The Information Communication Technology Association of Zambia (ICTAZ) has expressed concern over the country’s limited efforts in raising awareness about cybercrime. Speaking in an interview on Saturday, ICTAZ President Dr. Clement Sinyangwe emphasized the urgent need for Zambia to treat cybercrime with the same seriousness as it did the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for the promotion of “cyber-hygiene.”
Dr. Sinyangwe highlighted that many Zambians remain unaware of the risks associated with sharing personal information, such as bank PINs, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. He stressed that cybercriminals are highly sophisticated, exploiting gaps in awareness and digital literacy to carry out their activities.
The Need for Cyber-Hygiene
Dr. Sinyangwe called for a nationwide campaign to educate citizens on safe online practices. He described cyber-hygiene as adopting preventive measures and behaviors to safeguard personal and institutional data from cyber threats.
“Very few people understand the importance of safeguarding their personal details online. For example, a large number of people cannot decline requests to share sensitive information like a bank PIN, even when it’s clearly a scam,” he said.
Acknowledging Progress
Dr. Sinyangwe acknowledged the strides made by the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) in addressing cybercrime. He noted that ZICTA has successfully apprehended individuals involved in illegal online activities, but he believes more needs to be done to reach the grassroots and build public resilience against cyber threats.
The Growing Threat of Cybercrime
Cybercrime in Zambia has been on the rise, with incidents ranging from phishing and identity theft to hacking and financial fraud. Dr. Sinyangwe warned that as the country continues to adopt digital technologies in sectors like banking, education, and e-governance, the risk of cybercrime will grow unless decisive preventive measures are taken.
Recommendations
To address the issue, Dr. Sinyangwe proposed several key actions:
- Nationwide Sensitization Campaigns: Launch initiatives similar to the public health campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic to educate citizens about the dangers of cybercrime and how to protect themselves.
- Strengthening Legislation: Enhance existing laws on cybersecurity to ensure they are robust enough to deter cybercriminals.
- Digital Literacy Programs: Partner with schools, businesses, and community organizations to improve digital literacy and awareness of cyber threats.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Engage private sector players, financial institutions, and telecommunications companies in the fight against cybercrime.
A Call to Action
Dr. Sinyangwe concluded by urging the government, private sector, and citizens to work together in creating a secure digital environment. “Cybercrime is not just a threat to individuals but to the economy and national security as well. We must act now to protect our people and our digital infrastructure,” he said.
As Zambia continues to embrace digital transformation, the fight against cybercrime will require collective efforts to promote safe practices and build a culture of cyber-hygiene across the nation.