Doha: Nations worldwide are set to observe the Safer Internet Day during the second week of February. To mark this occasion, the international technological community seeks to unify efforts toward a safer digital environment, encourage dialogue and cooperation among individuals, organizations, and governments to reduce digital risks and counter cyber threats.
According to Qatar News Agency, the celebration of this event started in 2004 within the scope of the European Union, but due to rising transnational risks and digital threats, it has transcended its European origins to become a globally significant occasion for online safety. Cyber fraud is a dire digital threat facing individuals, institutions, firms, and the global financial sector. Countries and international organizations are striving to take measures to reduce this menace and govern the digital space, which has become fertile ground for crimes evolving alongside advancing information technology.
Cyber fraud manifests in various forms, including identity theft, phishing, malicious software, and cyber-attacks on financial systems. With increased internet use, cutting-edge technologies, and dependence on digital financial systems, fraud crimes are becoming more alarming as monetary losses rise. A report by the British University of Portsmouth in 2024 indicated that global financial losses due to cyber fraud have surpassed USD 5 trillion, with projections by Cybersecurity Ventures suggesting these crimes may escalate to USD 10.5 trillion this year.
Fraudulent phone calls and emails have become near-daily occurrences, with perpetrators using tactics like masquerading as law enforcement or bank officials to deceive victims into revealing credit card details or transferring funds. Advanced programs enable fraudsters to spoof real phone numbers, complicating the distinction between authenticity and deception.
To tackle this issue, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) in Qatar, along with banks and communications enterprises, consistently warns about the risks of unknown SMS and fraudulent calls. They emphasize that they do not request data such as passwords or ID numbers via phone calls, SMS, or links. These institutions alert customers to avoid responding to calls promising financial rewards or investment opportunities.
Qatar's national efforts extend beyond awareness-raising activities, with the enforcement of legal and institutional mechanisms to combat cyber fraud, including the cybercrime Law No. 14 of 2014 and Law No. 13 of 2016 concerning personal data protection. Institutionally, Qatar established the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) in 2021 to coordinate cybersecurity efforts and launched the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2024-2030 to combat cyber challenges and develop national expertise.
Captain Abdulrahman Abdullah Al Buainain of the MoI's Department of Economic and Cyber Crimes emphasized the department's focus on combating cyber fraud with determination using all legal means. He noted the coordination between various authorities, including the MoI, which plays a pivotal role in protecting individuals and establishments against cyber threats. The department engages in pre-emptive measures like awareness campaigns and investigates and identifies perpetrators often located abroad.
Dr. Abdullatif Shikfa, Cybersecurity Department Head at the University of Doha for Science and Technology, highlighted the rapid development of cyber fraud and attacks over the past two decades, which now use advanced technologies to lure victims. He noted the role of artificial intelligence in making cyber fraud more complex and dangerous and urged individuals to verify websites before conducting transactions or opening random links.
Eng. Ahmed Al Tamimi, a software expert, pointed out that AI-powered technologies have enabled hyper-realistic deception and forgery, allowing fraudsters to refine tactics and generate authentic-seeming fake materials. He emphasized the importance of awareness and vigilance against online threats and called for collaborative efforts to enhance digital literacy.
Awareness is a crucial defense against cyber fraud, and individuals are advised to promptly report incidents to banks and the Economic and Cyber Crimes Division, providing necessary documentation to assist investigations. Eng. Al Tamimi stressed the importance of recognizing fraud tactics, verifying messages, and fostering a critical mindset toward digital content.
Dr. Shikfa emphasized that confronting transnational crimes requires regional and global efforts, affirming that the Gulf states are among the best globally in countering cyber fraud due to their sophisticated infrastructure.