As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the UAE Cybersecurity Council has announced the launch of a new national competition titled “Nebras”, designed to nurture a culture of digital awareness among children and youth. The initiative invites young participants to create visual content that promotes online safety and cybersecurity, with total prizes worth Dh30,000 up for grabs.
Targeting participants aged up to 16, Nebras features two categories children (up to 12 years old) and youth (12 to 16 years old). Entrants can submit creative short videos of up to 45 seconds (maximum 30MB), using any visual or AI tools. Submissions must reflect UAE values, customs, and traditions.
Six winners will share the total prize pool: Dh7,000 each for two first-place winners, Dh5,000 each for two second-place winners, and Dh3,000 each for two third-place winners. Winners will need to present a valid Emirates ID to claim their prizes.
Encouraging vigilance against cyber fraud
Alongside the competition, the Council has issued a public advisory urging immediate action when facing online scams or financial fraud attempts.
It emphasized that swift reporting is key to recovering lost funds, advising victims to immediately contact relevant authorities, their bank, or payment platforms to cancel or reverse any fraudulent transactions.
“If money has been transferred to a scammer, quick response is critical the faster a person reacts, the higher the chance of getting their money back,” the Council stated.
Payments made via credit cards, digital wallets, or bank transfers should be reported to the card issuer or financial institution for cancellation, while victims of fraud involving gift cards or cryptocurrency are advised to contact the issuing platform. For cash or remittance transfers, prompt contact with the transfer service could help stop the transaction before completion.
Protecting digital banking systems
The Council warned that bank accounts remain the prime targets for cybercriminals, highlighting the importance of securing online banking systems to safeguard personal assets and national economic stability.
Risks include stolen credentials, unauthorized transactions, and severe financial or legal repercussions.
To mitigate these threats, the Council urged the public to use multi-factor authentication (MFA), enable real-time transaction alerts, and avoid accessing accounts from public devices.
“Safe online banking doesn’t just protect individuals it strengthens the UAE’s economic resilience as a global financial hub,” the Council noted.
Understanding the human factor in cybercrime
In a broader warning, the Council highlighted that social engineering manipulating human psychology rather than technology is now the most dangerous weapon in a scammer’s toolkit.
According to the Council, 98 per cent of cyberattacks involve social engineering, where fraudsters prey on trust, fear, or urgency to deceive victims into sharing sensitive data.
Modern scammers often impersonate officials, companies, or even friends, mimicking familiar communication styles to appear credible.
Common tactics include fake prize offers, urgent payment requests, or threatening messages that pressure victims into quick, emotional decisions.
Strengthening national awareness
To counter these tactics, the Council is continuing its “Cyber Pulse” campaign, currently in its sixth week, which focuses on social engineering awareness. The initiative shares practical advice such as:
- Verify the identity of anyone requesting sensitive information.
- Avoid clicking on links or attachments from unknown senders.
- Refrain from sharing personal data via calls or social media.
- Follow only verified advisories from official authorities.
The Council also reminded the public that cybercriminals often use empathy or emotional language to gain trust and that awareness remains the most powerful defense.
In today’s digital world, hacking isn’t just about code it’s about behavior,” the Council concluded. “With nearly all cyberattacks depending on human error, the fight against cybercrime begins with awareness and vigilance.
