IPNEWS: Lonestar Cell MTN, in recognition of Cyber Security Awareness Month is urging everyone to do their part and be #cybersmart.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month was launched in the US in October 2004 as a broad effort to encourage online safety and security. Today, October is celebrated around the world as Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

With the advent of the internet, our world has become borderless and our lives more convenient. A shortcode dialed on our phone enables the transfer deposit or withdrawal of cash. We can buy goods and services online, take a course or stream movies; connect with friends and family on social media, and more.   Every one of these actions requires a PIN or passcode and access to a bank or mobile money account.

Access to these new technologies, no matter on a phone or on a laptop, means our lives are more convenient and more vulnerable to cybercrime.

Lonestar Cell MTN’s Chief Information Officer Titilope Fakuade said we all must do our part, be cyber smart and ensure our data and information is secure.

“Cybercriminals are online,” she said. “These people deliberately look for opportunities (for illicit gain) to destroy lives and property through the theft of personal data and information.”

Current research shows that in 2021, cyber security services account for over 50% of corporate budgets to prevent data leaks and the destruction of business continuity.  Small businesses and banks are not exempt.  In 2019, 42% of small businesses were victims of cybercrime. Between 2018 and 2019 the banking industry incurred the most cybercrime costs of which was USD 18.3 million.

Recognizing the dangers of cyberattacks, Lonestar Cell MTN has instituted a matrix of security systems to maintain a secure network and protect customer data and information.  This includes authentication of users, anti-money laundering detection systems, transaction monitoring, and more.

As new technological trends become more prevalent, Cybercrime is also progressing at an incredibly fast pace, with new trends constantly emerging.  The International Police (Interpol) reports that Cybercriminals are becoming more agile, exploiting new technologies with lightning speed, tailoring their attacks using new methods, and cooperating in ways not seen before.

Cybercriminals use malware, phishing emails, ransomware, and other tactics to steal data from individuals, small businesses, and corporations.

Information Security Officer William Duodu said that computer and cell phone users alike can do their part to protect their data and information by never sharing passwords or mobile money pin codes. He said that cybercriminals use social engineering to rob unsuspecting customers of their information.

“These cybercriminals misrepresent themselves saying they are from requesting customer’s passwords or requesting the sending of mobile money before winning an alleged prize. This is CyberFraud.  Before giving out any information, the caller’s id and position must be verified by the company,” he said.

Ms. Fakuade insists that everyone has the responsibility to do their part to protect themselves and their loved ones from cyberattacks and data breaches.  She cautions users to beware of emails that come from suspicious addresses, or links that ask you to upload account details.  Concerning social media, she encourages users to be careful what’s shared.

“Once it is posted that information is there for eternity. Parents should engage parental controls to prevent young people from sharing information they shouldn’t.  People working remotely should not share confidential information nor conduct online meetings in public places where confidential information could be inadvertently shared.

This applies to the use of public wifi where data can be stolen.  Use a virtual private network instead of your hotspot.”

Finally, Ms. Fakuade said that if you need help, seek clarity and seek support from trusted sources.  We believe that everyone deserves a modern and connected life.    With that modernization, comes a responsibility for our security.