Cybersecurity professionals are urging UAE residents to stop downloading mobile applications shared through informal channels like WhatsApp and Telegram, noting that these links are a primary gateway for malware. According to Pushkar Singh, a regional lead at Protectt.AI, the UAE’s high volume of app downloads makes it a lucrative target for attackers who disguise malicious software as legitimate tools. To stay safe, users should exclusively download apps from official sources like the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store. Experts warn that apps circulated through private messages have often been "re-engineered" with harmful code, meaning they can compromise a device the moment they are installed.

Beyond fake apps, the digital landscape is facing a surge in AI-driven threats, ranging from sophisticated deepfake impersonations to large-scale supply chain attacks. Industry leaders at the GISEC Global event emphasized that modern threats are now outpacing traditional security measures, making it essential for both individuals and corporations to adopt more proactive, AI-aware defenses. As the GCC’s fintech sector expands, businesses are being advised to treat runtime security and AI protection as essential investments rather than optional add-ons to prevent the significant financial and reputational damage caused by data breaches and digital fraud.