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Tom Muleya-Fraud Insight

Today we continue with the INTERPOL Global Awareness Campaign on Cybercrime which is running and branded under the hashtag #YouMayBeNext.

The INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate invited Member States to participate in the fight against cybercrime with the aim of raising public awareness on key cyber threats, and to promote good cyber hygiene for individuals and businesses worldwide.

The campaign focuses on top three cyber threats based on recent cyber threat assessment and these include: Ransomware, Phishing/cyber fraud, and Business Email Compromise (BEC).

In the previous article, we looked at some common threats cyber threats as well as categories of cyber aggressors comprising of Cyberspies, Cyberterrorists, Cyberthieves, Cyberwarriors, and Cyberhacktivists. We also looked at how the internet has turned the whole world into an inclusive village of global connectivity. 

In addition looked at how the global emergency of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 further compromised the lives of people and the cyber landscape.

 It is now common knowledge that technological development has also changed the way criminals now commit crimes. 

The title “I Will Not Be Next Victim” entails individual responsibility, attitude and security mindset required to fight cybercrime. Everyone has some personal data that needs cyber security and this could be online banking information, medical information, and or financial information or private information etc. 

“I Will Not Be Next Victim” is a response to “#YouMayBeNext”. The concept works this way; I will not be next victim because:-

I will 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 unauthorized access to privileged information.

I will practice all principles of Cyber Hygiene.

I will be careful when clicking while transacting on line.

I will click and respond to emails whose sources I do not know and Am not sure of.

I will regularly change my Bank Account Pin, my Computer and Mobile phone passwords.

I will not quickly respond to WhatsApp messages purporting to be sent by a Group member soliciting for US dollars or local currency.

When doing online transactions, I will ensure to take all precautionary measures to avoid prevent hacking.

I will be reasonable enough not to post confidential and personal financial data on Social Media platforms as this will increase my chances of being a victim of identity theft.

When I lose my personal data or details, I will quickly report to the Police, Bank and Mobile Service Provider. 

Participate in the #YouMayBeNext global cybercrime campaign by embracing the “I Will Not Be Next Victim” concept. Your security on Cyberspace matters, “Think Cyber Security”, practice “Cyber hygiene”, and “Be careful when you click”.

Join the fight against cybercrimes. Get empowered by Fraud insight and be part of a solution to the cyber related problem of fraud. Watch out for the next issue.  .

For your feedback, WhatsApp line: 0772 764 043, or e-mail: [email protected]. Tom Muleya is a Detective Assistant Inspector working under the CID Commercial Crime Division Northern Region. He is also a member of the National Cyber Security Taskforce, Zimbabwe. He is currently a participant in the Interpol Global Awareness Campaign on Cybercrime running from 1 – 17 June 2022.