Kuwait warns over rising attempts to hack WhatsApp accounts

The National Cybersecurity Center in Kuwait has issued a warning over the rise in attempts to hack several social media accounts belonging to residents of the country. The agency mentioned that criminals are targeting WhatsApp, noting that they are now taking over accounts without interaction.

The National Cybersecurity Center gave an update on the blogging platform X, urging Kuwaiti residents to implement specific actions and changes to protect themselves. Some of these include updating their smartphones to the latest operating systems, activating two-factor authentication (2FA) across all applications, and ensuring that their social media apps are fully updated.

Kuwait issues warning over hacking spree

The center also urged the public to report all suspicious messages or calls to the relevant authorities. In addition, they are asked to ignore strange communications and refrain from sharing verification codes of passwords under any circumstances. The National Cybersecurity Center mentioned that it is closely monitoring developments in Kuwait and will provide further updates as new information becomes available.

This information comes at a time when hackers are hacking devices to steal information and digital assets. The National Cybersecurity Center was created in 2022 and was tasked with overseeing the cybersecurity framework and implementing the national strategy. Kuwait aims at securing and protecting information networks, communication systems, and the electronic exchange of information.

Ministry of Interior announces crackdown on criminals

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday that the General Department for Drug Control, in a collaborative effort with the General Administration of Customs and the Fire Force, successfully intercepted over 100 kilograms of hashish and marijuana being smuggled into the country. The ministry mentioned that the operation is part of the ongoing efforts of the Criminal Security Sector to tackle drug trafficking and prevent the endangerment of society.

The ministry also explained that, based on the careful investigation carried out by the authorities, a citizen intended to travel to a neighboring country via Shuwaikh Port in his personal vehicle to transport narcotics, concealed using sophisticated methods. Based on this intelligence, a specialized team was deployed to look into the information, and after confirming, the customs led the monitoring and seizure of the vehicle upon its return.

The joint operation resulted in the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of hashish and marijuana, concealed in different compartments in the vehicle. The Ministry mentioned that the suspect has been transferred to the Narcotics Prosecution Office, where he is awaiting legal action. It emphasized that the joint operation demonstrates the efficiency and readiness of security services in safeguarding the country from drugs and the criminals moving them.

In a separate operation, the Ministry also said it dismantled a ring that sold and carried out illegal medical operations without a license. Authorities claim that they uncovered a network distributing government-issued medications for their profit. The police arrested four Asian nationals in connection with the illegal clinic, one that practised medicine without a license, and three others who received treatments there.

In addition, three Asian nationals were apprehended in connection with distributing government-issued medications to clinics outside legal channels. Investigations uncovered a theft at a government hospital by one of the gang members, who then supplied the stolen medicine to the suspects. The police were able to round up about eight suspects involved in the criminal enterprise. The Ministry confirmed that all necessary measures will be taken against the criminals, and the seized medications will be secured.