GCIF cautions public as criminals deploy AI in phishing attacks

The Ghana Cybersecurity Industry Forum (GCIF) has alerted the public to increased risks posed by criminals utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in phishing attacks. The Forum warned that AI enables cybercriminals to craft more sophisticated and convincing messages, making it challenging for individuals and organizations to identify fraudulent attempts.

GCIF Interim President, Mr. C.K. Bruce, stated that while public awareness has somewhat reduced the success of basic phishing messages, cybercriminals are adapting their tactics by leveraging emerging technologies to enhance their attacks.

Bruce emphasized the importance of vigilance in responding to unsolicited messages and requests, as criminals continue to exploit advanced technologies such as AI to make their phishing attempts more convincing. He urged the public to be cautious, as AI-generated messages may appear legitimate, making it difficult for individuals and institutions to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent communications.

GCIF, established under Section 81 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), serves as an industry platform to foster collaboration among cybersecurity professionals and stakeholders in combating cybercrime. The Forum brings together accredited cybersecurity experts and other relevant parties to promote regulatory engagement, information and threat-intelligence sharing, professional development, industry representation, and incident response coordination.

Bruce highlighted the need for institutions and cybersecurity professionals to respond urgently to evolving cyber threats, calling for enhanced information sharing, professional development, and coordinated incident response. He also pointed out a shortage of cybersecurity professionals as a significant challenge, pledging the Forum's dedication to developing a sustainable talent pipeline through student engagement, training, mentorship, internships, and career development initiatives.

As part of its Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities in October, GCIF planned to engage students and host a virtual assets workshop, conduct community roadshows, and launch CyberFest – a major cybersecurity awareness initiative anticipated to continue annually. The Forum also aims to support stakeholders in complying with relevant regulations, including those governing virtual assets, to foster a safer digital environment for consumers.