Khadim said the region has entered an era of digital psychological warfare, where tension and curiosity are being used as tools against ordinary users.
A single click on the wrong link can expose a user to a much broader cyberattack.
Cybersecurity expert Jassim Khadim said that during times of crisis, modern threats no longer focus only on devices and systems—they also target how people think, respond, and share information online.
Why individuals are the easiest target
Khadim said the region has entered an era of digital psychological warfare, where tension and curiosity are being weaponised against ordinary users. He noted a rise in phishing links with sensational headlines, AI-generated fake content, malicious apps, and attempts to steal sensitive data.
“The attacker may not need sophisticated tools. They simply need to exploit the user’s own behaviour,” he said.
He added that individuals have become the most accessible entry point for cyber threats. Anyone with a smartphone can unknowingly act as a source of information, a channel for its spread, or a gateway to a much larger cyberattack.
Everyday mistakes that cost users
The most common mistakes include clicking unknown links out of curiosity, resharing unverified information, downloading apps from unofficial sources, sharing location or photos without consideration, and using weak or repeated passwords.
Khadim stressed that protection begins with simple steps: relying on official sources, avoiding suspicious links, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping devices updated, and thinking carefully before sharing any content.
At the institutional level, he noted that many organisations—particularly SMEs—still prioritise operations over cybersecurity. He called for stronger staff training, secure email systems, regular data backups, and clear incident response plans. “Cybersecurity is no longer optional. It is a necessity,” he said.
He added that the main challenge today is not a lack of information, but how it is communicated. Cybersecurity awareness, he said, should be explained in simple, everyday language rather than technical jargon, with media and content creators playing a key role in countering misinformation through trusted and accessible content.
He also pointed out that most public concerns stem from fear—such as whether a phone can be hacked through a single message or whether photos reveal location data. In reality, most cyberattacks still rely on user interaction.
Khadim concluded that cybersecurity during times of crisis is a shared responsibility between individuals, institutions, and official bodies. “The higher the level of awareness, the safer and more stable our digital environment becomes,” he said.
