Security must be prioritised when posting images, videos, or any other kind of content on social media, and a government agency in Dubai has created a program to guarantee data safety. To protect data from susceptible websites, a senior official from the Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DSEC) suggested that residents download and utilise the RZAM app. When you have data on Snapchat, you’re the ambassador and owner of your data. You should be responsible for it and know how to store data such as personal and family photos,” Dr. AlBlooshi stated at the Global Government Cloud Forum held at The Museum of the Future on Tuesday.
RZAM: An Added Layer of Protection
Dr. AlBlooshi also highlighted the role of the RZAM app in ensuring online security. RZAM detects and prevents attacks on users’ browsers by blocking access to vulnerable websites. When you browse and land on a vulnerable website, it will just block it,” she said. Despite rising concerns over cybercrimes globally, Dr. AlBlooshi assured residents that Dubai’s data protection measures are robust, supported by the UAE data privacy law. From a government perspective, data is safe and secured,” she noted.
Social Engineering: A Persistent Threat
Amer Sharaf, CEO of Cyber Security Systems and Services Sector at DESC, emphasized Dubai’s strong and resilient cybersecurity infrastructure. However, threats remain, and social engineering attacks continue to target unsuspecting individuals. Dr. AlBlooshi described social engineering as a common vulnerability, not only in the UAE but worldwide. “People are social-engineered either through SMS, WhatsApp, or other means. Attackers are using different mechanisms every day,” she said. Residents were urged to remain vigilant against phishing, impersonation, and fraud attempts, such as scammers pretending to be bank representatives and asking for OTP numbers. Awareness programs in Dubai aim to educate residents about these tactics and help them safeguard their personal and professional data.
AI and Cloud Computing: Shaping the Future
The one-day Global Government Cloud Forum brought together experts from the public and private sectors, including representatives from the World Bank. In a keynote address, Roby Senderowitsch, practice manager for public administration and governance global practice at the World Bank, discussed the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is often described as a gamechanger that promises to reshape public service and personal lives, from creating smarter cities to faster decision-making and providing better services to citizens,” he said. Senderowitsch emphasized that AI relies on cloud computing to unlock its full potential, underscoring the interconnectedness of the two technologies.