Dubai: Dubai Police have urged the public to reinforce the security of home surveillance systems and internet-connected devices, cautioning that poor configurations may leave users vulnerable to hacking, privacy violations, and cyber extortion.

The advisory forms part of ongoing awareness efforts by the General Department of Criminal Investigation, represented by the Cybercrime and Electronic Crime Department, to promote the safe use of smart technologies. Dubai Police noted that many cyberattacks exploit devices that rely on default or weak security settings, which can be accessed through simple technical methods.

Dubai Police highlighted that while smart devices and monitoring systems offer clear advantages, their safe use depends on a high level of digital awareness and vigilance. Users are encouraged to follow essential cybersecurity practices to protect their privacy and prevent unauthorised access.

Among the key recommendations, individuals are advised to change default passwords immediately upon activating any new device and to adopt strong, complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols. Regular updates of operating systems and applications were also stressed as critical to addressing potential security vulnerabilities.

Dubai Police further warned against sharing passwords or personal information with unverified sources, regardless of how convincing such requests may appear, emphasising that individual awareness remains the first line of defence against cybercrime.

Residents were also encouraged to switch off surveillance systems when not in use, particularly within private environments such as homes, to limit the risk of unauthorised access. The force cautioned against clicking on suspicious links or downloading applications from unreliable sources, as these may contain malicious software designed to monitor users or steal sensitive data.

To support awareness and reporting, Dubai Police directed the public to the e-Crime Hub for guidance on cyber threats, and to report incidents through official eCrime channels or by calling 901 for non-emergency cases. The force reaffirmed that community cooperation is essential in reducing cybercrime and safeguarding individuals and their property.