Journalists cautioned against exposing cyber vulnerabilities

Alex Awere-Kyere, Senior Manager for Critical Information Infrastructure at the Cyber Security Authority, has advised journalists to exercise caution when reporting on unverified cybercrime claims and unresolved computer system vulnerabilities. These disclosures could potentially assist criminals and disrupt investigations. During a training session under the National Community Media Cyber Capacity Building Project, Awere-Kyere emphasized the importance of balancing the media's role in exposing cyber threats with the security implications of reporting.

He urged journalists to consult with the CSA or other relevant security agencies before publishing sensitive information, especially when it involves cyber crimes with national security implications. The media should respect the advice of security agencies and work with the Authority to determine what information can be safely made public.

Critical Information Infrastructure sectors, including banking and finance, energy, water, and health, have been designated due to their significance to national security and the economy. Disruption to these sectors could have far-reaching consequences beyond the affected organizations and potentially impact the wider economy. In the case of mobile money fraud, Awere-Kyere recommended that the public report suspected cases before completing transactions.

Early reporting could enable the CSA and police to intervene before a fraudulent transaction is completed, as once money is transferred, recovering it becomes extremely difficult. He also urged the public to report suspected mobile money fraud to the CSA through the number 292, if possible. Mobile money fraud involving stolen personal information is handled through the Joint Cybersecurity Committee established under Section 13 of the Cybersecurity Act 2020 (Act 1038).

This committee, formed by various government agencies, aims to tackle mobile money fraud by addressing both the aftermath of stolen money and how victims' personal information ends up in the hands of fraudsters. This engagement is part of the National Community Media Cyber Capacity Building Project, which aims to enhance journalists' and media practitioners' capacity to report on cybersecurity accurately and responsibly.

The project, implemented by the CSA, Africa Centre for Digital Transformation, and the Government of the Czech Republic, was launched in Accra on August 3, 2026, and will continue in Kumasi in September.