The internet has become an essential part of our lives, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. We use it for work, education, entertainment, communication, shopping, banking, and more. However, the internet also exposes us to various risks and dangers that can harm our data, devices, and identity.
According to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), more than 56 million cyber threats were detected nationwide in the last three months of 2020, compared to 37.1 million in 2019. These threats include malware attacks, web application attacks, phishing and scam emails, fake websites, online scams, romance scams, and identity theft.
Cybercrime can have serious consequences for individuals and organizations. It can result in financial losses, reputational damage, legal liability, emotional distress and even physical harm. In 2016, Kenya lost about Sh18 billion to cybercrime.
To protect yourself and your data from online fraud and cyber threats, you need to be aware of the best practices for internet safety.?
Here are some tips to help you stay safe online
Online fraud and cyber threats are real and can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. By following these tips and being vigilant, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime.
- Make sure your internet connection is secure. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when using public Wi-Fi or unsecured networks. A VPN will encrypt your data and prevent hackers from intercepting it.
- Choose strong passwords and use different passwords for different accounts. A strong password is long, has a mix of characters, and avoids the obvious and memorable keyboard paths. You can use a password manager to help you create and store strong passwords.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) where you can. MFA is a security feature that requires you to provide two or more verification methods to access an online account. For example, you may need to enter a code sent to your phone or email after entering your password.
- Be careful of what you share online. Do not post personal or sensitive information that could be used by hackers or scammers to impersonate you or trick you into revealing more details. This includes your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, ID number, bank details, etc.
- Beware of phishing and scam emails. Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain your personal or financial information by pretending to be a legitimate entity. Scam emails are emails that offer you something too good to be true or ask you for money or help. Do not open attachments or click on links from unknown or suspicious senders. Verify the sender's identity and the email's authenticity before responding or taking any action.
- Use reputable antivirus software and keep it updated. Antivirus software can help you detect and remove malware (malicious software) that can infect your device and compromise your data. Malware can come from various sources, such as email attachments, downloads, pop-ups, etc. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date and scan your device regularly.
- Educate yourself and your family about online safety. The internet can be a wonderful resource for learning and entertainment, but it can also expose children and young people to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. Parents and guardians should monitor their children's online activities, set parental controls and talk to them about the potential dangers and how to avoid them.
If you want to learn more about online safety in Kenya, you can check out some of the resources below:
- The Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act No. 5 of 2018, which criminalises several cybercrimes and provides for penalties and procedures for investigation and prosecution.
- The Data Protection Act No. 24 of 2019, which regulates the collection, processing, and storage of personal data by public and private entities.
- The Safe Online project by Terre des Hommes Netherlands, which provides training modules on online safety for children, parents and teachers.
- The Africa Online Safety Fund, which supports innovative solutions to address online safety issues in Africa.
Remember: Online fraud and cyber threats are real. Don't be a statistic. Be smart and safe.
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