Dubai Police has warned residents that poorly secured smart home devices and surveillance systems could be exploited by hackers, exposing users to privacy breaches and cybercrime.
The advisory, issued by the force’s Cybercrime and Electronic Crime Department, said many attacks target devices that rely on weak or default settings, which can be accessed using simple techniques.
“While smart devices offer convenience, their safe use depends on strong digital awareness and vigilance,” authorities said, urging users to strengthen their cybersecurity practices.
Police said hackers can gain unauthorized access to internet-connected cameras and systems, potentially allowing them to monitor homes, steal sensitive data, or carry out cyber extortion schemes.
Residents were advised to immediately change default passwords and use strong combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. Authorities also stressed the importance of regularly updating device software to fix security vulnerabilities.
“Awareness remains the first line of defense against cybercrime,” Dubai Police said, warning users not to share personal information or passwords with unverified sources.
The force also recommended switching off surveillance systems when not in use, particularly in private spaces, to reduce the risk of intrusion.
Authorities cautioned against clicking suspicious links or downloading applications from untrusted platforms, noting these may contain malware designed to spy on users or compromise devices.
Dubai Police encouraged the public to report cyber incidents through official e-crime channels or via its non-emergency hotline, as part of broader efforts to strengthen digital safety and protect communities.
