Gulf Bank Trains Leaders to Combat Cyber Fraud
Gulf Bank in Kuwait has held a cybersecurity awareness seminar for more than 100 executive leaders to strengthen its response to evolving cyber threats. Held during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the event carried the theme “Cybersecurity Is a Shared Responsibility” and supported the Central Bank of Kuwait’s “Let’s Be Aware” (Diraya) campaign.
Acting CEO Sami Mahfouz joined the seminar, which brought together banking executives, cybersecurity consultants and law enforcement representatives. Lieutenant Colonel Saud Anwar AlWazzan, a cybercrime officer at Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior, also delivered a keynote address on digital security awareness.
The discussions examined changing fraud tactics, emerging digital risks and their implications for financial institutions. As digital banking expands, Gulf Bank emphasised the need for continuous training and stronger employee vigilance to protect customer information and maintain secure operations.
AI Risks and Emerging Fraud Techniques
The seminar featured artificial intelligence prominently. Speakers examined how AI can strengthen security systems while also giving criminals new ways to conduct cyberattacks. For example, fraudsters can use AI-generated messages and impersonation techniques to make scams more convincing.
The event featured contributions from Dr Basil Alothman, founder and managing director of Kuwait Hackers LLC, and cybersecurity consultant Eng. Husain A. Alnakkas. Also participating were Iain Swaine of Axon Technologies, Andrea Di Bari, and Ross McNaughton, Gulf Bank’s chief information security officer.
Together, the speakers stressed that effective cybersecurity requires both technical safeguards and informed employees. Moreover, financial institutions must regularly review their defences as attack methods and digital services evolve.
Strengthening Employee Awareness and Customer Protection
Gulf Bank views cybersecurity awareness as a shared responsibility across the organisation. Therefore, the bank continues to invest in security technologies, stronger governance, risk management and employee training. These measures aim to protect customer data, support business continuity and maintain confidence in digital banking.
The seminar also reinforced cooperation between public- and private-sector specialists. In particular, Gulf Bank acknowledged Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior for its work to raise awareness and protect the community from digital threats.
The bank’s participation in the Diraya campaign supports wider efforts to improve financial literacy and prevent electronic fraud. The campaign encourages customers to safeguard their banking details, recognise suspicious communications and use official channels to verify requests.
Ultimately, Gulf Bank aims to strengthen its cybersecurity culture through ongoing education and practical risk management. As AI-enabled fraud becomes more sophisticated, continued cooperation among banks, regulators, law enforcement and employees will remain important to protecting customers and financial services.
