The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has warned the public of the dealers against the damage of a virus currently prevalent in the world, which is the "Emotet" virus, which is a malicious software system that spreads malware and infects users through its mass campaigns of spam, which contain harmful links to users. .
The authority also warned, in a statement issued yesterday, of the danger of fraudulent messages that delude the recipient that the sender is a reliable company, and invites him to click on certain links, or send private information via the phone, e-mail, etc., which leads to placing the recipient in the window of fraud and electronic fraud , Where a large spread of fraudulent messages was detected, which contain fraudulent links in recent times, which reach users in the form of short text messages, and also via WhatsApp messages, impersonating well-known company names or bankers accredited in the country, asking the user to contact On certain numbers, make a statement Personal data and data bank card, under the pretext of banning ATM card, to be fraud on them and rob them, due to lack of awareness and lack of familiarity with such methods used in the fraud.
She also called to beware of the links currently spread through the "Snapchat" application as "photo editing filters", because it is possible that these links contain software, and the authority called for not pressing on such links except after making sure of the person sending, to avoid infection with any programs Malicious.
The authority advised dealers not to click on strange links, or open attachments from unverified sources, and also called on users to verify the authenticity of text messages, not to communicate via the numbers mentioned in the message, and to communicate with the official authority through direct contact using the numbers on Its official channels for the aforementioned entities.
It also stressed the necessity of updating their electronic devices and anti-virus applications continuously, avoiding the use of pirated programs, or obtaining them from untrusted sites, and ensuring that the programs are obtained from their official sources.
Emotet virus first appeared in 2014, as it was originally designed as a malicious program for banks, which infiltrates the computers of customers, steals sensitive and private information and data, then this program developed to include spam. And this virus can penetrate the email of a computer user, and then send electronic messages to the communications list, where these messages contain offers from famous brands, designed to appear as a legitimate email. The general manager of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, Hamad Obaid al-Mansouri, said: “Malicious cyber attacks are increasing and their targets vary from seizing personal property to individuals, to destroying large institutions, and causing chaos in many countries of the world. The UAE was keen on providing the capabilities and expertise that would enhance cyber security in order to preserve the civilizational gains that the country had made in its path towards digital transformation, and entering the era of artificial intelligence and the fourth industrial revolution, smart services and the Internet of things.
Information Technology Development Forum
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority held the sixth forum for developing information technology, in the presence of telecommunications service providers in the country, and a large number of stakeholders and specialists. The authority stated in a statement yesterday that the forum chaired by the Director of Infrastructure and Standards in the «Telecommunications Regulation», Abdul Rahman Al-Nasser, discussed various trends in the sector, related developments on the world level, and the results of the consultative study on the project to keep pace with development and technology, conducted by the authority General Regulatory of the Telecommunications Sector.