Cyber attacks hit parastatals
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 | 10340 Views |

Hiding in the dark: Cyber criminals target Botswana due to its relatively high per capita wealth and weak controls or awareness amongst many corporates and users
A phishing attack occurs when cyber criminals send fraudulent, but genuine looking communications that appear to come from a reputable source. In many instances, the cyber criminals also set up a website that at first glance looks like the reputable source.
The attack is designed to trick users into divulging sensitive data, downloading malware, and exposing themselves or their organisations to cybercrime. On Tuesday, LEA warned its clients that it was aware of an email purporting to originate from the organisation and entitled “Payment”. Recipients of the fake email are directed to click on a link to access the “payment advice”.
Still this week, BERA said it had become aware of a phishing website, posing as the Authority which was attempting to deceive users into logging in their personal and financial information. According to BERA, the fake website mimics the Authority’s own website but its URL does not match the official www.bera.co.bw. The fake website prompts users to enter personal information such as login credentials, financial data and other sensitive information.
The latest attacks come after another parastatal, the Botswana Power Corporation, lost access to its official facebook account for more than a month, after hackers took it over. Local cyber security experts have cautioned government and parastatals to redouble their defences as hackers intensify their activities in the country.
We duly congratulate them to have ousted the long ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) from power. Prior to taking power from the BDP, the coalition had made several election promises that are credited for influencing change and swaying the people to vote in its favour.The party had made an undertaking, which its leader and President Duma Boko consistently bellowed in his campaign trail. These undertakings were promises that Batswana would be...