As the digital age continues to shape Uganda’s economy and way of life, cybercrime has become a growing concern for businesses and individuals alike. In a candid interview with Ropa Tech founder Ronald Wandera, the cybersecurity expert delves into the practical measures Ugandans can take to avoid falling victim to hackers. With his firm’s work rooted in offering tech solutions to local businesses and one of the best Tech Companies, Mr. Wandera provides relatable examples and actionable advice to stay safe online.
“The biggest mistake people make is thinking hackers only target big companies or government systems,” Mr. Wandera says. “In reality, anyone with a smartphone, a social media account, or even a mobile money wallet can be a target.”
He cites recent incidents in Kampala where individuals lost millions of shillings to cybercriminals after unknowingly sharing their mobile money PINs. “Hackers don’t need to break into sophisticated systems; often, they rely on our carelessness,” he warns.
- Strengthen Your Passwords
One of the easiest yet most ignored tips is creating strong passwords. “Many Ugandans use their names, birthdates, or simple numbers like ‘12345’ as passwords,” Mr. Wandera notes. “These are incredibly easy to crack.”
He advises creating passwords that are at least 10 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. He also recommends using password managers to safely store and generate complex passwords.
- Think Before You Click
Phishing scams are another major threat in Uganda. Wandera recounts a recent scam targeting small business owners via WhatsApp. “Hackers sent fake loan offers with links that looked legitimate. Clicking on these links exposed sensitive information,” he shares.
His advice? Always verify links before clicking, even if they seem to come from trusted sources. “If you receive an email or message with an offer too good to be true, think twice. Call the company directly to confirm,” he urges.
- Update Your Software Regularly
Outdated software is a goldmine for hackers. “Many Ugandans, especially business owners, delay updating their operating systems and apps because of data costs or inconvenience,” Mr. Wandera explains.
“However, these updates often contain security patches that protect against new threats. Investing in data for updates can save you from much bigger losses later,” he adds.
- Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but risky. “Whether you’re at a café in Ntinda or a mall in Kampala, avoid accessing sensitive accounts over public Wi-Fi,” he says. Hackers can easily intercept your data on unsecured networks.
Instead, Mr. Wandera recommends using mobile data or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to secure your internet connection.
- Educate Yourself and Your Team
For businesses, educating employees about cybersecurity is critical. “Hackers often gain access to companies through unsuspecting staff,” he says, pointing to a case in which a Kampala-based logistics firm suffered a breach because an employee clicked on a malicious link.
“Invest in basic cybersecurity training for your team. Teach them how to identify red flags and report suspicious activity,” he advises.
- Protect Your Mobile Money
Mobile money fraud has become rampant in Uganda, and Mr. Wandera stresses the importance of vigilance. “Never share your PIN with anyone, even if they claim to be from your mobile service provider,” he cautions.
He also suggests enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible and reviewing your transaction history regularly for unauthorized activity.
At Ropa Tech, Mr. Wandera and his team are working to make cybersecurity accessible to Ugandans. “We recently launched a program to train SMEs in cybersecurity best practices. Many of our clients have told us it has completely transformed how they protect their businesses,” he says.
He also highlights the importance of partnerships. “We’re working with local banks and telecom companies to create public awareness about cybersecurity. Fighting hackers isn’t something anyone can do alone,” he emphasizes.
As cybercrime continues to evolve, Mr. Wandera believes that awareness is the first line of defense. “The more we understand the tactics hackers use, the better equipped we are to stop them,” he says.
He ends with a rallying cry to Ugandans: “Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re a boda-boda rider in Wandegeya or a business executive in Kololo, take the steps needed to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
With such practical advice and a clear understanding of local challenges, Mr. Wandera’s insights are a wake-up call for all Ugandans to take cybersecurity seriously.