- The UAE’s Cyber Security Council has issued a warning about the risks posed by unsecured surveillance cameras
- The council said internet-connected cameras are increasingly being targeted by hackers
- Officials warned that surveillance cameras form part of a broader network of ‘smart’ devices
The UAE’s Cyber Security Council has issued a warning about the risks posed by unsecured surveillance cameras, cautioning companies and citizens that poorly protected devices could expose homes, businesses and critical infrastructure to cyberattacks and privacy breaches.
In a statement released this week, the council said internet-connected cameras – widely used across homes and workplaces – are increasingly being targeted by hackers when left unprotected or configured with weak security settings.
Officials warned that surveillance cameras form part of a broader network of ‘smart’ devices that can act as entry points for cybercriminals.
Experts note that such devices often rely on default passwords or outdated software, making them easy targets if users fail to apply basic security measures.
Cyber researchers have since observed rising attempts to exploit internet-connected cameras across the Middle East, with compromised devices potentially used for surveillance, data theft, or even to support wider cyber operations.
Authorities went on to warn that once accessed, cameras could allow intruders to monitor live footage, gather sensitive information, or infiltrate broader networks connected to the same system.
The warning forms part of a wider campaign by the UAE Cyber Security Council to strengthen digital safety as the country expands its use of smart technologies. Previous advisories have shown that a significant proportion of smart home devices may be vulnerable to cyber threats if left unsecured.
Officials are now urging users to take simple but critical precautions, including:
Changing default passwords and using strong, unique credentials
Regularly updating device software and firmware
Securing home and business networks, including separating smart devices from main systems
These steps, the council says, can significantly reduce the likelihood of unauthorised access and data breaches.
The latest alert comes as a series of recent warnings from the council about evolving cyber threats, ranging from financial fraud to destructive malware and misinformation campaigns that are running rampant across the region.
