As the Cyber Security Expert Association of Ghana continues its mission to bolster cybersecurity awareness and safety measures within the nation, the organization has raised concerns and issued crucial warnings as the festive season approaches.
The Cyber Security Expert Association of Ghana emphasizes the importance of being vigilant in both physical and digital spaces to safeguard against potential cyber threats.
With the convergence of shopping events like Cyber Monday and Black Friday alongside the surge in festive promotions, the association has alerted citizens about the increased potential for cyber threats. The organization emphasizes the vulnerability of unsuspecting shoppers during this time and urges the public to exercise vigilance.
The association has unveiled several threats that Ghanaians need to be wary of, including the latest tactics employed by cyber-criminals:
- Fraudulent Social Media Advertisements: Cyber-criminals exploit social media platforms by advertising holiday sales from suspicious sources, leading users to fraudulent websites or encouraging transactions for non-existent products.
- Phishing via Fake Customer Support: Scammers impersonate customer service representatives to extract personal or financial information from individuals.
- Holiday Travel Scams: Exploiting the desire for travel during the festive season, scammers offer suspicious holiday travel packages or discounted hotel bookings, potentially leading to identity theft or financial fraud.
- Fake Online Marketplaces: Cyber-criminals create counterfeit online marketplaces, enticing shoppers with unrealistic deals for popular items, resulting in financial loss or receiving counterfeit goods.
- Misleading Product Descriptions and Fake Websites: Scammers provide inaccurate product information on fake websites to collect personal or financial information.
- Overly Generous Offers and Unrealistic Deals: Scammers entice individuals with offers that seem too good to be true, aiming to extract personal information or payments for non-existent products.
To combat these threats and ensure a cyber-safe festive season, the Cyber Security Expert Association of Ghana has issued comprehensive recommendations:
- Verification Before Transactions: Verify the legitimacy of promotions before making any purchases.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Opt for secure payment options like credit cards or trusted online gateways.
- Authenticate Seller Information: Thoroughly validate sellers before finalizing any transactions.
- Exercise Caution with Links and Websites: Avoid clicking on suspicious links and shop exclusively from trusted online platforms.
- Regular Device Updates: Keep devices updated to protect against the latest cyber threats.
- Strong, Unique Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Implement strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for added security.
- Education and Reporting Suspicious Activity: Stay informed about cyber threats, educate others, and report suspicious online activities.
The association urges all citizens to celebrate responsibly, ensuring a cyber-safe and joyful holiday for everyone. For any suspicious online activities, citizens are encouraged to report to relevant authorities by calling 292 to contribute to a safer digital environment.
Source: Marzuuq Issah | Ghana360news.com
