As the world continues to transition into a digital environment, there has equally been an increasing threat from malicious hackers who employ sophisticated tactics to deceive and manipulate users for their own gains.
Journalists and other media practitioners are among the professionals who are targeted by these digital criminals, exposing them to several cybersecurity risks in their work.
It is against this backdrop that a 3-day training session has been held in Accra for media practitioners as part of the National Community Media Cyber Capacity Building Project (NCMCCBP).
The training aimed at empowering community media practictioners with the knowledge and skills needed to promote cybersecurity awareness and strengthen digital resilience across Ghana.
The session which began with an official launch saw the Director General of the Cyber Security Authority, Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti share insights on the importance of strengthening cybersecurity awareness through community media and the critical role journalists play in building a safe, secure and resilient digital ecosystem.
During the training session, one of the revered facilitators, Prof. Kofi Sarpong Adu-Manu from the Department of Computer Science at the Univeristy of Ghana took trainees through some of the best cyber practices and tools while highlighting the how journalists and media organisations have become deliberate targets of cyberattacks because of their public visibility and access to sensitive information.
Among the identified threats include phishing, account takeovers, ransomware, spyware, social engineering, device theft and targeted surveillance, warning that a compromised phone, email account or contact list could expose confidential sources and put lives at risk.
Mr Alex Awere-Kyere, a Senior Manager CII at the CSA in his session emphasised that media practitioners have a critical responsibility when reporting cybercrime because they are often among the first to receive and publish information.
Practitioners were urged to verify facts, contact official spokespersons, protect digital evidence and respect ongoing investigations, while avoiding the publication of leaked evidence, investigative techniques, witness identities or operational details that could compromise investigations.
Trainees have expressed the insightful sessions will go a long way to ensure responsible cybercrime reporting including the protection of victims, preservation of evidence, support for law enforcement efforts and build public trust.
The National Community Media Cyber Capacity Building Project (NCMCCBP) was powered by the Africa Center for Digital Transformation (ACDT) in partnership with the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana, with support from the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Accra under the Transformational Cooperation Programme.
Source: Yaw Sarpong | Plug24 News | Ghana