Tech & Telecoms - Gulf Insider

1 year ago

Binance Bahrain Issues Warning as Fraudulent SMS Scams Surge

Due to the recent increase in SMS spoofing scams targeting Binance account holders as well as non-account holders in Bahrain, Binance, urges individuals to stay informed and vigilant. Binance is warning individuals receiving SMS messages about whitelisted withdrawals, instructing them to call a phone number to inquire about it, to ignore these messages and not to call any numbers. Users are receiving SMS messages from scammers that appear to come from the same thread or number Binance utilises to send OTP messages. This suggests that scammers may employ phone number manipulation to lend credibility to their fraudulent activities. The provided telephone number connects to a call center that impersonates Binance personnel. The scammers act professionally, making it difficult to distinguish them from legitimate Binance representatives. Binance is encouraging users to stay alert to these scamming tactics by trusting only official sources, such as the Binance app, and looking out for spelling mistakes in the sender’s communication materials. Users must not share sensitive information with anyone on unofficial or non-verified sources. As the crypto landscape expands, so do the tactics of malicious actors aiming to exploit unsuspecting individuals. SMS is one of the most popular methods for scammers to con victims […]

1 year ago

How To Defend Against The Latest Financial Scams

Technology has made financial transactions as easy as pressing a button on your phone. You can send or request money through mobile apps in seconds. And you can open new accounts like credit cards, personal loans, and even mortgages entirely online. But while technology has made financial transactions simpler, it also has opened a door through which your money can flow into the wrong hands. And that door is guarded by sophisticated scammers and fraudsters. In fact, Americans lost a record $10 billion to fraud in 2023, according to the latest data by the Federal Trade Commission. And as we approach the finish line of tax season, scammers are racing to capture unsuspecting victims. More than 2.4 million people in the United States have been targeted by IRS impersonators, according to Equifax. And that has resulted in a loss of $72.8 million. The U.S. Treasury inspector general for tax administration has called these operations “the largest, most pervasive impersonation scam in the history of the IRS.” However, there are a few steps you can take to avoid all kinds of money scams. Beware of Giving Out Your Personal Information Many cases of fraud are tied to imposter or spoofer scams. This happens when a scammer contacts you […]

1 year ago

Idiocracy Looms As Study Finds TikTok Rots Youth Minds

The intelligence test was invented 121 years ago. While IQ scores have historically risen alongside technological advancements, recent years have seen a slowdown—if not a reversal—in intelligence. The rise of smartphones, tablets, and social media may be to blame, and more recently, the phenomenon of the ‘TikTok brain‘ among teenagers suggests peak cognition has arrived. A new report from the Financial Times cites a test used to measure the IQs of 15-year-olds, conducted by the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). This test evaluates students’ performance in reading, mathematics, and science literacy. The latest data suggests that IQs peaked in the early 2010s. Peak cognition fears come nearly two decades after the debut of the satirical sci-fi comedy Idiocracy, which depicted a dystopian future where humanity becomes profoundly dumbed down by the 2500s. FT’s chief data reporter, John Burn-Murdoch, said the timing of this data marks an “inflection point” and is “noteworthy” because it coincides with “our changing relationship with information,” which is now primarily online. Declining math and literacy skills are likely the result of a shift away from text-based learning toward visual media. Additionally, there is a broader erosion in the capacity for mental focus, which could be attributed to ‘TikTok brain rot‘—with youth spending countless hours each week […]

1 year ago

IPhone 17 Air Could Be Apple’s First Port-Free Smartphone

Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 17 Air, which promises to be the slimmest iPhone to date. However, in a bold move that would have marked a massive departure from the norm, Apple reportedly considered making this model the company’s first-ever completely port-free iPhone, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The concept of a port-free device was an ambitious step towards an entirely wireless experience, with all data transfer and charging handled through MagSafe wireless charging and cloud-based syncing. The iPhone 17 Air would have ditched the USB-C connector and even the physical SIM tray, relying solely on wireless technology for both charging and data storage. This idea would have marked a major shift in how we interact with our devices-removing all physical ports and connectors. However, Apple ultimately decided to pause these plans for several reasons. One of the primary concerns, as reported by Bloomberg, was the regulatory challenges Apple would face, particularly in the European Union. The EU has been pushing for standardization, with USB-C now required as a universal charging port for smartphones. Apple was the last major brand to offer a proprietary port on its smartphones, finally transitioning to USB-C with the iPhone 15 series. A […]

