KIB Raises Cybersecurity Awareness to Safeguard Customers against Financial Fraud

Kuwait, 12 January 2024: Reiterating its dedication to the protection of its customers’ personal and financial data, as well as ensuring the security of their digital transactions, Kuwait International Bank (KIB) remains committed to raising awareness about the crucial role customers play in safeguarding their assets and information, especially when using remote access applications. This comes as part of the “Let’s Be Aware” (Diraya) financial awareness campaign, which was launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and the Kuwait Banking Association (KBA) in cooperation with local banks, as well as KIB’s community awareness program on financial literacy. 

Commenting on KIB’s anti-fraud campaign, delivered through a series of posts and media content, Basil Al-Suwaidan, General Manager of the Information Security, Privacy and Anti-Fraud Department at KIB, highlighted the best practices and procedures that individuals should follow to maximize their data’s privacy and security, saying: “Even though banks take extensive measures to secure their IT infrastructures with cutting-edge security systems, and always advance their cybersecurity systems to combat new forms of cyber threats, it is imperative to recognize the pivotal role customers play in safeguarding their own data.” 
Al-Suwaidan pointed out the importance of using certified anti-virus programs, and keeping the mobile software updated, to protect smart devices from malware and vulnerabilities. “This holds particularly true when engaging with remote access applications, which online scammers exploit to target victims. These scammers often entice users with promises of prizes or investment opportunities, ultimately using websites or downloaded apps to compromise data and financial information,” he said.

Additionally, Al-Suwaidan emphasized the significance of customers using secure devices and promptly installing all operating system updates as soon as they become available. He also underscored the necessity for customers to promptly report any suspected or confirmed security breaches, such as malware, phishing, ransomware, or digital espionage. 
To further enhance security, Al-Suwaidan advised enabling notifications to ensure that customers can easily detect any transactions conducted with their debit and credit cards, particularly those initiated online. He also underlined the importance of regularly reviewing bank statements and changing online banking account passwords.

Concluding his remarks, Al-Suwaidan advised customers to report any fraud or breach attempts instantly, as well as any unusual banking activity, by calling 1866866. He also firmly advised against replying to any suspicious emails or text messages that request sharing any bank details or personal information, including clicking on any embedded links within them, as the Bank would never request such data, including passwords or OTPs.