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UAE Cybercity Council A nationwide warning has been issued, urging the residents to avoid downloading unproven mobile applications, emphasizing risks such as malware, financial theft and data violations. - Citizens are advised to install the app only from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, carefully check the app permission and maintain up-to-date device safety.
- Increase in cyber attacks with daily 200,000 events has inspired the council to strengthen awareness through public outreach and policy measures, which is as part of the wider.
UAE National cyber security strategy,
With the use of the UAE’s rapid digital transformation fuel record smartphones and apps, the country’s top cyber security bodies have played an alarm on the dangers of rejected applications. In a warning by recent spikes in cyber attacks, the UAE Cyber Security Council called the public to adopt strict mobile security habits, as part of an all-out effort to increase cyber security in the Emirates,
Causes behind warning
The warning comes to a significant turn. In 2025, the daily cyber attacks in the United Arab Emirates have approached 200,000, according to government estimates, public and private sectors as well as individual users.Cyber criminals have rapidly advantage of malicious apps to distribute malware, steal financial data, steal and reach sensitive personal information, increase a risk during the time of increasing national events, holidays and online activity.Major elements of the guidance of the council:
- Download only from reliable platforms:
The council emphasizes the need to use the official Apple App Store, Google Play, or equivalent reliable sources. The third-party or informal app stores the common sources of malware and must be completely avoided.
- Review the app permission before installation:
Users are urged to allow app requests during installation. Excessive access to contacts, messages, cameras, or space, which is necessary for the function of the app, may have a red flag for spyware or fraud.
- Keep the device and apps updated:
The council states that your operating system and apps are required to be updated with the latest security patch, as weaknesses are regularly exploited by cyber criminal.
- Take care with the link:
Fishing remains a popular attack vector; Users are said to avoid downloading files sent from unknown or suspicious sources, whether it is through text, email, or messaging app.These warnings are being reinforced through ongoing public campaigns, including the “cyber pulse” initiative, aimed at raising awareness and teaching practical steps for online self -defense.
App Safety References in UAE
Reports suggest that the weaknesses of the mobile app have been detected in the Emirates with finance, healthcare and logistics sectors.
- Legal and Regulatory Coverage:
Federal laws such as UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and National Electronic Security Authority (NESA) rules require businesses to ensure digital security, regular audit and report violations. Non-transportation can result in severe punishment.
- Phanting unsafe methods:
The UAE Central Bank has made an infection from low safe authentication (eg, SMS/email OTP), which is pushing for more secure, APP-based verification to further reduce general fraud rises.
Comprehensive national strategy
As part of its vision 2030 and national cyber security strategy, the UAE government is investing:
- National and Emirate-level cyber initiative:
Multi-level strategies including public education, regulatory updates and extended field-specific security.The establishment of the Government and the Safety Operations Centers (SOC) in the government and important infrastructure to detect and neutralize cyber threats in real time.
- Promoting Cyber Security Culture:
Running training, audit and collaborative exercises are now regular for government employees, businesses and public, which is to create strong cyber security.
How to be safe: Official recommendations
- Only download apps from Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or official provider sites
- Check the developer credentials and user reviews before installing any app.
- At least review and restrict the required app permissions; Remove any app requesting excessive access.
- Regularly update your device’s operating system and installed apps.
- Report suspicious apps or cyber incidents directly through
Telecom regulatory authority Cyber Security Council, or your local police cybercrime unit.
Warnings about UAE’s rejected apps are not just caution, it is a direct reaction to the sophistication that develops a digitally connected population. Citizens and businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability, by following the best practices mentioned above and relying on fully verified sources. The latest warning of the council is based in real -time danger data and is implemented through ongoing public education, another step in the country’s scheduled campaign to create a global model for safe, flexible and reliable digital life.
