Part of TECHJAJA’S GUIDE TO WORKING FROM HOME
The COVID-19 public health crisis has created a great deal of anxiety amongst the public and an increase in cybercrime has lead to some individuals profiteering as a result.
This morning, the National Information Authority Uganda (NITA-U) issued an advisory on common scams the public should look out for as they embrace social distancing and working from home during the nation-wide lock down.
Individuals and businesses are advised to be on the lookout for the following scams/scenarios that can lead to cybercrime exposure:
1. Fake News
Be wary of websites and apps claiming to track COVID-19 cases worldwide. Criminals are using malicious websites to lure unsuspecting users into downloading malware (malicious software). Once installed, cyber criminals use malware to steal sensitive information from a compromised user. NITA-U reminds the public that the following are the approved Covid19 information portals:
- Ministry of Health website – https://www.health.go.ug/covid/
- Covid19 Informational Portal – https://covid19.gou.go.ug/
- World Health Organisation – https://www.who.int/
Access to the above portal is free of charge, i.e., you don’t need MBs to access them when using NITA-U’s MyUG Free internet, MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda.
The public has called upon to maintain good cyber hygiene and security measures by remembering the above stated tips to protect yourself and help stop criminal activity.
2. Child Online Safety
Due to school closings as a result of COVID-19, children will potentially have an increased online presence and/or be in a position that puts them at an inadvertent risk.
Whereas, the internet was designed for good, there are negative actors who are intent
on using it for harm through cybercrime and even scarier are those that use it to target
children. The young users are vulnerable to malicious acts that happen over the
internet and therefore need as much information to ensure they safely use the internet.
The internet is a great resource for learning and development. Exciting and new ways
of accessing information for learning and collaboration for our children now exist.
Parents and guardians are advised to check out our tips and guidance on how to
ensure children use the internet is a safe and responsible manner – https://cop.ug/
3. Phishing e-mails
Be wary of malicious e-mails asking you to verify your personal information in order to
access Government support. While President Museveni in his 30th March 2020 national
address hinted on Government discussing with banks and utility companies possible
relief measures related to loans and bills, Government agencies are not sending
unsolicited e-mails seeking your personal data in order to send you any form of
assistance.
To protect yourself, if you receive a malicious e-mail that asks for your personal information in order to receive Government support please follow this advise:
- Do not click on links
- Do not open attachments in such e-mails as it could be malware to infect your computer, laptop or mobile device.
- Report such incidents via info@cert.ug
NITA-U has enacted Cyber laws to protect the identity, integrity and data of those the transact or work online, and these include:
a. The Electronic Transactions Act (2011) and its attendant Regulations (2013)
b. The Electronic Signatures Act (20110 and its attendant Regulations (2013)
c. The Computer Misuse Act (2011)
d. The Data Privacy and Protection Act (2019)
The IT regulatory authority calls upon the public to avoid cybercrime and security measures by remembering the above stated tips to protect yourself and help stop criminal activity.
