Ezulwini – The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has reported that local online scam victims lost over E8 million through cybercrime this year, shared on Monday as the country launched a month-long cyber security awareness campaign.
“There were 86 cases where ATM cards and PIN numbers were stolen and funds fraudulently withdrawn through ATMs, amounting to 422,825.11 cents.
“There were a total of seven cases involving fraudulent emails recorded, purporting to notify companies of a change of banking details amounting to 2,715,116.81 cents,” the police Deputy Commissioner Mumcy Dlamini said.
This year’s cybersecurity awareness month, launched by the Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, is themed “Secure Eswatini – Be Safe Online” and urges citizens to protect their data and stay vigilant against online scams.
The Prime Minister said the government, which in May introduced the Government in Your Hand mobile application, will strive to guarantee data and your privacy protection.
The app provides citizens with convenient, remote access to various government services, reducing the need for physical visits to offices.
“Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Success requires collaboration,” he said.
The government will intensify collaborations on upscaling digital literacy in schools and universities. It will also support businesses to strengthen their defences against cyber attacks.
The Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Savannah Maziya, said the ministry will spread messages in communities to raise awareness and protect the most vulnerable.
“Throughout this campaign month, we will be conducting outreach programmes to schools, institutions of higher learning, community platforms, and workshops for stakeholders, as we continue to instill a culture of cyber vigilance amongst our citizens.
“The Ministry, through the Eswatini Communications Commission, is also planning free online cybersecurity training for the public, including the youth, small businesses, schools, government agencies, and communities,” Maziya said.
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