Dubai Police has urged residents to strengthen the security settings of home surveillance systems and internet-connected devices, warning that weak configurations can expose users to hacking, privacy breaches, and cyber extortion.
The advisory, issued through the General Department of Criminal Investigation’s Cybercrime and Electronic Crime Department, is part of an ongoing awareness campaign promoting safer use of smart technologies.
Authorities said many cyberattacks target devices still using default or weak passwords, which can be easily exploited through basic technical methods.
While acknowledging the benefits of smart home systems, Dubai Police stressed that their safe use depends on strong cybersecurity practices and constant vigilance.
Residents were advised to immediately change default passwords, use strong combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols, and regularly update device software to address security vulnerabilities.
The police also warned against sharing passwords or personal information with unverified sources, and reminded the public not to click suspicious links or download apps from unreliable platforms, which may contain malware.
Users were further encouraged to turn off surveillance systems when not in use in private spaces to reduce the risk of intrusion.
To support cyber safety awareness, Dubai Police directed residents to the e-Crime Hub for guidance and urged reporting of incidents through official channels or via the non-emergency hotline 901, emphasizing that community vigilance is key to preventing cybercrime.
