Simple Steps to be Cyber Secure in Maritime

How not to fall victim to Identity Theft


The personal information of an individual is becoming increasingly valuable, and cybercriminals are always searching for new ways to access customer data. The data that is stolen could be anything, including a birth certificate, identification cards, licenses, certificates, medical data, insurance detail, baking and other financial information. With the advent of the internet and social media channels, it has become even easier to commit identity thefts as well as to impersonate someone else online.

Of the 76 per cent UAE residents who have lost money at the hands of cybercriminals, only a minuscule number have been able to recover some of their stolen funds according to multinational cybersecurity and anti-virus provider Kaspersky Lab. Researchers at Kaspersky Lab said the number of attacks using malicious mobile software nearly doubled in just a year. With the global epidemic, more opportunities are available for thieves to steal personal information than ever before. Therefore, it is equally important for individuals to take the necessary steps to learn how to prevent identity theft, to ensure that your personal information and identity remains safe.


    There are two ways to commit identity theft and they are categorized as:

  • • True-name Identity Theft means the thief uses personal information to open new accounts either physical or online account. The thief might open a new credit card account, establish cellular phone service, or open a new checking account to obtain blank checks.
  • • Account Takeover Identity Theft is when the imposter uses your information to gain access to your existing accounts. Typically, an identity thief will change the mailing address on an account and run up a huge bill before you realize there is a problem.

People need to be more cautious when using their identity (physical or digital) in any platform. Make sure you use your identity through secured channels and don’t share any details of identity on social media.

- Parthasarathy Srinivasavaradan, Chief Information Officer, Standard Chartered


The findings of UAE-based information security Shred-it paints an equally dismal picture. A white paper issued by them suggests identity theft affected 44 per cent of the UAE population within the last five years. There may be a new victim of identity theft every three seconds in the UAE, said Shred-it. There is a psychological impact that also exists due to IDT. 40% of the victims’ experience stress and frustration, 45% experience feelings of mistrust and denial, 85% of the victims feel infuriated with the situation they are in, 42% of the victims find it very difficult to trust anyone after being robbed of their identity on social platforms


First Signs of Identity Theft

The first signs of identity theft are unexplainable charges on your credit card or debit card statements, new cards that you did not apply for, incorrect items on your credit report, medical bills for doctor's visits that you did not have, and collection notices for accounts that you did not open.

All banks and telecom providers have a fraud division. Notify them immediately and maintain a log detailing the phone number, date, time of the call and the designation of the person you spoke to.


UAE Data Protection Law

Various new laws were introduced in the UAE in September 2021. This included Data Protection Law (Federal Decree Law No 45/2021) which introduced various new legal protections for individuals, but more importantly with respect to fraud and asset tracing, a new Penal Code (Federal Decree Law No 31/2021) and Cyber Crimes Law (Federal Decree Law No 34/2021).

Whilst many of the offences in the Cyber Crimes Law replicate those in the previous legislation (Federal Decree Law No 5/2012), Article 11 establishes a new crime relevant to fraud – that of fabricating emails, websites or electronic accounts which are falsely attributed to an individual or company. The penalties include a fine of between AED50,000 and AED2 million, imprisonment of at least two years where the fabrication causes harm to someone, and up to five years' imprisonment if a state institution is impersonated.


Easy steps to make sure you safe from online threats


  1. Using strong passwords – Passwords that are easy to guess defeats the purpose of encrypting your device and social accounts. Experts recommend using long passwords that are about 12 characters long composed of upper and lower cases, symbols, and numbers. While creating the password, it should not consist of personal information such as your name or birthdates.

  2. Avoid sharing personal information - Personal information, including details of emirates id, should not be shared with any person either online or through phone calls etc. This includes your banking information, identifying card details, pin codes and security questions and answers etc.

  3. Being vigilant about spam phone calls - Phone calls that seek personal information should not be entertained as they can be a scam. The UAE banks do not require any personal information to be provided on call.

  4. Securing the network - Users of the Internet should be sure their network access is secure. Routers should be encrypted with the highest standard possible.


The findings of UAE-based information security Shred-it paints an equally dismal picture. A white paper issued by them suggests identity theft affected 44 per cent of the UAE population within the last five years. There may be a new victim of identity theft every three seconds in the UAE, said Shred-it. There is a psychological impact that also exists due to IDT. 40% of the victims’ experience stress and frustration, 45% experience feelings of mistrust and denial, 85% of the victims feel infuriated with the situation they are in, 42% of the victims find it very difficult to trust anyone after being robbed of their identity on social platforms


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Captain Errol Gonsalves FICS