The Chief Information Officer (CIO) at MTN Ghana, Bernard Acquah, has advised the public against freely giving out Ghana Card information, warning that any illegal activities conducted using such data would be traced back to the person whose data is involved.
He explained, “Giving out your Ghana Card means that anything illegal done with that information is associated with ‘you,’ so do not give out your Ghana Card information so freely. If someone steals your information and commits a crime linked to that data, it will be very hard to convince authorities it wasn’t you.”
He offered this advice during MTN Bright Conversations, an event held as part of MTN’s Cyber Security Month celebration.
Mr Acquah highlighted various potential internet threats that users should be vigilant about, urging the public to be more security-conscious online to prevent falling victim to identity theft and fraud.
Security best practices for internet users
Acquah stressed the importance of enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for online accounts, noting that it adds an additional layer of security beyond traditional passwords.
He also recommended turning off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on devices when they are not in use, as hackers can exploit these as gateways to access a user’s device or network.
He further warned against connecting to “free” or unknown hotspots and networks, which hackers can use to gain access to accounts and intercept sensitive information through techniques like man-in-the-middle attacks and keylogging, which track keystrokes and inputs.
Beyond antivirus protection
The CIO advised against over-reliance on antivirus software, explaining that while antiviruses offer some level of protection, they should be combined with other security measures like 2FA and regular password updates to enhance security.
He encouraged users to consult their service providers for recommended antivirus software or to search online for reputable options.
VPNs, privacy settings
Acquah also emphasized the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for encrypting online data and masking one’s location, advising social media users to review and enable all privacy settings to improve online security and hinder potential hackers. He cautioned against oversharing on social media, noting, “You do not know who is watching and may have bad intentions [toward you].”
He encouraged users to obtain the latest versions of mobile phones for updated security features and compatibility with current applications.
Additionally, he recommended keeping apps updated to prevent them from becoming potential entry points for attackers.
Recognizing and avoiding phishing attacks
Mr Acquah’s advice on phishing was straightforward: “If it sounds too good to be true, then it’s probably too good to be true.”
He cautioned against clicking on unfamiliar links from unknown sources and recommended verifying the source with anyone sending unsolicited links.
In response to a question on what to do if hacked, Mr Acquah advised users to uninstall the compromised application and go offline.
‘Upon reinstalling, he recommended setting up all available security measures.
By SELORM GBORBIDZI, Accra
