Dubai : The General Authority for Regulating the Telecommunications Sector (also known as the “TRA”) warned the public against a worldwide virus outbreak that goes by the name of ‘Emotet’. The virus is a malicious system that spreads malware and infects users through its bulk spam email campaigns containing harmful links to users.

The TRA also warned the public of the risk of fraudulent messages that mislead recipients into thinking that they are from reliable sources and invite them to click on certain links or send private information by phone, email or otherwise, ultimately making the recipient a victim of scam and online fraud.

A widespread of fraudulent messages containing links have been recently detected. Such message reach users via SMS and WhatsApp, impersonating a well-known company or bank established in the UAE, which then ask the user to call some numbers, provide personal data and bank card details, under the pretext of unblocking the ATM card. Users become victims of fraud and theft due to lack of awareness of such methods used in the attack.

In addition, the TRA cautioned against widespread Snapchat links such as filters because they may contain malware. The TRA recommended not clicking such links until after verifying the sender to avoid being infected with any malicious code.

The TRA advised the public not to open unknown links or attachments from unverified sources. It also urged users to verify the authenticity of text messages, refrain from calling mentioned numbers and get in touch with the concerned entity by using the numbers on its official channels. The TRA also stressed the necessity to continuously update devices and antivirus applications, avoid using or getting pirated software from unreliable external sources and ensure that programs are downloaded from official sources.

Commenting on this subject, H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri, TRA Director General, said: “As the world becomes more reliant on the Internet and virtual world, malicious cyberattacks are increasing, with goals ranging from seizing personal property to destroying large organizations and creating chaos in many countries of the world.  Hence, the UAE was keen to provide the means necessary to fortify cybersecurity and preserve the milestones achieved by the UAE in its march towards digital transformation, AI, 4IR, smart services and IoT.”

H.E. Al Mansouri emphasized that the TRA, through the National Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT), works around the clock to spread awareness among different groups of society on how to deal with viruses and hacking attempts, adding: “The UAE prioritized the happiness of its nation as a main objective of its future plans and visions, and this happiness can only be achieved by safeguarding the peoples’ property and preserving security. Today, we started preparing for the next fifty years guided by our wise leadership and as such, we must make every effort to protect our good nation from shady intruders. That is where the aeCERT comes in by cooperating with TRA strategic partners to stand against cyberattacks, whether by detecting hackers and blocking their websites, or by raising community awareness through all available media channels.”

Emotet first emerged in 2014. Emotet was originally designed as a banking malware that attempted to sneak onto your computer and steal sensitive and private information. Later versions of the software saw the addition of spamming. It uses a functionality that helps the software evade detection by some antivirus products. Emotet can spread to other connected devices, inflicting major damage to organizations and individuals.

Emotet can hijack your email and send itself to your contacts. Emotet emails may contain popular branding designed to look like a legitimate email. Emotet may try to persuade users to click the malicious files by using tempting language about “Your Invoice,” “Payment Details,” or possibly an upcoming shipment from well-known parcel companies.

The aeCERT was established by Decree 5/89 of 2008 issued by the Ministerial Council for Services. aeCERT was created to improve information security standards and practices, protect and support UAE ICT infrastructure against online risks and breaches, and build secure and protected ICT culture. It also aims to strengthen the UAE law on combating cybercrimes, assist in the development of new legislation, raise awareness about information security at the national level, build national expertise in information security, and provide a central trusted point of contact for cybersecurity incident reporting in the UAE.

‎-End-

About the General Authority for Regulating the Telecommunications Sector

The General Authority for Regulating the Telecommunications Sector was established in the United Arab Emirates pursuant to Federal Law No. 3 of 2003, with its role structured around two key areas, namely: Organizing the telecommunications sector, empowering government entities in m-Transformation, and enhancing cybersecurity to safeguard society and contribute to promoting happiness and quality of life.

In the area of regulation, the role of the TRA is to ensure the provision of excellent telecommunications services, develop the sector, protect the interests of parties, implement relevant policy and regulatory frameworks, develop human resources, promote R&D, ensuring the UAE has a leading regional and global position in the telecommunications sector.

In the area of empowerment, the TRA is responsible for overseeing the UAE Federal e-Government under Law No. 3 of 2011. Since then, the TRA has been responsible for the digital transformation of the federal government through two strategic objectives: enhancing the smart lifestyle, and leadership in the smart technological infrastructure in the UAE.

For more information, visit: www.tra.gov.ae 

© Press Release 2019

Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.

The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.