— Kicks-off massive cyber-security campaign in Nimba
Cybercrime continues to pose a significant threat to users of digital and technological products worldwide, with individuals and organizations falling victim to various forms of cyber attacks. From data breaches to ransom ware and identity theft, the impact of cybercrimes can be devastating, resulting in financial losses, reputational damage, and privacy violations.
It is against this background that the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has embarked upon a massive cybersecurity awareness campaign across the country — educating the Liberian citizenry on how to prevent cyber-attacks.
Through its Department of International Gateway Services, the LTA kicked-off the exercise in the commercially sprawling city of Ganta in Nimba County on Friday, November 22. The nationwide campaign was, however, officially launched in Montserrado County last month by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
The Ganta event drew a significant turnout as part of the LTA’s ongoing efforts to educate Liberians about the risks associated with cyber scams, fraud, and other online offenses that threaten both individuals and institutions.
Following the successful Cybersecurity Conference in October 2024, this launch marked a key milestone in the LTA’s mission to equip every citizen across Liberia with the knowledge to protect themselves from digital threats.
Commissioner Angela Cassell Bush, who leads the Department of International Gateway Services at the LTA, speaking from Cairo, Egypt, where she served as a keynote speaker at the second OECD conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasized the importance of fostering an informed public in the fight against cybercrimes.
“The goal of this campaign is to ensure that every Liberian, regardless of their background, understands the potential dangers lurking online and knows how to protect themselves from cyber scams and fraud,” said Commissioner Bush.
Cyber crimes have become a major threat globally with the least technologically advanced and highly illiterate societies like Liberia being the most vulnerable. Statistics from global cybersecurity reports indicate a concerning rise in cybercriminal activities and associated financial losses.
According to the Cybersecurity Ventures Cybercrime Report, cybercrime is projected to cost the world US$6 trillion annually by 2021. Additionally, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received over 791,790 complaints of suspected internet crime in 2020 alone, with reported losses exceeding US$4.2 billion.
In Africa, the trend is no different, as cyber threats continue to escalate, affecting individuals, businesses, and governments across the continent. The African Union Commission estimates that cybercrime costs the African continent approximately US$3.5 billion annually.
To combat the growing challenges posed by cyber threats, information, education, and awareness on cybersecurity, like what the LTA has started, play a vital role in empowering individuals and organizations to protect themselves from potential attacks.
The one-day awareness exercise in Ganta also included radio interviews on several local stations. The LTA team appeared on Radio Voice of Gompa (VOG) 106.5, HOTT FM 107.9, and Radio Seletorwah FM 101.1, discussing strategies to avoid online scams, the dangers of opening unverified links, and the importance of being vigilant on social media platforms.
A community engagement session followed, targeting diverse groups including market women and motorcyclists. Participants were educated on how to safeguard their personal information, recognize phishing attempts, and resist falling victim to digital fraud. A float through the streets of Ganta, coupled with door-to-door outreach, further amplified the campaign’s message.
The LTA team engaged directly with residents, handing out informational materials and providing advice on how to stay safe in the digital age. Schools in the region, including United Liberia Inland Academy (ULICA), Geolanda Community School, JW Pearson High School, Mansiah Christian Academy (MCA), Christian Foundation High School, and Ganta YMCA High School, were also actively involved in the event.
Students were given special attention, as the campaign’s focus included raising awareness among the youth about online safety and security. Commissioner Bush shared that the cybersecurity campaign will be rolled out across all 15 counties of Liberia in the coming months, targeting schools, businesses, government institutions, and ordinary citizens alike. “We are committed to reaching every corner of Liberia with this crucial message,” Commissioner Bush noted.
The LTA noted that by understanding best practices for online safety, recognizing common cyber threats, and implementing robust security measures, people can minimize their risks of falling victim to cybercrimes.
Meanwhile, the cybersecurity awareness initiatives aim to educate Liberians about safe online practices, such as creating strong passwords, being cautious of phishing emails, updating software regularly, and using secure networks.
By arming individuals with knowledge on cybersecurity best practices, the authority indicated, they can recognize suspicious activities, safeguard their personal information, and mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats.
By investing in education, training, and proactive cybersecurity measures, individuals and organizations can fortify their defenses against cyber threats and minimize the detrimental impact of cybercrime on society.
The ongoing campaign is poised to make an impact nationwide and marks a critical step in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to combat the growing threat of cybercrimes, ensuring that citizens are not only aware of the risks but also well-prepared to defend themselves in the digital world.
The LTA Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign Team (C-ACT) includes Commissioner Angela Cassell Bush, Joe Jomah Kerkula, Sangai P. Moliwulo, Cllr. T. Emmanuel Tomah, Kpanah Sao, and Chris Gahndolo. Other members include Moses M. Lamin, Marcus G. Geeplay, Milton Quaye, Momodu Sombai, Barleh H. Kiawu, Morris Baryogar, Marlene D. Global, Tonia Hardy, Fatima Foeday, Richman Cooper, and Harrietta R. Gblorso.
