Abu Dhabi – The UAE Cybersecurity Council has called on all users of digital systems and applications to regularly update their devices, stressing that smartphones, laptops, routers, web browsers, and smart home systems are among the most vulnerable to cyberattacks, particularly when connected to open networks.
In a statement to Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Council highlighted that outdated systems are prime targets for malware, data theft, and network breaches. It urged individuals and organizations to enable automatic updates to ensure continuous protection and close newly discovered security loopholes.
Neglecting updates, the Council warned, exposes users to serious risks such as malware infections, theft of sensitive information, and unauthorized intrusions into private or corporate networks. Cybersecurity experts emphasized the importance of simple preventive measures: enabling automatic updates, installing patches regularly, reviewing privacy settings, and monitoring unusual device activity.
“Updates are not just technical improvements but digital shields that safeguard systems from evolving threats,” the Council affirmed. It added that most cyberattacks exploit known vulnerabilities that could easily be prevented through timely updates, making consistent software patching one of the most effective defences against modern cyber risks.
