Cyber Security key in protecting internet users

By Shingirirai Mutonho

“Congratulations you have been selected as one of the winners of 10 GB of data for any network of your choice. Click the following link to redeem your prize…..”

Many mobile users have at some point received, seen, or shared a similar message like the one above.

The message, which to an average person may look like a great bargain or win, has brought tears to some mobile internet users.

Upon clicking the said link, the user is often asked to fill in personal details including name, National Identity number, and bank account.

The unsuspecting user is then asked to forward the message to three people or groups to redeem their prize which unfortunately after all the efforts never comes.

What then might seem like a genuine process to redeem the free data has sometimes resulted in users having not only their social media accounts hacked but also their bank accounts.

What appears to be a genuine message carrying great news leaves the innocent user stranded as they soon realize that either their social media account or mobile money account has been hacked.

This is just one of the many ways in which internet users are scammed and attacked daily.

It has been reported that one in every five people experience cybercrime each year with 90 percent of cyber attacks starting with phishing emails or messages.

Phishing has been defined as fake emails, texts, or messages used to steal login credentials.

With hackers continuously crafting new ways of duping unsuspecting internet users daily the question stands: how safe is the ordinary internet user?

Cyber attacks are a growing concern in Africa, with the continent ranking as the region with the highest exposure to cyber attacks per country in 2020.

Cyber attacks can be aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users through the use of ransomware, and interrupting normal business processes.

Given the rise in cyber attacks, cyber security is important as internet use on computers and smartphones is now a fundamental part of modern life.

As such, it is important to prevent cyber criminals from getting hold of people’s data, accounts, and devices.

Cyber security has been defined as the practice of protecting systems, networks, programs, devices, and data from cyber-attacks.

This month, Tanzania joined the rest of the world in observing Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

This initiative was launched in 2004 to promote online safety and cybersecurity awareness among individuals and businesses.

This year the Awareness campaigns were run under the theme: ‘Secure Our World.’

The theme emphasized the importance of taking daily action to reduce risks when online and using connected devices.

It was a call to action to protect individuals and businesses from online dangers with simple, effective steps.

Throughout the month, African Child Projects collaborated with other stakeholders to provide resources, training, and awareness campaigns to educate people about cybersecurity threats and best practices.

By participating in Cybersecurity Awareness Month, ACP sought to help individuals take proactive steps to protect themselves from cyber threats and promote a safer online environment.

Some of the key actions promoted during Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 to help protect users included encouraging the use of strong passwords that are long, random, and unique and that include all four character types that are uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.

Users are also encouraged to enable multi-factor authentication to make their online accounts significantly less likely to get hacked.

Users need to recognize and report phishing by being cautious of unsolicited messages asking for personal information.

Users are encouraged to ensure their software is up to date to get the latest security patches and updates on their devices.

ACP, as a build-up to the Cyber Awareness Month Commemorations has since the beginning of the year been conducting events to raise awareness.

It successfully hosted Cyber Camps aimed at providing comprehensive awareness and understanding of data protection and security.

In August, ACP in partnership with stakeholders including  Binti Kiranja, Neurotech, and Sanifu was part of the International Youth Day commemorations held at Buni Hub COSTECH, Dar es Salaam.

The event which took place on August 10 ran under the theme: ‘Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development.’

During the event, experts from Binti Kiranji held team-building sessions which focused on leadership development, strengthening team cohesion, promotion of effective communication, and strategic thinking.

The team from Sanifu raised awareness among youths on deceptive practices such as phishing and baiting.

Sarufi (from Neurotech), one of the leading AI developers in the region, demonstrated and trained participants on the construction of AI chatbots and its practical application in day-to-day life.

ACP from August 28 to 30 successfully hosted the 2024 CCNA Boot Camp at Tafes (Boko Chama)

The Boot camp aimed at equipping candidates with new technology such as Cisco, Huawei, and MikroTik devices.

The three-day event was attended by 15 candidates drawn from Dar es Salaam and Dodoma regions who were equipped with the soft skills necessary for running a viable business.

Though the Cyber Security Awareness month ended, ACP remains committed in ensuring that internet users are protected as they use the internet.