Abu Dhabi: The UAE Cyber Security Council has emphasised the importance of protecting digital identity, describing it as one of the most valuable assets for individuals and institutions.The council noted that data linked to digital identity — including personal information, financial transactions and health records — makes it a critical asset that must be adequately protected.In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the council said that with the spread of artificial intelligence tools, the Internet of Things and cloud applications, digital identity has become an easy target for cyber attackers who exploit vulnerabilities for impersonation, fraud or selling data on the black market. It stressed that protecting digital identity is not a technical luxury but a necessity to safeguard privacy, prevent fraud and ensure the continuity of digital services without disruption or significant financial losses.The council added that indicators show a notable increase in cyberattacks targeting digital identities, rising by 32 percent during the first half of this year, particularly alongside growing reliance on digital services and smart applications.It underscored the importance of adopting advanced solutions such as multi-factor authentication, which has proven capable of preventing more than 99 percent of identity-related attacks, making it one of the most effective tools for user protection.The council warned that breaches of digital identity can extend beyond data loss to include identity theft, fraud and financial losses, as well as negative impacts on personal and professional reputation. These risks, it said, make protecting digital identity a strategic necessity rather than merely a technical option.It outlined several key measures, including avoiding sharing sensitive personal information, refraining from reusing weak passwords, choosing strong and complex passwords, and enabling multi-factor authentication. Despite their simplicity, the council said these steps form the first line of defence against growing threats.The council affirmed that protecting digital identity is no longer purely a technical challenge but also one of awareness and behaviour, noting that advanced technologies alone are insufficient without informed users capable of managing risks effectively.With ongoing digital transformation and rapid innovation, it added that achieving a balance between usability and security remains a key challenge, requiring integration between regulatory policies, modern technologies and a strong digital culture capable of protecting individuals and communities alike.
