Key information to be aware of:
- Prior to the holiday season, make sure all your gadgets—including smartphones, tablets, and laptops—are running the latest versions of their operating systems (such as Android, iOS, and Windows) and software programs.
With preparations underway for the height of Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Cyber Security and Forensics Association of Uganda (CSFAU) offers warm seasonal wishes. As households become filled with happiness and online activities increase significantly, it’s important to acknowledge that this time of year also represents the “high point” for cyber criminals. These individuals often employ standard methods, taking advantage of people's sense of urgency and emotions.
We emphasize the key risks expected: Advanced phishing and smishing schemes. These represent the primary method used by scammers to carry out fraudulent activities. Fraudsters distribute misleading messages—through electronic mail (phishing) or mobile texts (smishing)—with the aim of obtaining login details or installing malicious software. Seasonal Traps: Be cautious of counterfeit alerts mimicking courier companies requesting minor “reshipment charges,” or pressing notifications from financial institutions stating your account has been blocked and requires instant password confirmation.
Deception Tactics: The objective is to mislead you into clicking a link that directs you to a fake website meant to steal your Mobile Money PIN, banking login information, or personal identification data. This involves mobile money scams combined with manipulation techniques known as social engineering. Due to the large number of people using mobile money services, this area has become highly attractive to scammers. They take advantage of trust by employing "social engineering" methods. For instance, a scammer might contact you posing as someone from your Mobile Network Provider (MNO) or even a relative in distress, urging you to instantly authorize a transaction, correct an issue, or reveal a confidential code. Such strategies create urgency, pushing you to make quick decisions without proper consideration, which can result in funds being stolen directly from your account or your SIM card becoming compromised. Keep in mind: legitimate MNO representatives will never reach out requesting your PIN or authorization code.
Public Unprotected Wireless Internet Connections. A lot of people from Uganda go out or frequent places like hotels, coffee shops, and air terminals. Using free, unprotected Wi-Fi connections brings considerable danger. Bad actors may readily track the details being transmitted over these systems or create fake wireless spots known as “rogue access points.” Should you look at your banking account status or conduct e-commerce transactions via one of those networks, your private details become open for viewing and susceptible to theft. For maintaining safe digital practices during vacations, all individuals from Uganda are encouraged to apply these effective and impactful safety steps: 1. Follow the "Stop and Confirm" principle. When receiving a communication (like an email, text, or phone call), which induces pressure or asks for confidential info, take time before responding.
Avoid clicking on links or sharing information. Confirm the request by visiting the organization’s official website directly or contacting their officially listed customer service number. Ignore any contact details included in the questionable message. Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), which adds an extra step for verification—such as a temporary code sent to your phone—in addition to your password. Set up MFA for all important accounts, including your email, social media profiles, and particularly your mobile payment and bank apps. Keep your devices secure through regular updates. These updates typically include essential security fixes that prevent hackers from taking advantage of vulnerabilities.
Prior to the holiday season, confirm that all your gadgets—including smartphones, tablets, and PCs—are running the latest versions of their operating systems (such as Android, iOS, and Windows), along with up-to-date apps. Keep confidential tasks separate from open wireless networks. Avoid performing bank activities, making mobile money payments, or accessing private accounts when using complimentary public Wi-Fi. Instead, opt for your mobile network operator’s internet plan (like 3G, 4G, or 5G) for monetary operations since it provides a safer, encrypted link. Monitor your online presence. During the festive period, stay cautious about the information you post digitally. Cybersecurity requires collective effort. Through increased individual knowledge and adherence to these straightforward but effective measures, each person in Uganda can greatly lower their chances of falling prey to cyber threats.
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