Cybersecurity Education Crucial for Protecting Businesses – IT Expert
The Director of Appiah Information Technology Systems, Eric Appiah, has called for stronger education and cybersecurity awareness among Ghanaian businesses, warning that many entrepreneurs remain vulnerable to online fraud and digital scams.
Speaking on Business Breakfast on ZED 101.9FM, Mr. Appiah emphasized that education should be the first priority in strengthening Ghana’s digital business environment.
He explained that while businesses in urban centres such as Accra may be more familiar with digital tools and online safety practices, many others across the country still lack basic understanding of how to use technology effectively.
Mr. Appiah stressed that cybersecurity must also be taken more seriously, noting that although the Cyber Security Authority is doing commendable work, more needs to be done to track and clamp down on scammers who create fake businesses to defraud unsuspecting victims.
The IT expert warned that cybercriminals are increasingly setting up fictitious online businesses to steal from people, adding that this growing trend requires urgent and sustained attention from authorities.
Mr. Appiah argued that policymakers often assume that digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness are widespread, particularly in urban areas, but this is not the case across the country.
According to him, once one moves outside Accra, many business owners have little or no understanding of digital tools or how to use them to improve their operations or protect themselves online.
He therefore urged that government-led digital education initiatives should not be concentrated only in urban centres but extended to businesses at the community level.
The Director recommended practical, on-the-ground education campaigns to ensure that small and medium-sized businesses are well equipped to use digital platforms safely and effectively.
He stressed that strengthening digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness across all regions of the country is key to protecting businesses and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Mr. Appiah also raised concerns over the growing rate of cybercrime and online scams in Ghana, describing cybersecurity threats as one of the country’s biggest challenges.
He said scammers are increasingly exploiting digital platforms and mobile numbers to defraud unsuspecting victims while remaining difficult to trace.
According to him, despite the introduction of the Ghana Card system and efforts to link phone numbers to national identity records, many fraudsters continue to operate freely without being tracked or prosecuted.
He noted that cybercriminals are taking advantage of weaknesses in online security systems to impersonate businesses and deceive customers.
Mr. Appiah warned that the trend has become widespread, especially on social media platforms where many businesses now market their products and services.
The tech expert further urged businesses operating online to take cybersecurity seriously by implementing proper digital protection measures and seeking account verification on social media platforms.
