the "Cyber Pulse" initiative launched by the Cyber Security Council (CSC), the Council warned against neglecting to secure meetings held through collaboration applications, and stressed the importance of securing the use of cameras during online and virtual meetings, particularly remote work sessions.

The Council urged individuals to activate secure features and avoid granting applications direct access to the camera without manual approval, describing these steps as fundamental precautions against potential cyberattacks. The campaign includes year-round programs and weekly awareness guidelines to highlight diverse cyber risks and provide instructions for countering such threats.

CSC emphasized that activating the "waiting room" feature, using webcams responsibly, and employing background blurring to conceal personal details are among the most effective defensive measures to reduce suspicious cyberattacks. It also outlined key steps to avoid falling victim to online fraud, including using a camera cover to prevent criminals from recording audio and video, switching the camera on only when necessary, ensuring the confidentiality of virtual meetings, applying passwords before enabling the camera, and generating a unique link for every meeting to reduce the risk of phishing and fraudulent activity.

According to the Council, users’ commitment to these measures strengthens the protection of their personal data and lowers the chances of fraud. It stressed that prevention starts with individuals’ awareness of phishing tactics and their evolving methods. Cybercriminals are increasingly deploying sophisticated techniques to commit fraud and steal data, with virtual meetings representing a prime opportunity for exploitation. This puts users at significant risk of financial and personal loss, particularly as reliance on cameras and virtual meetings expands across professional and personal spheres, thereby intensifying exposure to cyber fraud.

The Council urged all individuals to remain vigilant when using cameras during online meetings, Which includes government or private meetings, or even educational lessons and electronic games; and covers all levels of data classification, from highly confidential data to open and public data; and who deals with it from all segments of society, warning that criminals can remotely activate cameras to capture images, videos, and monitor movements at home or in the workplace. It highlighted that over 40,000 unsecured cameras broadcast video online without owners’ knowledge, with such footage potentially being sold or used for blackmail on the dark web. CSC also highlights the importance of monitoring the webcams light indicator when not in use, checking camera security levels to detect intrusions, and avoiding suspicious applications, files, and links from untrusted sources during online meetings.

The awareness campaign further encouraged users to adopt VPNs, enable automatic device updates, verify the reliability of security software, and exercise caution while browsing online. It also recommended promptly detecting and removing malware, keeping operating systems and applications updated to fix vulnerabilities, and recognizing that digital awareness is the most powerful defense against threats. Users were advised to secure all online interactions, especially those involving cameras, virtual meetings, sensitive data, and accessed websites.

Now in its second consecutive year on social media, the Cyber Pulse awareness campaign, launched by the Cyber Security Council, is part of the UAE's ongoing efforts to build a secure cyberspace that protects users from growing digital risks. It keeps pace with rapid technological developments within a comprehensive national vision to enhance trust in the country's digital ecosystem, promote a culture of cybersecurity, raise the level of digital awareness among families and individuals, and strengthen cybersecurity practices to ensure the safety and privacy of citizens and residents in an era of rapid digital transformation.