UAE cybersecurity council urges users to enable automatic updates across devices to minimise risks from cyberattacks via outdated systems.
ABU DHABI: The UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued a public advisory urging individuals and businesses across the country to regularly update all their digital devices, including smartphones, laptops, routers, web browsers, and smart home technologies. These devices are often vulnerable to cyberattacks, especially when connected to unsecured or public networks.
The Council highlighted that evolving cyber threats frequently target outdated systems, making them highly susceptible to malware infections, data breaches, and network intrusions. It strongly advised enabling automatic updates as a primary defence mechanism to keep systems secure and to patch known vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
Experts explained that users should check their devices’ update settings regularly, install security patches promptly, review privacy configurations, and remain vigilant for unusual activity. These measures, the Council noted, can significantly reduce the risk of cyber incidents and data loss.
“Updates are not just technical improvements,” the Council stated in comments to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), “but digital shields that safeguard systems from evolving threats.” It reiterated that most cyberattacks exploit known weaknesses that could have been avoided with timely software updates.
The statement is part of the UAE’s broader national campaign to bolster digital safety and promote cybersecurity awareness. Users are encouraged to take proactive steps to secure their personal and professional data in an increasingly connected digital world.