1 year ago

Police Reports, Residency, And Traffic Services Now Online

Citizens and residents in Bahrain can now file police reports and access a range of security services through the MyGov application, the Ministry of Interior announced yesterday. The app enables users to report incidents directly to police stations, the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security, and the Investigation and Follow-Up Department at the Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs (NPRA). It also provides a dedicated service for reporting online child abuse cases, ensuring immediate access to law enforcement support. MyGov offers an electronic service for requesting and verifying Good Conduct Certificates, issued through the Criminal Information Directorate at the General Directorate of Crime Detection and Forensic Evidence. This feature simplifies the process for individuals needing official background checks, eliminating the need for in-person visits. NPRA services available on MyGov include passport issuance and renewal, residency applications and renewals, and travel permit issuance. The platform provides a more efficient alternative to traditional service centres, reducing waiting times and improving accessibility. Users can now handle General Directorate of Traffic services through MyGov, allowing them to renew driving licences, pay traffic fines instantly, and renew vehicle registrations without visiting service centres. These features streamline traffic-related procedures, making transactions faster and more […]

1 year ago

ID Card, Birth Certificate Services Now Just A Tap Away

Information & eGovernment Authority (IGA) announced yesterday that citizens and residents can now access ID card and birth certificate eServices through the MyGov app, as part of efforts to enhance accessibility and ensure seamless transactions. The launch marks the first phase of integrating these services into the unified digital platform. The first phase of MyGov includes ID card services such as issuing and renewing ID cards, obtaining replacements for lost or damaged cards, and tracking application status. These services are among the most widely used, with an annual average exceeding 700,000 transactions, both in-person and online. Having them available in a single app for the first time allows users to complete transactions more easily. Additionally, the app enables users to view their birth certificates, along with the ID cards of their children under 18 and domestic workers. Duaa Sultan Mohammed, Deputy Chief Executive for Statistics and Population Registry at the iGA, described the move as a significant step in Bahrain’s digital transformation, ensuring streamlined access to key government services. She confirmed that future phases will expand the range of available services while maintaining international standards for customer service and user experience. Launched by H.E. General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al […]

1 year ago

UAE Issues Strict Guidelines for Social Media Use; National Media Office to Monitor Digital Platforms for Content Violations

The National Media Office (NMO) has issued a statement calling on social media users in the UAE to uphold national values of respect, tolerance, and coexistence when posting online. The office emphasised that users must adhere to ethical and legal standards when using digital platforms and avoid content that “abuses or disparages national symbols, public figures, or friendly countries and their societies.” The NMO warned that legal action would be taken against those who violate these directives, in accordance with UAE laws designed to maintain a “safe and balanced digital environment that encourages mutual respect,” according to a statement by the Emirates News Agency (WAM). UAE National Media Office issues guidelines for social media users “Sharing misleading information, hate speech, or defamation – whether directly, indirectly, or by implication – violates the law and is subject to strict legal penalties,” the statement noted. The office referenced President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s message that UAE citizens serve as ambassadors for their country. “Every action you take, positive or negative, reflects your Emirati identity. We are all responsible for shaping the reputation of this country, as each of us is a guardian of its honour and standing,” the President said. Social media users were urged […]

