In a concerted effort to combat the rising threats of fraud in the digital era, a prominent initiative was launched during International Fraud Week by the Volta Star Radio on the 15th of November, 2023, featuring distinguished speakers Mr. Desmond Kitsi, CEO of Genius IT Foundation, and Mr. Vincent Adziga, Municipal Director of NCCE.
Mr. Anani Gbadaglo opened the program, setting the stage for a discussion that delved into critical aspects of fraud prevention. Mr. Desmond Kitsi, a seasoned expert in the field, took the stage to share valuable insights and advocate for proactive measures.
Insights from Mr. Desmond Kitsi
Drawing from personal experiences, Mr. Kitsi emphasized the pivotal role of personal policies in fraud prevention. He narrated an incident, underscoring the significance of attending educational seminars and issued a warning against entrusting mobile phones for transactions. Highlighting a recent cybersecurity awareness program on October 27, 2023, at Hotel Stevens, he stressed the importance of safeguarding personal data, particularly mobile numbers, to prevent mobile fraud. Key tips included:
- Password Security: Discouraging the use of personal information, such as dates of birth, as passwords.
- Sharing Passwords: Advising against sharing passwords and stressing the importance of confidentiality.
- Transaction Caution: Warning against giving mobile phones to mobile money merchants for transactions and emphasizing personal responsibility.
- Educational Engagement: Encouraging active participation in educational events focusing on cybersecurity.
- Reporting Mechanism: Urging listeners to report fraud promptly to the cybersecurity authority through the designated hotline (292).
Mr. Desmond Kitsi actively engaged with the audience, addressing their questions about mobile fraud and reinforcing the importance of personal vigilance and cautious practices.
Contributions from Mr. Vincent Adziga
Mr. Vincent Adziga, associated with the NCCE, added his perspective by advising against opening unknown links and sharing personal information on unfamiliar platforms. He underscored the role of law enforcement, particularly the police, in addressing fraud issues and encouraged vigilance to avoid falling victim to cyber threats.
Future Initiatives
Looking ahead, Mr. Desmond Kitsi introduced an upcoming cybersecurity course by the Genius IT Foundation, emphasizing their commitment to empowering individuals in navigating a secure digital environment.
Conclusion
The fraud awareness program provided a comprehensive understanding of the threats posed in the digital landscape. The insights shared by Mr. Desmond Kitsi and Mr. Vincent Adziga, coupled with practical prevention measures, contribute significantly to raising awareness and empowering individuals to navigate the digital world securely. As the world grapples with increasing digitalization, initiatives like these play a crucial role in fostering a safer online environment for all.
