The UAE Cyber Security Council has revealed that social engineering, which targets human weaknesses rather than technical flaws, is used in nearly 98 percent of cyberattacks.

The warning came during the sixth week of the Council’s Cyber Pulse initiative, a 52-week campaign aimed at raising digital literacy and resilience among individuals and institutions.

Attackers often pose as officials, friends, or trusted organisations to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or taking harmful actions. Tactics include offering fake rewards, impersonating credible entities, sending urgent threats, or overloading victims with conflicting messages.

Fraudsters do not rely solely on malware. They also use direct communication, exploiting emotions such as empathy, urgency, or fear to gain trust. Their goal is usually to obtain banking or personal information or force victims into quick decisions.

The Council urged the public to verify identities, avoid sharing account details or passwords, and be cautious of sudden messages demanding immediate action. It also advised staying updated on official alerts and cybersecurity guidance.

The Cyber Pulse campaign, now in its second year, forms part of UAE national efforts to strengthen digital safety, protect users from cyber risks, and build trust in the country’s digital ecosystem.

Bullet Points for Quick Readability:

• Social engineering is involved in nearly 98% of cyberattacks, the UAE Cyber Security Council reported.
• Cyber Pulse initiative raises digital literacy and resilience among individuals and institutions.
• Council advises verifying identities, safeguarding personal data, and monitoring official alerts.

Related post

View all