1 year ago

Look: UAE Satellite Etihad-SAT Beams Back First Signal to Earth

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced receiving the first signal from Etihad-SAT, its first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. It represents a technological leap in MBRSC’s satellite fleet, integrating radar imaging technology with existing optical satellite capabilities. Unlike traditional optical cameras, radar imaging relies on radio waves that penetrate clouds, darkness, and even rain, making it a powerful tool for consistent and uninterrupted data collection. View this post on Instagram A post shared by مركز محمد بن راشد للفضاء MBRSC (@mbrspacecentre) Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC, noted that the UAE is steadily advancing towards strengthening its position among the leading nations in space science and technology, guided by the vision and support of the leadership. “This milestone paves the way for leveraging space technologies across various fields that serve the nation.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by مركز محمد بن راشد للفضاء MBRSC (@mbrspacecentre) Strategic partnership Etihad-SAT was developed through a strategic partnership with South Korea’s Satrec Initiative. MBRSC’s team led the technical specifications phase before moving on to preliminary design and technical validation to ensure compliance with the highest global standards. In the later stages, MBRSC engineers took the lead […]

1 year ago

NSSA confirms successful reception of first signal from Al Munther satellite

The National Space Science Agency (NSSA) has confirmed the successful deployment and operation of Bahrain’s Al Munther satellite in orbit. The satellite has fully activated its solar panels and sensors and has successfully transmitted its first signal to ground stations, verifying its operational status. Al Munther was launched earlier today, March 15, 2025, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket developed by SpaceX. The Falcon 9 is one of the most frequently launched rockets, known for its reusable design that reduces the cost of space access. It is a two-stage, partially reusable launch vehicle measuring 70 meters in height and 3.7 meters in diameter. The rocket has a maximum payload capacity of 22,800 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO) and 8,300 kilograms to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). It is powered by RP-1 kerosene and liquid oxygen (LOX) fuel.

1 year ago

UAE’s First SAR Satellite, Etihad-SAT, Successfully Launched Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket

Etihad-SAT, the UAE’s first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, was successfully launched today aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The highly anticipated launch took place at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the US. This is a groundbreaking achievement for the UAE’s space ambitions and marks a significant milestone in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre’s (MBRSC) growing contributions to space exploration and technological innovation. The launch was initially scheduled for 10.39am, but was later moved to 10.43am. Developed as part of a strategic partnership with South Korea’s Satrec Initiative, Etihad-SAT was designed with the involvement of MBRSC’s team, who led the technical specifications phase before moving on to preliminary design and technical validation to ensure compliance with the highest global standards. MBRSC engineers then took the lead in finalising the design and manufacturing in partnership with Satrec Initiative. Earth observation Etihad-SAT is equipped with advanced SAR technology that enables high-precision Earth observation in all weather and environmental conditions, both day and night. The satellite offers three imaging modes: spot mode (high-resolution imaging for small areas), scan mode (wide-area coverage for large regions), and strip mode (extended observation for longer regions). These features make Etihad-SAT a powerful tool for multiple […]

Search Here

Recent Posts

Israel Hands US Curiously-Timed Intelligence Saying Iran Plotting To Assassinate Trump

Strategic Oil Reserve Buying Set To Support Crude Demand Through 2028

Mbappe Revels In Captain’s Role For France At World Cup

Switzerland Advance To Face Defending Champions Argentina

Search Here

Binance Bahrain Issues Warning as Fraudulent SMS Scams Surge

How To Defend Against The Latest Financial Scams

Idiocracy Looms As Study Finds TikTok Rots Youth Minds

IPhone 17 Air Could Be Apple’s First Port-Free Smartphone

Police Reports, Residency, And Traffic Services Now Online

ID Card, Birth Certificate Services Now Just A Tap Away

UAE Issues Strict Guidelines for Social Media Use; National Media Office to Monitor Digital Platforms for Content Violations

Look: UAE Satellite Etihad-SAT Beams Back First Signal to Earth

NSSA confirms successful reception of first signal from Al Munther satellite

UAE’s First SAR Satellite, Etihad-SAT, Successfully Launched Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket

Recent Posts

Israel Hands US Curiously-Timed Intelligence Saying Iran Plotting To Assassinate Trump

Strategic Oil Reserve Buying Set To Support Crude Demand Through 2028

Mbappe Revels In Captain’s Role For France At World Cup

Switzerland Advance To Face Defending Champions Argentina

Bahraini Youth Team Climbs Africa’s Highest Peak

Student Lands Plane After His Flight Instructor Jumps to Death

Useful Links

Subscribe to our mailing list

Online Magazine