Reporting Cyber Crime In Bahrain: A Step-By-Step Guide

Cybercrime is a pressing issue in Bahrain, with a sharp increase in the frequency of attacks, online fraud, and scams targeting individuals. In response, Bahrain has established a comprehensive national cybersecurity framework, governed by the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security at the Ministry of Interior (MOI). This framework aims to protect the interests of the nation and its citizens in cyberspace by addressing current and emerging cyber threats and reducing associated risks. To support this framework, Bahrain has enacted several laws and legislation related to cybersecurity and personal data protection. While there is no mandatory obligation for individuals and corporations to report cybercrimes, it is important to know how to do so. Here are the ways to report cybercrimes in Bahrain:

Report via the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security

The General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security, which operates under the Ministry of Interior Affairs (MOI), is the body responsible for overseeing cybersecurity in Bahrain. This includes addressing current and rising cyber-threats, as well as reducing associated risks.

You can report any cybercrime via the following channels:

Direct Reporting Form

Fill out the direct reporting form provided by the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security. This form can be found at the following link: https://www.acees.gov.bh/acees-form/.

Hotline

Call the directorate hotline on 992.

WhatsApp

Contact the directorate via WhatsApp on +973 17108108.

Call the directorate hotline on 992

If you are a victim of cybercrime in Bahrain, you can call the directorate hotline on 992. This hotline is operated by the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security at the Ministry of Interior (MOI). The MOI is responsible for cybersecurity in different sectors, including energy, finance, education, and health.

When you call the hotline, you will be able to report the cybercrime and receive assistance. It is important to provide as much information as possible about the incident, such as the type of cybercrime committed, the impact it had, and any relevant technical details. This will help the authorities to investigate and address the issue effectively.

In addition to calling the hotline, you can also report cybercrimes in Bahrain by filling out a direct reporting form provided by the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security or by contacting them via WhatsApp on 0097317108108.

Cybercrimes can include a range of malicious activities, such as identity theft, stealing login credentials, capturing credit or bank card information, and sending viruses or malware to individuals or organizations. It is important to report these incidents to the appropriate authorities to help protect yourself and others from the potential risks and consequences of such crimes.

By taking action and reporting cybercrimes, you can play a crucial role in enhancing cybersecurity and preventing future attacks. The authorities can use the information provided to investigate, track down perpetrators, and implement measures to safeguard individuals, organizations, and critical national infrastructure from cyber threats.

WhatsApp the directorate on +973 17108108

If you have been a victim of cybercrime in Bahrain, you can report it by contacting the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security under the Ministry of Interior Affairs via WhatsApp on +973 17108108.

This WhatsApp number is dedicated to helping individuals and corporations in Bahrain report incidents of cybercrime and online fraud. It is important to recognise the different forms that cybercrime can take, such as identity theft, stealing login credentials, capturing bank card information, or sending viruses or malware to individuals or organisations. Being vigilant and aware of potential threats can help protect yourself and your personal information.

When reporting a cybercrime via WhatsApp, it is essential to provide as much detailed information as possible about the incident. This includes any relevant screenshots, documents, or other evidence that may assist in the investigation. It is also important to act quickly, as timely reporting can increase the chances of resolving the issue effectively.

By reporting cybercrimes through this WhatsApp number, you can directly engage with the directorate responsible for addressing these issues in Bahrain. They will be able to guide you through the necessary steps and provide support in dealing with the aftermath of the cybercrime. Remember that you are not alone in this situation, and seeking help is crucial to protecting yourself and others from the potential dangers of cybercrime.

For further assistance or information, you can also refer to the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security's website or contact them through other channels, such as their hotline number 992.

Fill out the online reporting form

If you are a victim of cybercrime in Bahrain, you can fill out the online reporting form provided by the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security. This directorate is responsible for governing the national cybersecurity framework in Bahrain and addressing current and rising cyber threats.

