Cable cut hits Internet services

KUWAIT: The FALCON submarine cable operated by GCX sustained damage in the link that connects Kuwait and Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, outside Kuwait’s territorial waters, which affected the quality of Internet services in Kuwait, the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) said Wednesday. Coordination is ongoing with local Internet service providers to reroute data through alternative submarine cables, CITRA added.

MoH recovers from cyberattack

KUWAIT: The health ministry announced that key systems have been restored following a cyberattack that affected some hospitals and the Sahel app. The ministry’s systems, including those at the Kuwait Cancer Control Center and administrative functions like health insurance, were restored from backups. Technical teams identified and contained the breach, with assistance from government security agencies to prevent further spread. The ministry ensured that essential healthcare services remained uninterrupted and has updated its systems to prevent future attacks. Efforts are ongoing to fully restore all systems while ensuring data protection and high-quality healthcare. — KUNA

No transactions without biometrics

KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Civil Identification (PACI) said all transactions would be put on hold for citizens by the end of this month unless the biometric process is completed. This came in a statement by PACI, which affirmed that the procedure is in line with top authorities’ directives. It urged citizens to complete the process before Sept 30 to ensure their transactions go smoothly. The deadline for the biometric registration for expatriates is Dec 30. — KUNA

KOC denies foreign recruitment

KUWAIT: Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) said the company follows strict standards when employing workers in all its subsidiary companies. In a statement on Wednesday, KOC strongly denied reports on social media stating the company requested technical staff from an Arab country, adding this news is far from the truth. KOC called on all media sources and social media platforms to take their news from trusted and official sources. – KUNA

14 arrested with 20 kg of drugs

KUWAIT: The interior ministry said on Wednesday that 14 suspects were arrested for the possession of 20 kg of narcotics, alcohol and other illicit materials. The ministry’s public relations department revealed the suspects had confessed to the possession of the materials and will be sent to legal authorities for due process. The statement affirmed the ministry will continue its efforts to clamp down on those seeking to facilitate the usage and sale of narcotics in Kuwait. – KUNA