Last Updated on 22/11/2021 by Nidhi Khandelwal
Online scams such as phishing, vishing, and smishing, according to tech and cyber security experts, are the most common cybercrimes in the country, and there is a need for enhanced awareness.
Phishing is the practise of sending emails that appear to be from trustworthy companies in order to trick people into divulging personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers.
Vishing involves making phone calls that appear to be from legitimate firms in order to persuade people to divulge personal information such as bank account numbers and credit card data, whereas smishing uses text messages.
According to Assane Gueye, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University Africa, such weaknesses frequently lead to digital extortion and online frauds for many naïve internet users, according to studies and analysis.
Other weaknesses, Gueye warned at a recent cyber security conference of computer aficionados, are caused by corrupted networks, a lack of proper information, and the installation of pirated software.
The university mentioned doing vulnerability assessments to access flaws as well as building technology solutions specific to the local context at a meet up arranged by Broadcasters of Information Communication and Technology and Broadband Systems Corporation.
He also mentioned the importance of developing intelligence about the vice and boosting public awareness to educate the general audience.
Maurice Kajangwe, a Senior Cyber Security Engineer in the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, urged citizens to report such incidents to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau or the National Cyber Security Authority for investigation and action.
He went on to say that the vast majority of cases and issues go unreported, and he urged members of the public to provide any accessible information that could help improve readiness.
Rwanda’s National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA) stated earlier this year that increased adoption and use of online services, such as digital payments, has resulted in increased susceptibility to online cyber threats.
