Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) | DEWA Cyber Security Awareness

Malware

Malware is a malicious program that is intended to damage or disable devices and systems. Malware includes viruses, ransomware etc.

You may receive it through:

• Opening an email attachment without verification
• Clicking on web browser pop-up
• Opening USB drive
• Clicking a link in an email

Secure yourself against malware by:

• Updating your software and devices regularly
• Using reputable antivirus
• Hovering over links and verifying the landing page before clicking
• Avoid clicking on pop ups even if they are intimidating
• Avoid opening attachments from unexpected emails
• Verifying the message sender and ensuring the email address is an official one.

DEWA will always contact you through email from its official email addresses:

For DEWA bills:
noreply.greenbill@dewa.gov.ae

For DEWA news and announcements:
dewa@dewa.gov.ae

Customers can contact DEWA through Customer Care Centre official email
customercare@dewa.gov.ae

Social Engineering

Scammers use innovative ways to obtain personal information and one way is exploiting human weaknesses.

Detect the scammers through the following signs:

• Requesting your information with a sense of urgency
• Pressuring you to perform a specific action like sharing confidential files or your bank card CVV number
• Providing fake identification

In case of suspicion, you may always call DEWA’s official number: (+971-4-601-9999) to verify your requested information.

Phishing Definition and Signs

Phishing is the most common type of cyber-attacks. All phishing attacks share common goals, which include infecting your system with malware or tricking you to disclose your sensitive information such as login credentials or credit card information.

How to detect phishing emails:

• Verify the sender’s email address and domain
• Check for poor quality logos or layouts
• Check for spelling mistakes, especially in email addresses
• Hover over the link without clicking to check its destination
• Verify contact details and location addresses
• Contact DEWA call centre if you suspect an email impersonating DEWA
  
  Number:
  +971-4-601-9999
  
  Email: customercare@dewa.gov.ae

Password Security

Strong passwords play a major role in protecting your information and data from digital threats.

Always follow the tips below to maintain your privacy and secrecy of your passwords:

• Create a strong and easy to remember password
• Create unique and different passwords for your accounts
• Avoiding writing down or sharing your password ensures its secrecy
• Avoid using personal information in your passwords such as your name or birth date
• Change your password regularly
• Use Multi-factor Authentication (like UAE PASS) to login to your account
• Access your account from your personal or designated trusted devices in DEWA customer happiness center
• Always make sure you log out from your accounts

Safe Payment Methods

Be aware of bill payment fraud.

Ensure your safe payments:

• Connect to trusted secure networks to conduct payments
• Use DEWA’s official payment channels
• You may also use the smart channels of DEWA partners. To view the trusted payment channels list, click here
• In case of any unauthorised payment, call your bank immediately

Fake Callers

Be aware of unknown phone numbers calling you and verify the identity of the caller before providing any information. Those phone calls might be scam as it’s called “Vishing”, that aims to get you to share personal information, where the callers pretend to be from a known and trusted organisation.

How to prevent falling for a vishing scam:

• Avoid providing any personal information through the phone and remember official organisation will never ask you for personal confidential information
• Pay attention to the caller’s language and think before responding
• Be aware and verify any phone numbers the caller gives you to confirm their identity and never call them
• Always remember DEWA has a (caller ID( and will always use it to contact you from the Customer Care Centre

Safe Social Networking

Social networking accounts are a great way to stay connected and updated with the latest news. However, always be aware of fake social media posts and refer to the official social accounts of DEWA for accurate information.