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Tom Muleya Fraud Insight

Put on the “I may be the next victim” mindset.

This is a cyber-security mindset that promotes or creates consciousness in an individual to remain alert to threats.

It is only a positive and cyber security mindset that will win the war against cybercrimes.

People everywhere should therefore put on ‘I may be next victim mindset’.

Cyber security is the major challenge globally as technology continues to advance at a fast pace and posing serious threats to all those connected to the wild-web.

To demonstrate the extent of the cyber challenges or threats, annually, the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) cybercrime directorate invites member states to participate in the fight against crime.

This is also meant to raise public awareness on key threats, and to promote good cyber hygiene for individuals and businesses worldwide.

The internet has turned the whole world into an inclusive village of global connectivity, ushering in swiftness communication, convenience and simplicity in conducting business.

While technological development has changed every aspect of our lives, it is common knowledge that technological advancement and the use of internet have also changed the way criminals commit crimes.

Cyber criminals are committing such crimes as ransomware, phishing, Business Email Compromise (BEC), hacking, identity theft, cyber advance fee fraud and social media aided frauds among others.

Everyone has some personal data that needs protection or cyber security and this could be online banking information, medical information, and or financial information or private information among others.

The “I may be next victim mentality” is a cyber-security mindset that promotes or creates consciousness in an individual to remain alert to threats.

How the mindset helps:

• The concept will help this way;
• Do not disclose my personal details or information to strangers such as bank card numbers, PINs and my computer password. I will take personal responsibility to protect my personal information by preventing unauthorised access to privileged information.
• Practice all principles of cyber hygiene.
•  Be careful when clicking while transacting on line.
•  Do not click and respond to emails whose sources they do not know and not sure of.
• Regularly change their bank account Pin, and their computer and mobile phone passwords.
• Do not quickly respond to WhatsApp messages purporting to be sent by a group member soliciting for US dollars or Zimdollars.
•  When doing online transactions, one will take all precautionary measures to avoid or prevent hacking.
• Be reasonable enough not to post confidential and personal financial data on social media platforms as this will increase their chances of being a victim of identity theft.
• When one loses their personal data or details, they will quickly report to the police, bank and mobile service provider.

Participate in the fight against cybercrimes by embracing the “I may be next victim” concept. Your security on cyberspace matters, “Think cyber security”, practice “cyber hygiene” and “Be careful when you click”. Get empowered by Fraud Insight.

Feedback: WhatsApp: 0772 764 043, or e-mail: [email protected]. Tom Muleya is a Detective Assistant Inspector working under CID Commercial Crime Division (CCD). He is also a member of the National Cyber Security Awareness Taskforce, Zimbabwe.