Cyber Security Authority reports GH₵209.7m loss to cybercrime

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has reported that Ghana lost over GH₵209.7 million to cyber-related crimes between January and September. Dr. Divine Selasi Agbeti, the Director-General of the CSA, revealed these figures during an awareness event in Tamale marking National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The financial loss represents a significant escalation compared to the GH₵22.5 million recorded during the same period in the preceding year, underscoring the increasing sophistication and frequency of digital threats facing the country's economy. The Authority documented a total of 4,938 cybersecurity incidents during the nine-month window. Dr. Agbeti highlighted that social engineering and human error remain the primary vulnerabilities, accounting for between 60% and 95% of all successful breaches. Social engineering, which relies on the psychological manipulation of individuals into revealing sensitive data, has become a pervasive tactic used by criminals to exploit users of digital financial services. The Director-General emphasized the need for constant vigilance and urged citizens to verify all requests for personal information or financial transactions. In response to the rising threat, the CSA is taking steps to decentralize its operations and improve public education across the country. Dr. Agbeti announced the planned establishment of a zonal office in Tamale to enhance the Authority's presence and response capabilities in the northern region. This initiative is complemented by a strategic partnership with the Tamale Technical University aimed at providing specialized cybersecurity training and education. By fostering community engagement and encouraging the reporting of suspicious activities, the CSA aims to build a more resilient national digital infrastructure.