Step 1: Write the law of growth.
Since the rate of increase is proportional to the number present,
\[
\frac{dN}{dt} = kN
\]
whose solution is
\[
N = N_0 e^{kt}
\]
Step 2: Use the doubling condition.
Given that the population doubles in 4 hours,
\[
2N_0 = N_0 e^{4k}
\Rightarrow e^{4k} = 2
\]
Step 3: Find the increase in 12 hours.
\[
N = N_0 e^{12k} = N_0 (e^{4k})^3 = N_0 (2)^3
\]
\[
N = 8N_0
\]
Step 4: Conclusion.
The number of bacteria increases \(\boxed{8}\) times in 12 hours.