Big Data, blockchain and the Internet of things (IoT) have positively disrupted many Middle East and North African societies, economies and industries in recent years.

However, with these technological advancements have come greater security risks.

In April, the UAE launched its first national fraud awareness campaign, in light of increased use of digital banking services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the wider phone fraud and digital-scam arena of late, some residents have also fallen prey to so-called SIM-jacking, identity theft and data privacy hacks.

Cybercrime crackdown

In a bid to protect the UAE’s IT infrastructure from risks and violations, plus improve cyber safety for residents, the UAE’s National Computer Emergency Response Team was established.

As part of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, the body responded to around 34,000 cyber-attacks on federal entities in April, ranging from malware to phishing.

“We’ve noticed an increased amount of fake websites and fraud websites, who’re trying to trick people into getting their sensitive credentials – such as their bank accounts – in order to compromise these accounts,” Mohammad Al Zarooni, TRA’s Executive Director of Policies & Programs told Rebecca McLaughlin-Eastham.

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Mohammad Al Zarooni speaks to Inspire Middle East

“It is very important for us to ensure that the nation is actually equipped with what they need, as an awareness campaign & awareness program, to be able to identify the difference between the fake, versus the real website,” he added.

Recognising that youngsters are particularly vulnerable to digital crime, not least during this time of remote learning, Al Zarooni flagged-up the UAE government’s dedicated support programmes for families.

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Mohammad Al Zarooni speaks to Inspire Middle East’s host Rebecca Mclaughlin-Eastham

“I think the Child Digital Safety Programme is a great initiative for all of us,” he told Inspire Middle East. “It’s actually aiming to ensure a safer online experience. Educating children, as well as their parents, how to be safe when browsing the internet and avoiding any kind of threats to their children, such as cyber bullying.”

Domestic data

Investing in data protective infrastructure is a priority for the UAE government and Abu Dhabi’s Hub71, the tech ecosystem powered by Mubadala, has been selected by US data residency hosting platform, InCountry, as its Middle East headquarters.

The organisation, which operates in more than 80 countries – including Egypt and Saudi Arabia – stores and protects data in its country of origin or citizenship.

This can avoid a nation’s data sitting in external jurisdictions, like the US, China or Europe, with differing security regulations to its own.

As it continues to move towards digitization, plus expand its knowledge and technology initiatives, the UAE is revisiting its data protection laws.

InCountry’s MENA Vice President told Euronews that this was a wise strate