DUBAI : The UAE Cybersecurity Council has raised fresh concerns over the growing risks of using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, revealing that more than 12,000 breaches this year—nearly 35% of all cyberattacks reported nationwide—stemmed from such connections.
Officials cautioned that open Wi-Fi in cafes, airports, malls, and other public spaces has become a prime target for hackers. Cybercriminals often deploy “man-in-the-middle” (MITM) attacks, intercepting user data, redirecting traffic to fake websites, recording calls, or installing malicious software on unsuspecting devices.
Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, underlined the government’s commitment to building a secure digital ecosystem. “The UAE continues to invest heavily in safeguarding users against evolving threats, while promoting confidence in our digital economy,” he said.
Authorities urged residents and visitors to take basic precautions when connecting to public Wi-Fi, including:
•Using a VPN to encrypt traffic
•Enabling safe browsing features
•Avoiding access to sensitive accounts such as banking or email on unsecured networks
The Council stressed that awareness remains the strongest shield. While free Wi-Fi may be convenient, officials warned, it also poses one of the fastest-growing avenues for cybercrime.