In a special episode of the “Money Secrets” podcast, economic content creator Ahmed Elgamal welcomed H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Government’s Cybersecurity Council, to discuss rising cyber threats and the vital role of public awareness in protecting individuals and institutions from digital attacks.
Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasized that cybercrime is no longer limited to technical breaches, but now includes what is termed “cyber terrorism,” aimed at influencing public opinion, manipulating thought, and stealing personal data. He warned that smartphones have become an easy entry point for hackers, underscoring the need for cybersecurity culture to be embedded in daily behaviour.
He explained that the UAE’s National Cybersecurity Strategy focuses on governance, capacity building, privacy protection, and institutional integration, while stressing that individuals remain the first line of defense, no matter how advanced systems become.
The conversation also highlighted the government’s coordination with the Central Bank to combat financial fraud, including phishing messages and scam calls. Dr. Al Kuwaiti urged the public to remain vigilant and refrain from sharing sensitive banking information, especially among the elderly.
He also warned against oversharing personal data on social media, citing incidents of cyberbullying that have had serious psychological effects on children and their families. He concluded by reaffirming that building a secure digital society requires collective responsibility through awareness, education, and safe online practices.