The UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) has issued a strong warning to residents and visitors about the growing cyber risks associated with illegal streaming and downloading of digital content. As part of its weekly awareness campaign, Cyber Pulse, launched under the theme “Stream Safe… Download Smart,” the Council urged individuals to use only trusted and official platforms when accessing movies, music, or other digital content.
The CSC stressed that accessing untrusted websites or downloading content from unreliable sources can expose users to serious cyber threats, including data breaches, privacy violations, and device infections caused by malware or ransomware. Such attacks may lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and large-scale digital exploitation.
Highlighting the scale of the issue, the Council noted that piracy websites recorded an estimated 216 billion visits globally by the end of 2024, while more than 90 percent of music files were exchanged through illegal networks. Alarmingly, nearly 70 percent of users remain unaware that free streaming sites often act as entry points for malicious software. According to the campaign, more than one million devices were compromised after users visited illegal streaming platforms.
The CSC warned that cybercriminals are increasingly sophisticated, using highly convincing messages, fake advertisements, and deceptive links to lure victims. The Council emphasised that “free” does not mean safe, as many such websites are designed to harvest personal data or install harmful software without the user’s knowledge.
As part of the campaign, the CSC shared practical cyber safety guidelines, including avoiding untrusted links, verifying sponsored messages and advertisements, using official streaming and download platforms, and enabling updated security software to protect against viruses and cyber threats.
Now in its second year, the Cyber Pulse initiative is being rolled out across social media platforms to strengthen public awareness and promote responsible digital behaviour. The Council reaffirmed that individual vigilance plays a critical role alongside government efforts in building a secure, trusted, and resilient digital ecosystem across the UAE.
