Fraudsters Prey on Emotions in 98% of Cyberattacks, Cyber Security Council Warns

The UAE Cyber Security Council has issued a fresh warning that social engineering, a technique that manipulates human behaviour rather than exploiting technical flaws, is used in almost 98 per cent of cyberattacks worldwide. The Council emphasised that the emotional and psychological aspects of these schemes are what make them so effective.

 

The caution was shared during the sixth week of the Cyber Pulse initiative, a 52-week national awareness campaign launched to improve digital literacy and strengthen resilience among individuals, businesses, and public institutions against the growing menace of cybercrime. Now in its second year, the campaign reflects the UAE’s ongoing efforts to promote digital safety and trust across its fast-expanding online ecosystem.

 

Explaining the tactics used by fraudsters, the Council said attackers frequently pose as government officials, colleagues, friends, or reputable organisations in order to mislead people into surrendering sensitive data or taking actions that compromise their security. Strategies often include the promise of fake rewards, impersonating well-known companies, sending urgent and threatening notifications, or deliberately overwhelming targets with excessive and conflicting information.

 

Unlike purely technical attacks, social engineering relies on direct human engagement. Criminals deliberately target emotions, using empathy, fear, urgency, or even false friendliness to create a sense of trust. In many cases, the ultimate goal is to access banking credentials, personal identification details, or to pressure victims into making rash financial transactions that they would otherwise avoid.

 

Fraudsters often craft messages that appear sympathetic or friendly, and in some instances deliberately sad or distressing, to trigger immediate emotional reactions. Victims may be persuaded to respond quickly, without pausing to verify the source or considering the consequences of their actions.

 

The Council urged members of the public to remain vigilant, stressing the importance of verifying identities before disclosing any information. It advised people to avoid sharing sensitive data such as passwords, account numbers, or identification details over phone calls, emails, or social media messages. Sudden requests that demand instant action should be treated with particular suspicion.

 

In addition, the Council recommended closely following official cybersecurity alerts, staying informed about evolving threats, and adopting safe online practices. “Your awareness is your first line of defence,” the Council noted, underlining that prevention begins with personal caution and responsible digital behaviour.

 

By extending Cyber Pulse into its second year, the Council aims to create a culture of cyber awareness nationwide, where individuals and organisations alike can identify threats early, resist manipulation, and help protect the integrity of the UAE’s rapidly growing digital landscape.

 

 

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