By Bena Nekesa
Cyber theft is on the rise, with individuals and businesses falling victim to increasingly deceptive tactics. Scammers often exploit emotions and trust, as I experienced firsthand in a recent encounter.
Costly lesson
It all began with a Facebook message from a woman who claimed to be in distress. She said her brother urgently needed help and asked if I could transfer some money to him. Her calm, polite tone and sincere words convinced me to assist.
The situation became more emotional when I spoke to her “brother.” He addressed me as “aunt” and, in a tearful voice, explained that their mother was hospitalised. He claimed she needed to return home to retrieve important documents for accessing his sister’s bank account. Moved by his desperation, I sent him 70,000 shillings. That was the last I heard from them. Calls went unanswered, and I realised I had been scammed.
This painful incident taught me how easily cyber criminals exploit emotions. It also highlighted the widespread nature of cyber theft, which targets individuals daily. Businesses face even more sophisticated attacks such as phishing, ransomware, and data breaches, with devastating consequences, especially for small enterprises lacking robust cybersecurity measures.
Expert insights: How to protect yourself
To better understand how to safeguard against cyber threats, I consulted Pius Kutosi, a respected cybersecurity expert. His insights were both enlightening and empowering.
“Cybercriminals are clever manipulators,” Kutosi says adding: “They craft stories that make you act without thinking. But we don’t have to be victims. Cybersecurity begins with awareness, and vigilance can save you from unimaginable losses.”
One of their common tactics is creating a false sense of urgency. “They pressure you to act quickly, so you don’t have time to verify their claims,” Kutosi explains.
On social media and mobile fraud, he advices: “Always pause and think. Ask yourself: does this really make sense? Trust your instincts, but don’t trust blindly.”
Secure your digital doors
To protect from hackers, Kutosi likens cybersecurity tools to locks on a door.
“Would you sleep with your front door wide open? Of course not. So why leave your digital doors unprotected? Firewalls, antivirus software, and multi-factor authentication are not luxuries—they’re necessities,” he says.
Update your systems regularly
One of the biggest mistakes people make is failing to update their systems.
“Hackers thrive on outdated software. Every update you ignore is an opportunity for them to get in. Keep your systems and apps up-to-date. It’s a simple habit that can make a world of difference,” he says.
Business vulnerabilities, precautions
Businesses are particularly vulnerable because they often overlook human error. “Many cyberattacks succeed because someone in the organisation clicked on a malicious link or fell for a phishing email,” Kutosi says. “Training employees to recognise threats is crucial. A single mistake can compromise an entire system,” he adds.
He also emphasises the importance of backing up data. “Ransomware attacks are becoming more common, and they can cripple businesses. Imagine losing access to all your files overnight. Having a secure backup is like having an insurance policy—it ensures you can recover without having to pay criminals,” Kutosi says.
Call to action
Throughout our conversation, Kutosi’s passion for protecting others is evident. “What hurts me most is how scammers exploit human kindness. They take advantage of our willingness to help others. But we can’t let them win. By being cautious and prepared, we can outsmart them,” he says.
His words echoed my own experience. I had trusted too easily, and it cost me. But the lesson was clear: trust is valuable, but it must be earned. Even when someone’s story seems genuine, taking time to verify their claims is essential.
Staying safe in a digital world
Kutosi’s advice aligns with the experiences of others, like Kakai Mary, who also fell victim to a scam.
“Cybercriminals thrive on trust and emotions,” she shares. She learnt the hard way that verifying everything is critical, no matter how polite or convincing someone seems.
Cyber theft is no longer an abstract issue. It is a daily reality, affecting people from all walks of life. Whether it is a heart-wrenching story on social media or a cleverly disguised phishing email, the threats are real and ever-present.
But as Kutosi passionately explained, we are not powerless.
With knowledge, vigilance, and the right tools, we can protect ourselves.
Whether you are an individual or a business owner, the message is clear: take control of your digital safety. Cyber theft can only be defeated with awareness, preparation, and the courage to question even the most convincing lies. Prevention, as Kutosi rightly said, is not just better than cure, it is essential in today’s digital world.
