Cyber Security Awareness Write-Up

 

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, mobile devices, and online accounts from criminals who want to:

• Steal your money
• Access or misuse your private information
• Impersonate you
• Harm your church community, family, or organization

Think of cybersecurity like locking your house.
You wouldn t leave your front door open so don t leave your digital life unprotected!

💡 You don t need to be an IT expert to be safe online just like you don t need to be a mechanic to drive safely.

 

 

🚨 🌍 Why Cybersecurity Is Important Today

1.        Everything is Online Now

• Money transfers (M-Pesa, banking apps)
• Communication (WhatsApp, phone, email, social media)
• Health records, photos, IDs all digital, contacts

 

2.      Kenya Has Over 46 Million Internet Users
That s 46 million potential targets including you. Most of us store personal data such as:

         Contacts, chat messages, and location history

         Banking details and passwords

         Sensitive photos or ID information

         Financial records, personal plans

 

3.      Cybercrime is Booming globally

• Every 39 seconds, there s a cyberattack worldwide
• In 2024, cybercrime cost over $9 trillion globally
• Even churches, schools, and hospitals are now targeted

 

 

4. People Are the First Line of Defense

• Most cyberattacks succeed due to human error not computer glitches
• Scams work not because technology fails, but because people fall for them

5. It Protects the Most Vulnerable

         Children: Targeted via social media & games

         Elders: Scammed by fake calls and SMS

         Non-tech users: Fooled by fake links or messages

🎯 What Cybercriminals Are After

💰 Your Money	e.g., M-Pesa, Bank App Transfers
🆔 Your Identity	To impersonate you and scam others
🔑 Your Passwords	To access your accounts and data

Common Cyber Threats to Watch For

Threat	Description	Example
Phishing	Fake emails or texts to steal info	Urgent: Church Project Funds Required!
Social Engineering	Tricks to make you act emotionally	Hi Mum, please send money now!
Weak Passwords	Easy-to-guess or reused	123456, name@2024
Social Media Scams	Fake accounts, messages, or giveaways	You ve won a car! Forward to 5 people…..
Public Wi-Fi Risks	Hackers spying on unprotected networks	Free airport or caf Wi-Fi
Phone & SMS Scams	Fake callers claiming to be from banks or Safaricom	Your line will be disconnected unless
Impersonation	Fraudsters claiming to be pastors or leaders	Pastor changed number. Send tithe here.

 

 

8 Simple Things You Can Do Today to Stay Safe

1. Use Strong Passwords + Enable 2FA

• Avoid: 123456 , password , or your name
• Use phrases like: MyFaithIsStrong#2024!
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on WhatsApp, Facebook, Email & Banking apps

2. Never Share Your PIN or Password

• Not even with your spouse, children, or someone claiming to be from the bank
• Enable Biometrics Where possible to avoid people seeing your password

3. Be Careful What You Click

• Don t open suspicious links or files
• Confirm requests before sending money
• Report M-Pesa Fraud the Safaricom Mobile App, Send a message to 333 or call Safaricom customer care

4. Keep Your Devices Updated

• Device software updates fix known/unknown security loopholes

5. Protect Your Phone & Devices

         Use fingerprint, PIN, or face lock

         Dont connect random USB drives to your phone or computers

         Install Antivirus Software in your computers

6. Think Before You Post or Forward

• Avoid sharing your ID number, address, or travel plans
• Don t forward suspicious messages or documents

7. Practice Mobile Money Safety

• Always verify Paybill numbers (e.g., Safaricom: 303030)
• Check spelling of sender name ( Safaricom vs Safaric0m )
• Never share your M-Pesa PIN
• For M-Pesa messages, always confirm the source

8. Practice Internet Connectivity Safety

         Avoid connecting to unknown/public/open WiFi s as you could be easily scammed and your data stollen

         For them using Installed WiFi at home , please change the default password as anyone can access

 

 

What to Do If You Suspect You ve Been Hacked

• Don t panic
• Don t click anything else
• Call someone you trust (e.g., church IT team or admin)
• Report immediately to your bank, Safaricom, or employer
• Change passwords and run a phone scan

🧠 Final Tips & Takeaways

• Cybersecurity is everyone s responsibility > not just IT.
• If it feels wrong, don t click > ask first.
• Always verify before acting > even if it’s from someone you know.
• There is no such thing as a free lunch on the internet > when it’s free, you re the product.
• As we build digitally, let us also defend spiritually and practically.