Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, the Head of Cyber Security at the UAE Government, has warned of an increase in cyber crimes during remote work and learning, following a recent incident where a young girl in the UAE fell victim to cyber bullying and harassment.
According to Dr. Al Kuwaiti, the shift to remote work and learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in cyber crime, as individuals spend more time online and become more vulnerable to attacks. He cited the case of a young girl who was subjected to cyber bullying and harassment by her classmates, resulting in her having to undergo rehabilitation and losing one academic year.
Dr. Al Kuwaiti urged individuals and organizations to take extra precautions to protect themselves against cyber threats, including using strong passwords, avoiding public Wi-Fi networks, and being cautious when opening emails and clicking on links. He also emphasized the need for greater awareness and education around cyber security, particularly among children and young people.
The UAE government has been taking steps to enhance its cyber security infrastructure and capabilities, including establishing the National Cyber Security Council and launching the UAE Cyber Security Strategy in 2019. However, Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasized that cyber security is a shared responsibility and called on individuals and organizations to do their part to prevent cyber crimes and protect themselves and their data.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in cyber crime, as individuals spend more time online during remote work and learning. The recent incident of cyber bullying and harassment suffered by a young girl in the UAE highlights the need for greater awareness and education around cyber security, as well as the importance of taking extra precautions to protect against cyber threats. The UAE government is committed to enhancing its cyber security capabilities, but cyber security is a shared responsibility and requires the active participation of individuals and organizations.
