Types of Cybercrime in Saudi Arabia

Cybercrimes are generally divided into two main categories:

1. Crimes Against Individuals

  • Electronic Fraud: Includes deceiving individuals to obtain sensitive information such as bank account data.

  • Cyber Extortion: Involves threatening individuals with the publication of embarrassing information or coercing them into performing certain actions.

  • Identity Theft: Using another person's identity to carry out illegal acts.

  • Defamation: Publishing false or defamatory information about someone online.

2. Crimes Against the State

  • Cyber Attacks: Targeting government websites or national infrastructure.

  • Dissemination of Misleading Information: Aimed at causing chaos or destabilizing public security.

Penalties for Cybercrime

The Anti-Cyber Crime Law in Saudi Arabia has established a set of penalties that vary according to the type of crime:

  • Imprisonment for up to 4 years and a fine of up to 3 million Saudi Riyals for those who commit crimes such as hacking or extortion.

  • Imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to 500,000 Riyals for those who engage in defamation or eavesdropping on others.

  • For crimes such as unauthorized access to computer systems, the penalty may reach up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to 5 million Riyals.

How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Attacks

To protect yourself from these threats, a set of simple steps can be followed:

  1. Use Strong Passwords: Ensure that passwords contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

  2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This provides an additional layer of security for your important accounts.

  3. Regularly Update Systems and Applications: This helps fix security vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit.

  4. Avoid Public Networks: Do not conduct sensitive transactions over public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be insecure.

  5. Monitor Suspicious Activities: Regularly check your financial and electronic accounts to ensure there is no unauthorized activity.

  6. Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi When Not in Use: This reduces the chances of being hacked through these networks.

  7. Use Antivirus Software: This can help detect malware and provide additional protection.

By following these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercrime and protect your personal data in an increasingly complex world.