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Tom Muleya-Fraud Insight
Cyber security is now an important issue we should consider in our day to day activities.
Government entities, corporations, and individuals have critical information to protect. Protection of information and data is key in the 21st century as humans, software and devices demand completely new approaches in handling data and sensitive information.
The ZRP CID Commercial Crimes Division is concerned about a surge in cybercrimes, hence the need to raise awareness.
It is against this background that the Commercial Crime Division has since partnered with Government regulating authorities such as the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe and Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe to curb the problem.
The Commercial Crimes Division is currently investigating various crimes that are now being committed on the cyber landscape.
It is important to realise that while some common frauds are still committed in a traditional way, many have migrated to cyber.
As the cyber landscape has become the new terrain for business operations, different types of crimes are being committed and these include ; cyber fraud, identity theft, card cloning, social media aided frauds, business e-mail compromise, ransom ware, phishing, cyber extortion, intellectual property fraud and hacking.
All the above mentioned typologies of cybercrimes are targeted at exploiting data or information in critical infrastructure such as, IT infrastructure, financial institutions such as banks, health services, transport services, retail and consumer services, mobile networks, and utility services, among others.
When critical infrastructure is exposed, huge financial losses may be experienced, and critical services may be disrupted. Unless the infrastructure is adequately secured, cyber criminals will not hesitate to launch an attack for monetary gain. In view of the threats that are posed by cyber criminals, it is important that everyone becomes a player in the fight against cybercrimes for a better Zimbabwe.
To create a cybercrime free environment and protect our critical infrastructure, both the corporate and general public should consider the following;
Properly secure both infrastructure devices and software.
Continuously update and upgrade software for better security.
Use advanced software for even better security.
Practice cyber security hygiene.
Embrace cyber resilience to protect infrastructure and data.
Secure personal information and data at all costs.
Use very strong passwords.
Report all cybercrime incidences to the police and responsible authorities for swift investigations.
Adapt to change to cope with emerging trends.
Take keen interest in getting cyber security education.
Have an interest in safeguarding and protecting critical infrastructure.
It is important to participate in the fight against cybercrime and create a safe environment for our critical infrastructure for a better and cyber free Zimbabwe. Our critical infrastructure matters: Think cyber security, think infrastructure protection. 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 Crimes Division. He is also a member of the National Cyber Security Awareness Taskforce, Zimbabwe.
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