Dubai Police Warn of Rising Cyber Threats Amid Digital Transformation

As the digital world continues to evolve, Dubai Police have flagged significant concerns over future cyber threats, with biometric data theft and cyberterrorism looming large. Major Tarek Belhoul, head of the virtual assets crime section at Dubai Police, highlighted the growing risks posed by digital crimes during the National Summit on Financial Crime Compliance in Abu Dhabi.

 

Belhoul emphasized that as economies transition towards digitization, new forms of cybercrime are emerging. These include the poisoning of data and increasing criminal activities in the metaverse. He warned that tampering with data, especially through artificial intelligence (AI), could fuel misinformation and propaganda warfare, a tactic already observed in today's digital landscape. “We see a huge projection of crime in the metaverse and digital space as our economies are transforming into digital economies," Belhoul stated.

 

One area of concern is the misuse of biometric data, such as fingerprints, iris scans, and facial recognition. Criminals are leveraging these identifiers to impersonate individuals and gain unauthorized access. Additionally, malware, ransomware, and vulnerabilities in IoT (Internet of Things) devices have been exploited repeatedly for financial gain.

 

Belhoul stressed that while investments in infrastructure are essential, the focus must also shift to empowering individuals and strengthening legislation to combat these evolving threats. He praised the UAE’s proactive stance, becoming the first Arab country with a dedicated unit to combat virtual asset-related crimes.

 

Protecting Children in the Digital Age

Addressing the growing digital risks children face, Major Belhoul advised parents to spend at least one hour daily with their children to monitor their online activities. He recommended engaging in conversations about their digital interactions rather than restricting device use. "It's crucial for parents to understand who their children are interacting with online, especially when it comes to gaming," he said.

 

Belhoul revealed that Dubai Police had established a dedicated section to tackle digital crimes involving children, reflecting the increasing dangers within the gaming industry. He urged parents to remain vigilant, as seemingly innocent online activities can sometimes conceal more harmful realities.

 

The National Summit on Financial Crime Compliance, attended by officials from the UAE, US, Europe, and the GCC, focused on the pressing challenges posed by financial and cybercrimes. Experts discussed strategies to combat these global threats as digital technology continues to evolve.

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