A new generation of cyber-savvy law enforcement recruits are needed to tackle the growing threat from criminals and terrorists, one of Dubai's top security officials said.
Lt Gen Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, deputy chief of police and public security, warned that billions of dollars are being lost to cyber theft and subversion.
“Crime and technology experts are anticipating a complete digital transformation of terrorist crimes,” he said at an event for police officers in Sharjah this week.
“Terrorists will no longer need to use explosives but will instead resort to the use of e-bombs to destroy information systems and paralyse mass operations.”
There is no system that is not hackable
Lt Gen Dhahi Khalfan Tamim,
Dubai Police
Manipulating central bank monetary reserves, hacking self-driving vehicles and taking control of planes and trains are among the potential threats.
“The digital world has changed how crime happens and according to technology scientists and crime experts, there is no system that is not hackable,” he said.
“We need to prepare and qualify a generation that is capable of not only detecting these crimes and presenting undisputed evidence but also skilful enough to stop these crimes before they happen.”
The world has seen a sharp increase in the number of cyber crime victims since the pandemic began.
In the UAE, cyber crime costs $746 million a year and involves more than 166,000 victims.
Global estimates suggest cyber crime could cost up to $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $522 billion in 2018 and $945 billion in 2020.
Lt Gen Tamim called for joining forces with neighbouring countries and dedicated laws that help curb terrorism.
“But we first need a unified identification of [cyber] terrorism and of the kind of crimes that fall under it,” he said.
The most common form of cyber crime is phishing which tricks unsuspecting users into giving away personal information by opening attachments from unofficial sources or clicking on unknown links.
In recent months UAE residents have reported receiving fake bills impersonating brands including Netflix, Aramex, Emirates Post, McDonald’s and Papa Jones.
Another type of internet fraud sees people asked to pay a fee for moving a large sum of money from a foreign country. Once the fee is paid, the money never arrives.
'Companies need to protect themselves'
“With technology advancing on daily basis, we will always have merging types of cyber crimes therefore we must have more cyber security analysts,” said Staff Sgt Nouf Alharmoodi, cyber security expert with Sharjah Police.
She said it is imperative for the country to have more cyber security analysts to identify and neutralise new threat tactics as quickly as they appear.
She also said companies needed to invest to protect themselves.
“We will continue to do our part of educating people but this is a cyber war on institutions and individuals and they need to be responsible too and do their part,” said Staff Sgt Alharmoodi.
The remarks were made during Police Ideology Forum organised by the Research Centre at Sharjah Police.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
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- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'Gold'
Director:Anthony Hayes
Stars:Zaf Efron, Anthony Hayes
Rating:3/5
Name: Colm McLoughlin
Country: Galway, Ireland
Job: Executive vice chairman and chief executive of Dubai Duty Free
Favourite golf course: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
Favourite part of Dubai: Palm Jumeirah
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
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Sector: Online grocery delivery
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WOMAN AND CHILD
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The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
Scoreline:
Everton 4
Richarlison 13'), Sigurdsson 28', Digne 56', Walcott 64'
Manchester United 0
Man of the match: Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton)
Chatham House Rule
A mark of Chatham House’s influence 100 years on since its founding, was Moscow’s formal declaration last month that it was an “undesirable
organisation”.
The depth of knowledge and academics that it drew on
following the Ukraine invasion had broadcast Mr Putin’s chicanery.
The institute is more used to accommodating world leaders,
with Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher among those helping it provide
authoritative commentary on world events.
Chatham House was formally founded as the Royal Institute of
International Affairs following the peace conferences of World War One. Its
founder, Lionel Curtis, wanted a more scientific examination of international affairs
with a transparent exchange of information and ideas.
That arena of debate and analysis was enhanced by the “Chatham
House Rule” states that the contents of any meeting can be discussed outside Chatham
House but no mention can be made identifying individuals who commented.
This has enabled some candid exchanges on difficult subjects
allowing a greater degree of free speech from high-ranking figures.
These meetings are highly valued, so much so that
ambassadors reported them in secret diplomatic cables that – when they were
revealed in the Wikileaks reporting – were thus found to have broken the rule. However,
most speeches are held on the record.
Its research and debate has offered fresh ideas to
policymakers enabling them to more coherently address troubling issues from climate
change to health and food security.
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The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The specs: 2018 Mazda CX-5
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Key facilities
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