The online reporting form can be found at the following link: https://www.acees.gov.bh/acees-form/. This form allows individuals and corporations to voluntarily report incidents of cybercrime to the relevant authorities. It is important to note that there is currently no legal obligation to report cybercrime incidents in Bahrain. However, by filling out this form, you can play a crucial role in combating cybercrime and protecting yourself and others from future attacks.

When filling out the online reporting form, it is essential to provide as much detailed information as possible about the cybercrime incident. This includes information such as the date, time, and specific details of the incident, as well as any relevant technical information or evidence that may assist in the investigation. It is also important to be aware that cybercrimes can take many forms, including identity theft, stealing login credentials, capturing credit or bank card information, and sending viruses or malware to individuals or organizations.

By promptly reporting cybercrimes and providing comprehensive information, you can help law enforcement agencies better understand the nature and extent of the threat and enable them to take appropriate action. This can include initiating investigations, tracking down malicious operators, and implementing measures to prevent similar crimes from occurring in the future. Additionally, reporting cybercrimes can also contribute to raising awareness about the dangers and impacts of cybercrimes, which is crucial in fostering a culture of cybersecurity and resilience.

Recognise common cybercrimes and personal data breaches

Cybercrime is a significant issue in Bahrain, with a sharp increase in the frequency of attacks, online fraud, and scams targeting individuals and corporations. Here are some of the common types of cybercrimes and personal data breaches that have been reported in Bahrain:

Cyber Attacks on Critical Infrastructure:

• In December 2021, Bahrain's National Oil Company, Bapco, was targeted by Iranian state-sponsored hackers using data-wiping malware called Dustman.
• In July 2019, there was a major cyberattack on the world's biggest aluminum smelters, Alba, also known as "Aluminium Bahrain."
• In August 2019, the Bahrain authorities reported a series of cyberattacks on government computers and critical infrastructure, with some systems being shut down by hackers.

Data Breaches and Cyber Fraud:

• In April 2021, a Facebook data leak affected over 1.4 million users in Bahrain, exposing personal information such as phone numbers, email credentials, locations, and birthdates.
• In August 2021, the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait's server was hacked by the Nigerian Cyber Fraud gang, resulting in a loss of Rs 5.5 crore (around $739,000).
• In June 2017, a large-scale cyberattack on APM Terminals compromised its IT systems, impacting the company's performance and causing delays in shipment transit.

Online Scams and Phishing:

• The BenefitPay and Aramex scams, where citizens received fraudulent SMS messages with links to enter payment information, resulting in significant financial losses.
• Phishing attempts through telephone and WhatsApp calls, SMS, and email messages from unknown senders, requesting personal and financial information.

Zero-Click Attacks and Spyware:

• In August 2021, the Bahrain Center for Human Rights reported a serious zero-click attack on one of their activists, exploiting a security vulnerability in Apple's iMessage.
• The use of Pegasus spyware, developed by the Israeli firm NSO Group, which can be installed without the user's interaction and bypasses security measures in iOS.

IT Crimes:

Bahrain's Information Technology Crime Law (Law No. 60/2014) recognizes three categories of IT crimes:

• Crimes against IT systems: Unlawful access, damaging IT systems and data, causing impediments to public facilities or threatening people's lives, security, or health.
• Crimes related to the 'means of IT': Introduction, adaptation, suspension, cancellation, deletion, destruction, alteration, or modification of data on an IT device.
• 'Content' crimes: Producing, obtaining, or sharing pornography, including child pornography.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Organization:

To combat cybercrimes and personal data breaches, individuals and organizations should prioritize cybersecurity measures, such as:

• Staying informed about the latest cyber threats and attack tactics.
• Conducting regular security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
• Implementing robust security protocols, such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular software updates.
• Educating employees and individuals about cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts and protecting personal information.
• Establishing incident response plans to mitigate the impact of potential cyberattacks and data breaches.

By recognizing the common types of cybercrimes and personal data breaches in Bahrain, individuals and organizations can take proactive measures to protect their digital assets and personal information.

Frequently asked questions