KUWAIT: Reflecting its keen endeavors to promote financial literacy among different segments of society, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) continues supporting the “Let’s Be Aware” campaign introduced by the Central Bank of Kuwait, in cooperation with Kuwait Banking Association (KBA). This campaign disseminates messages to raise community awareness about essential security precautions when using public Wi-Fi networks, whether at shopping malls, public areas, coffee shops, or restaurants.

It also highlights how to steer clear of the risks of fraudulent messages, fake ads, hacking of banking apps, advising customers to beware of suspicious transactions and report them, as well as to adhere to banks’ guidelines and Central Bank’s circulations. NBK is keen to warn customers of all types of fraud risks and the misleading methods followed by fraudsters. In this campaign, the bank urges customers to avoid making any banking transactions using Wi-Fi networks at public areas, as these networks are unsecure and unprotected, which makes them easily prone to hacking, as many public Wi-Fi networks can have the same name.

The bank also advised customers to use anti-virus and Internet security software for protection from hacking and viruses and securing connection. It also urged them to verify the links and ads sent by these networks, and to turn off Wi-Fi when not in use, disable auto joining of these networks, and not to save network data on their phones for automatic connection, in order to avoid any attempt to hack their phones and access their bank and personal accounts and sensitive information.

NBK makes consistent efforts to educate customers, regarding this as a crucial part of its strategy. To this end, it always uses all communication channels to advise them to keep their passwords/PINs and financial/personal account information strictly confidential, and not to share them with anyone impersonating a bank employee. NBK utilizes its tremendous capabilities in communicating with customers as well as all its digital channels, which are the most popular among all Kuwaiti banks, to support the Central Bank’s endeavors to protect customers and the economy.

It is worth mentioning that NBK is a key supporter and partner in all CBK’s campaigns and initiatives to increase financial and banking awareness among different segments of society. As a leading financial institution locally and regionally, NBK frequently organizes various activities to raise awareness on all topics related to the banking sector, as well as various training courses in the areas of combating fraud and financial crime. As a leading financial institution in Kuwait and across the region, NBK firmly observes its social responsibilities by actively supporting all strategic campaigns like the “Let’s Be Aware” campaign, which serve national economy and society.