Bahrain is to step up efforts to strengthen information security amid mounting cyber threats.

Interior Minister Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa sounded the alarm as he opened the first-ever Bahrain Information Security Forum 2015 at the Officers' Club, Gudaibiya, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

"Today we are talking about a comprehensive danger that threatens all people and targets institutions and individuals at any time and without prior notice," he said.

The symposium, organised by the Central Informatics Organisation, brought together IT security experts, senior government officials and employees from the public and private sectors.

It aims to consolidate community partnership, raise awareness and step up information security in Bahrain.

The minister stressed that such threats have attained an unprecedented dangerous level.

Science is meant to serve humans but some exploit it, he said.

Society, especially youngsters, need to be protected, Shaikh Rashid said.

The minister highlighted the importance of campaigns to raise awareness at schools and urged parents to ensure the best use of technology.

"Protection begins by securing individuals, society and the state through technical capability. This matter is of great importance to the nation and the government and is being co-ordinated within the GCC framework," he said. The minister later honoured speakers and participants at the forum. - TradeArabia News Service