Kuwait foils surveillance camera hacking attempts, warns public of cybercrime risks

Dubai: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has revealed that several attempts to hack surveillance camera systems across the country have been detected and successfully foiled, as part of heightened efforts to safeguard national security and individual privacy.

In a joint statement issued by the General Department of Security Media and the Cybercrime Combating Department, officials confirmed a noticeable uptick in attempts to breach surveillance networks, warning that such intrusions pose serious threats to both public safety and private lives.

To counter these risks, the ministry is urging the public to take proactive measures to bolster their digital security. This includes updating protection and encryption systems regularly, using strong and unique passwords, and ensuring that surveillance equipment is purchased from reputable and secure sources.

Authorities have also strongly advised the public against installing surveillance cameras in highly private indoor spaces such as bedrooms, living spaces or personal offices to maintain personal privacy and prevent potential misuse.

The ministry issued a firm reminder that accessing, sharing or reposting images or videos obtained through illegal cyber breaches constitutes a punishable offence under Kuwaiti law.

Such actions fall under the country’s cybercrime legislation and could lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment.

“The misuse of hacked footage is not only a violation of personal privacy—it’s a criminal act,” the statement read. The ministry revealed that thousands of surveillance systems worldwide remain exposed to cyber threats because users fail to change default passwords or configure proper security protocols. Many of these devices are unknowingly broadcasting live feeds on the internet without encryption or access control.