AiBotManama, Bahrain – A coordinated cyber-attack has been reported to be targeting Bahrain’s banking system, causing disruptions and concerns among locals. The attack, which appears to be ongoing, has resulted in reports of customers facing difficulties in accessing their online banking services, as well as issues with mobile banking applications.
Eyewitnesses and banking customers have described the situation as “chaotic,” with many users unable to login to their accounts or process transactions. Several banks, including the National Bank of Bahrain and the Ahli United Bank, have issued statements assuring customers that their security systems are in place and that all necessary precautions are being taken to protect their data.
The Ministry of Interior has confirmed that an investigation is underway to identify the source and scope of the attack. “We take all attempts to compromise our cyber-security very seriously,” a spokesperson said. “Our teams are working around the clock to mitigate the impact of this attack and to ensure that our systems are fully secure.”
Experts speculate that the attack may be linked to a larger global phishing campaign targeting Middle Eastern banks. However, no official confirmation has been made. Banking officials have urged citizens to be cautious and to report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
The Bahrain Computer Emergency Response Center (BHERT) issued an alert yesterday, warning banks and citizens of the increasing threat of cyber-attacks on the country’s financial sector. The center advised banks to enhance their security measures and to conduct regular checks to identify and rectify vulnerabilities.
While the full extent of the attack remains unclear, experts warn that the impact could be far-reaching, potentially affecting not only the financial sector but also other critical infrastructure. “This highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect our digital economy,” said Fawzi Kanoo, chairman and managing director of FHC Holding. “We must remain vigilant and continue to invest in state-of-the-art security systems to prevent such attacks in the future.”
As the investigation continues, the Bahraini government has promised to update the public on the situation. In the meantime, citizens are advised to remain cautious and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.