CYBERSECURITY ALERT AND COMBAT: PHISHING SCAMS AND REMEDIES IN GHANA.
Phishing scams are a common type of cybercrime in Ghana, where criminals use fake emails, text messages, and websites to trick people into giving away sensitive information or money. Some popular types of phishing scams in Ghana include:
1. Email scams: These scams often involve criminals posing as trusted organizations such as banks, government agencies, or social media companies. They send fake emails attempting to obtain login credentials or other personal information.
2. Smishing scams: These scams involve the use of text messages that attempt to trick individuals into clicking on a malicious link or calling a fake telephone number.
3. Social media scams: These scams exploit the trust that individuals have in their social networks. Criminals create fake profiles or hijack existing ones to obtain personal information or money.
To prevent phishing scams in Ghana, it is important to follow these remedies:
1. Be cautious of unsolicited emails: Do not open emails from unfamiliar senders, and do not click on any links or attachments contained in them.
2. Verify the authenticity of messages: Confirm the authenticity of messages claiming to be from trusted organizations. Check the sender’s email address, and be wary of messages that contain grammatical errors or typos.
3. Use strong passwords: Utilize strong, unique passwords for online accounts, and avoid sharing them.
4. Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security onto an account, making it more difficult for scammers to access personal information.
5. Be cautious of social media messages: Enable privacy settings on social media profiles and avoid sharing personal information through these platforms. Always verify the authenticity of messages before clicking on links or responding to requests.
6. Keep software up-to-date: Install security updates for your computer, phone, and other connected devices to prevent malware infections, which can lead to phishing scams.
It is important to remain vigilant and take steps to protect yourself against phishing scams in Ghana. Always remember to use caution and follow best practices for online security.
7. Learn to recognize phishing scams: familiarize yourself with common phishing tactics, such as using urgency or fear to prompt quick action, requesting sensitive information, or asking for payments.
8. Report suspicious activity: If you receive a suspicious email, text message, or call, report it to the relevant authorities immediately. Reporting these incidents can help prevent further scams from happening.
9. Educate others: Share information about phishing scams and how to prevent them with your friends, family, and coworkers. Encourage them to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves.
10. Seek professional advice: If you are unsure about the legitimacy of an email, text message, or website, seek advice from a trusted cybersecurity expert to help you verify its authenticity.
In conclusion, phishing scams are a prevalent threat in Ghana and can cause significant financial and personal harm to the victims. By following the above remedies, you can minimize your risk of falling prey to phishing scams and help keep yourself and your community safe from cybercrime.
BY EMMANUEL DAPAAH NTABANEEJUE
(Certified Information Security Expert-CISE, Ethical Hacker, Software Developer)
