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Tom Muleya

Fraud Insight

Communication, doing business, and data storage and protection on cyber space is the new normal for states, organisations and individuals. 

The physical world is disappearing right before us in broad daylight and technology is turning all human beings into cyber beings. 

While technology has brought about many advantages to life due to global connectivity, cyber space is highly risky as it comprises of numerous threats to data security or protection, hence the need to brace up for cyber threats.

Cyber space has dragged the whole world and all human beings into warfare. Cyber war generally deals with personal information security. I suppose cyber warfare is the greatest battle faced with the world today. 

The reason many criminal syndicates are enrolling themselves in acts of cybercrime is because the space offers them the advantage of anonymity. 

In one of my previous work on cybercrime, I indicated that research estimates the global loss due to cybercrime to rise above US$10 trillion annually by 2025. 

Some examples of cybercrime many patrons will encounter are phishing, card fraud, identity theft, hacking, spasms and unauthorised access among others.

To minimise some incidences of cybercrime and related frauds, consider some of the following measures;

Jealously guard your personal information. While personal data may be stolen in a number of ways, it needs to be jealously guarded by avoiding disclosure of personal data to third parties as this may result in hacking and cloning.

Provide water tight security on computer systems. Cyber criminals attack computer communication systems to derive monetary gain. It is therefore important that all computer systems are properly secured to avoid unauthorised access. All computer systems constantly be under surveillance to check for intrusion. Even mobile phones should be constantly checked for hacking.

Exercise responsible behaviour. While you communicate and transact online or on cyber space avoid un-wantonly behaviour and complacence. Embrace cyber hygiene principles and being careful when you click. Following unsolicited links and visiting unknown websites should be done with utmost care or avoided.

Familiarise yourself with cybercrime. Education is power. Human beings never cease to learn as each day has its unique challenges, so deliberately seeking information in relation to cyber risks or threats will go a long way to prevent incidences of cybercrime. A visit to the nearest police station or Police Cyber Unit will help acquire knowledge on latest cybercrime trends.

Do cyber due diligence. Many people who conduct business on online or cyber space do a lot of grave shortcuts and this has resulted in many casualties. While doing business on cyber space, always remember that the internet is inherent with high risky. When products are advertised on social media, no matter how good they may be, there is still need for verification and authentication.

Get empowered by Fraud Insight and be part of a solution to cyber warfare. Stay tuned for other upcoming issue on cyber related fraud and prevention tips.

For your feedback, WhatsApp line: 0772 764 043, or e-mail:[email protected]. Tom Muleya is a Detective Assistant Inspector working under the Criminal Investigations Department. Harare. He is also a member of the National Cyber Security Taskforce, Zimbabwe.