THE Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has called for heightened vigilance and responsible digital behavior to reduce the risks of cybercrime.

ZICTA Corporate Communications Manager Hanford Chaaba notes that cyber-criminals continue to exploit weaknesses in users’ security practices.

In a Statement to ZANIS, Mr. Chaaba said this weakness leads  to the unauthorized access of personal information and potential financial loss.  

He  has therefore called for caution among WhatsApp users by applying digital security measures to safeguard their accounts from hacking.

“To protect their WhatsApp accounts, consumers are strongly advised to enable two-step verification, the feature which adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to enter a PIN, in addition to their password, when registering their phone number with WhatsApp on a new device,” Mr. Chaaba said.

The ZICTA Corporate Communications Manager added that the two step verification can be key in protecting users from hacking.

“To activate two-step verification, users can go to the “Settings” section in WhatsApp, select “Account,” then choose “two-step verification” and follow the prompts. This simple step significantly enhances the security of an account, making it harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access, even if they have the victim’s phone number,” he said.

Mr. Chaaba further cautioned WhatsApp users against clicking on unknown or suspicious links.

He said Cybercriminals often use phishing techniques to trick users into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious software.

Mr. Chaaba said the links may come via WhatsApp messages from unknown contacts or even from friends who have fallen victim to similar attacks.

“ZICTA urges consumers to be cautious of unsolicited messages, especially those that contain links or attachments. If you are unsure about a link’s legitimacy, avoid clicking on it, and verify its source before proceeding,” he said.

Mr. Chaaba said ZICTA remains committed to enhancing cybersecurity awareness and providing consumers with the knowledge they need to protect their digital lives.

“The Authority will continue to monitor the situation and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that Zambians can confidently use WhatsApp and other digital platforms without the fear of falling victim to cybercrime.”