KUWAIT: The National Cybersecurity Center has issued a warning over a surge in attempts to hack social media accounts in Kuwait, particularly WhatsApp, noting that in some cases attackers have been able to access and steal accounts without any user interaction. In a post on its official X platform, the National Cybersecurity Center urged users to update their smartphone operating systems to the latest versions, activate two-factor authentication (2FA) across all applications, and ensure their social media apps are fully updated.
The center also advised the public to report any suspicious calls or messages to the relevant authorities, ignore such communications, and refrain from sharing verification codes or passwords under any circumstances. The National Cybersecurity Center affirmed that it is closely monitoring developments and will provide further updates as new information becomes available. Established in 2022, the center is tasked with overseeing Kuwait’s cybersecurity framework and implementing the national strategy aimed at securing and protecting information networks, communication systems, and the electronic exchange of information.
Drug smuggling thwarted
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday that the General Department for Drug Control, in coordination with the General Administration of Customs and the Fire Force, successfully intercepted over 100 kilograms of hashish and marijuana being smuggled into the country. In a press statement, the ministry said the operation reflects the ongoing efforts of the Criminal Security Sector to combat drug trafficking and prevent smugglers from endangering society.
The ministry explained that following careful investigations, authorities obtained information indicating that a citizen intended to travel to a neighboring country via Shuwaikh Port in his private vehicle to transport narcotics, concealed using sophisticated methods. Based on this intelligence, a specialized field team was deployed to verify the information. Immediate coordination with the General Administration of Customs led to monitoring and seizing the vehicle upon its return. The suspect was arrested, and precautionary measures were taken by the General Fire Department while opening hidden compartments due to the potential risks involved.
The joint operation resulted in the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of hashish and marijuana, concealed in multiple compartments within the vehicle. The Ministry confirmed that the confiscated narcotics and the suspect have been referred to the Narcotics Prosecution Office for legal action. It emphasized that the operation demonstrates the efficiency and readiness of security services in safeguarding the nation from drugs.
Illegal medical operation
In a separate operation, the Ministry also dismantled an illegal medical operation based in a Farwaniya residence, where medicine was being practiced and sold without a license. Authorities also uncovered a network distributing government-issued medications for profit. The Ministry stated that the operation was carried out under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, as part of joint efforts by the Security Directorates Affairs Sector and the Criminal Security Affairs Sector to curb illegal medical practices.
Four Asian nationals were arrested in connection with the illegal clinic—one for practicing medicine without a license and three for receiving treatment there. Additionally, three other Asian nationals were apprehended for distributing government medications to the clinic outside legal channels. Investigations revealed that an Asian employee at a government health center had stolen medications and supplied them to the suspects, bringing the total number of arrested individuals to eight. The Ministry confirmed that all necessary legal measures have been taken against the accused, and coordination continues with the Drug Control Department at the Ministry of Health to secure the seized medications and pursue further legal action. – KUNA
