Issue 05
العربية

Esharat is a digital magazine, issued biannually and freely by Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) to provide information and raise community awareness about cyber security and technology, in line with DESC’s mandate to implement government strategy and support Dubai’s journey to becoming the safest cyberspace in the world.

Top cybersecurity tips for outside-office employees

The era of working remotely is here to stay – whether on a permanent or temporary basis, in a world beyond pandemic restrictions – and it brings with it a host of advantages for both remote workers and their employers. Sadly, this flexibility also means unprecedented opportunities for cybercriminals, since we are all more digitally connected than ever before.

International cybersecurity specialists noted that malicious forces intensified their attacks to take advantage of the

COVID-19 crisis, from phishing emails posing as government health organisations to selling fake cures online and inserting malware into digital tools to manage the pandemic! It is essential that anyone using the internet is aware of the risks and alert to potential cyberthreats.

Don’t become a cybervictim

When working out of the office, take responsibility for securing your own IT systems as well as sensitive company data with this important advice from Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC).

Good online hygiene for your home network includes:

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Better safe than sorry

Stay alert and handle any suspicious electronic communication with caution. Here are some of the threats to look out for:

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Phishing and spam

Be extra cautious when opening emails, attachments, text messages or social media communications claiming to be about COVID-19. Don’t click on links and remember that trusted organisations, such as your bank, will never ask you for personal information via email or SMS.

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Ransomware

Emails and other digital messages that threaten to crash your system or tell the world your secrets unless you deposit a heap of cryptocurrency are usually relying on you to react impulsively out of fear. Never respond or click on any links.

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Always back up

If ransomware ever does infect your system, you’ll be relieved to know you have a copy of all your files somewhere safe! Archive your important information, or copy files securely onto a USB stick or external hard drive, and store a copy in a different location.

Dubai ensures a safe cyberspace

From hacked accounts to scams, cybercrime is here and its global cost is mounting annually. However, with these security tips in mind, you will have enough knowledge to at least stay alert to risks. Remember that, while Dubai is one of the most important economic centres in the Middle East, the government has robust strategies in place to ensure top national cybersecurity. Multiple laws and regulations limit cybercrime and DESC works actively to innovate ways to keep us cybersafe.

Are your online meetings secure?

Video conferencing has proved critical to work team success during the pandemic lockdown. Always ensure privacy with a unique password for each meeting and watch this DESC video for quick tips to keep your company discussions cybersafe!

Good security guidelines include:

  • Sensitive information should never be discussed in public or open places
  • Be alert to any sensitive information that is not for public viewing
  • If the video meeting needs to be recorded, permission should be obtained from all in attendance
  • Personal recording devices should not be permitted
  • Cameras and microphones should be turned off when not in use