Kuwait cybersecurity expert urges vigilance as AI-driven scams become harder to detect

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KUWAIT: Artificial intelligence is making online fraud increasingly difficult to detect, enabling cybercriminals to imitate familiar voices, produce convincing ...

KUWAIT: Artificial intelligence is making online fraud increasingly difficult to detect, enabling cybercriminals to imitate familiar voices, produce convincing fake videos and impersonate trusted institutions, cybersecurity expert Dr Mishri Almarshoud warned. Almarshoud, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity, said digital awareness is essential as individuals, businesses and government institutions become increasingly reliant on technology.

“While artificial intelligence makes many aspects of life easier, it can also make scams more convincing. It can imitate a familiar voice or generate images and videos that are difficult to identify as fake,” he said. He urged users to verify suspicious communications, regularly review application privacy settings and avoid sharing sensitive personal information with AI tools.

Such schemes seek to trick people into revealing personal or financial information or transferring money, he said, noting that the Interior Ministry has warned residents to verify requests through official channels. As AI makes fraudulent messages and impersonations more convincing, familiar warning signs may no longer be enough to expose a scam. “Avoid clicking links in unexpected messages, especially those that create urgency or ask you to update personal details or make a payment,” he said.

Instead, users should open official applications or websites independently, check website addresses carefully and contact organizations through their published telephone numbers. Requests involving apparently authentic voice recordings or videos should also be verified through a separate communication channel. Almarshoud warned that fraudsters may exploit public familiarity with digital government services by impersonating Kuwait Mobile ID, known as Hawiti, and Sahel.

Criminals may create fake login pages, circulate deceptive links or persuade users to disclose verification codes and approve authentication requests they did not…

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