Online Reporter
Jacqueline Ntaka, Opinion
AS our lives become increasingly digital, cybersecurity has evolved from being a concern exclusive to large corporations into a vital part of everyday life for individuals across the globe, including in Zimbabwe.
The importance of understanding and practising basic digital hygiene cannot be overstated, as it offers a strong defence against common cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and data breaches.
Phishing is one of the most prevalent forms of cybercrime, where fraudsters attempt to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or mobile money PINs.
These scams often come disguised as messages from trusted organisations, delivered via email, text (known as smishing), or phone calls (vishing).
They typically create a false sense of urgency, urging recipients to act quickly without thinking. Tell-tale signs include suspicious sender details, poor grammar, and unexpected links or attachments.
To stay safe, it’s crucial to verify any suspicious communication independently — contacting the organisation directly using known contact details rather than those provided in the message.
It’s also essential to remember that no legitimate institution will ever ask for your PIN, password, or one-time passcode via email, text, or phone.
Malware, or malicious software, poses another significant threat. It includes viruses, spyware, and ransomware, all designed to damage your device or steal your data. Protecting your devices begins with installing reliable antivirus software and keeping it updated.
Regular software updates are equally important, as they often contain security patches that fix vulnerabilities. Downloading apps and files only from trusted sources, such as official app stores or company websites, helps minimise risk. Public Wi-Fi networks, commonly found in places like cafés and airports, are often unsecured and can be exploited by cybercriminals.
Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on these networks, and consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic when necessary.
Data breaches, where cybercriminals gain unauthorised access to company databases, are increasingly common. While individuals cannot prevent these breaches, they can take steps to limit their impact. Using strong, unique passwords for each account is one of the most effective measures.
These passwords should be long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. A password manager can help manage them securely. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection, requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.
Being cautious about the personal information you share online also helps reduce your exposure to social engineering attacks.
In Zimbabwe, the rapid growth of digital finance and social media has introduced new avenues for cyber threats. Mobile money platforms are frequent targets, with scammers often posing as customer service agents to trick users into revealing their PINs.
The Cyber and Data Protection Act (Chapter 12:07) provides a legal framework for safeguarding personal data, placing obligations on companies to protect user information.
However, individuals remain the first line of defence. It’s vital to stay vigilant, never share your mobile money PIN — even with family or friends — and only enter it on your own device during transactions you initiate. Keeping informed through official communications from financial institutions and mobile network operators is also key.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) serves as the data protection authority, responsible for enforcing these regulations and promoting awareness.
l Jacqueline Ntaka is the CEO of Mviyo Technologies, a local tech company that provides custom software development, mobile applications and data analytics solutions. She can be contacted on jackie.
