How to Stay Safe Online: Tips for Avoiding Cybercrime

The rate of internet penetration in Ghana is growing continuously where cybercrime also become growing concern. According to Cybercrime Unit of Ghana Police Service, 116 cases were recorded in 2016, 412 cases in 2017, 558 cases in 2018, 600 cases in 2019, 1097 cases in 2020, 1147 cases in 2021 and 1077 cases in 2022.  As per the recorded cases cybercrime occurs day in, day out.

In this era of digital advancements, it’s very important to take some steps in other to protect yourself online. It’s very dangerous when cyber criminals or scammers get access to your system and information these days. These tips below will help you to avoid falling victim.

1. Creating a strong password

One of the essential and simplest way to stay safe online is by creating a very strong password. When your password is strong it makes it difficult and impossible for cyber criminals to get access to sensitive information of yours. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long including mix of uppercase and lower case letters, numbers and some special characters. You have to avoid guessable information such as your name, date of birth and common words.

2. Avoid phishing scams

Phishing scams has become uncommon these days in Ghana. Scammers or cyber criminals mostly send emails or messages that appear to be from a legit source such as surveys, online retailers and banks. These kind of messages and emails normally ask you to provide sensitive information like your login credentials or financial information which help give them access.

To avoid falling victim to phishing scams be vigilant when receiving unfamiliar messages that ask you to provide sensitive information via email or message. Always remember to contact the organization directly to verify the validity of messages.

3. Using Two factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication is one of the essential security process that requires you to provide two forms of verification before accessing an account. This can involve a password and a fingerprint or even code that will be sent to your phone. Two-factor authentication enhances the the security of your personal information and reduce risk as well.

4. Keeping software Up-to-date.

One of the prominent tips you shouldn’t miss is by keeping your operating system and internet security software up to date . Cyber criminals are aware of flaws to enter in your system and that’s why you have to update any outdated software which can give cyber criminals or scammers the opportunity to attack you.

5. Use secure internet connection

Stop the use of public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking and shopping. Always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) whenever you’re using a public Wi-Fi network because VPN encrypts all traffic from your device until it reaches its destination ensuring that even if cyber criminals intercept your communication they can only access encrypted data.