The UAE Cyber Security Council has stressed the critical importance of protecting digital identity, describing it as one of the most valuable digital assets for both individuals and organizations amid rising cyber threats.
The council said digital identity data, including personal information, financial transactions, and health records, has become a high-value target that requires strong protection measures to prevent misuse.
It noted that with the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence tools, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, and cloud-based applications, digital identities are increasingly exposed to cyberattacks. Threat actors exploit security vulnerabilities for impersonation, fraud, and the illegal sale of data on the black market.
The council emphasized that safeguarding digital identity is not a technical luxury but a necessity to protect privacy, prevent financial fraud, and ensure uninterrupted digital services without operational disruption or losses.
According to the council, cyberattacks targeting digital identities have increased by 32 percent during the first half of the year, driven by greater reliance on digital platforms and smart applications.
It highlighted multi-factor authentication (MFA) as one of the most effective security measures, noting that it can prevent more than 99 percent of identity-related attacks, making it a key tool for user protection.
The council also warned that breaches of digital identity can lead not only to data theft but also to identity fraud, financial losses, and reputational damage at both personal and professional levels, reinforcing the need for stronger preventive measures.
It outlined key safety practices, including avoiding the sharing of sensitive personal data, not reusing weak passwords, creating strong and complex passwords, and enabling multi-factor authentication. It said these basic steps remain the first line of defense against evolving cyber threats.
The council added that protecting digital identity is now as much about awareness and behavior as it is about technology, noting that advanced systems alone are not sufficient without informed users capable of managing cyber risks.
It further stated that amid ongoing digital transformation and rapid technological innovation, balancing usability with security remains a major challenge, requiring coordination between regulatory frameworks, modern cybersecurity technologies, and a strong digital awareness culture to protect individuals and society.
