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Qatar: Surge in online scams, hacks expected ahead of FIFA Cup

A surge in online scams is expected ahead of the FIFA World Cup, a Dubai-based cybersecurity expert warns, cautioning people to watch out for fake, fraudulent websites and emails that might appear official.

Emad Fahmy, Systems Engineering Manager Middle East at cybersecurity firm NETSCOUT, said that cybercriminals often use mega-events like the FIFA World Cup – which is set to kick off on November 21 in Qatar – “as a pretext to entice and entrap unwary fans or users.”

While sustaining connectivity throughout a major event like the World Cup can be a challenge, the even bigger challenge is to keep user data safe.

Fahmy warned that using unauthorized service providers can result in stolen credentials, passwords, and credit card information. Other threats include falling victim to ransomware or malicious software than can infect a user’s phone or computer.

“These can cause the unknowing victim to spread the malware to family and friends, lose sensitive data, or even suffer significant financial consequences,” he added.

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AlArabiya
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