Cyber Security Council has urged the public to adopt secure payment methods as the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches. It said protected systems help individuals and organisations avoid cyber fraud.

The Council stated that verifying secure platforms during online financial transactions can reduce cyberattacks targeting financial data. Moreover, it warned that fraudulent schemes often aim to misappropriate assets belonging to individuals, companies and institutions. It also advised people to be cautious with donation channels and to rely only on trusted and protected payment platforms.

According to the Council, secure payment methods can cut fraudulent activity by 25 percent. As a result, the risk of theft, electronic fraud and identity theft drops significantly. However, it noted that 79 percent of organisations faced payment fraud or attempted fraud in 2024. Therefore, it stressed the need for constant vigilance when conducting financial transactions online to prevent attacks on financial and banking data.

In its weekly awareness message, the Council highlighted the dangers of unsecured electronic payment systems. These risks include data breaches, unauthorised access to personal information, credit card fraud and fake refund schemes. Furthermore, it warned against using payment services from unknown or unverified providers, as such systems may bypass approved standards and regulations.

The Council also emphasised responsible handling of financial data online. It advised users not to store sensitive financial information on mobile phones or personal computers. In addition, it recommended regularly monitoring bank accounts and avoiding suspicious advertisements or unauthorised individuals operating outside recognised banking frameworks. It added that fraudsters increasingly imitate bank logos and trusted institutions to steal information, making message verification essential.

To strengthen protection, the Council encouraged the adoption of advanced security technologies for electronic donations. These include encryption that converts sensitive data into unreadable codes and dual or multi-factor authentication to confirm digital identities. It also recommended data tokenisation and fraud detection systems to identify suspicious activity and limit fraudulent transactions.

Finally, the message stressed the importance of reviewing privacy settings, deleting untrusted applications and continuously updating software and operating systems. Such steps are vital as technology evolves and new threats emerge. Overall, the Council reiterated that consistent use of secure payment practices is essential to protect individuals and institutions in the digital environment.

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