YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA POST COULD HUNT YOU IN FUTURE-CYBERSECURITY AUTHORITY CAUTIONS STUDENTS

YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA POST COULD HUNT YOU IN FUTURE-CYBERSECURITY AUTHORITY CAUTIONS STUDENTS 

The Director General of the Cybersecurity Authority, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, has advised students to be wary of their social media activities as it could leave regrettable footprints that could hunt them in the future. In an address read on his behalf at a Cybersecurity awareness event organised by the Dean of Students Affairs in collaboration with the Student Affairs Committee of Takoradi Technical University, Dr. Antwi-Boasiako, advised that online engagement can leave indelible digital footprints which can be accessed by universities, job recruiters and embassies, therefore students must be conscious of what they post and share on social media platforms.  

"Everything you post, share, or engage with online, leaves a trace that can be accessed by university admission officers, marketing companies, job recruiters, embassies, etc. This digital trail can have far-reaching negative or positive implications that can affect a student’s personal and professional life, such as scholarship offers or causing expulsion from the university due to online conduct. Students may also face immediate consequences such as cyberbullying, online harassment, online fraud, sextortion, blackmail, or reputational damage", he urged. 

While highlighting the theme for even; An Exposition On Ghana's Cybersecurity Act 2020(Act1038)", he said that Cyber Security Act is aimed at protecting Ghana's ecosystem through partnerships with other agencies. 

"It’s mandated to lead government efforts, through the collaboration with other agencies including the Joint Cybersecurity Committee (JCC) and security sector agencies to ensure the protection and resilience of Ghana’s digital ecosystem”, he explained. 

Dr. Antwi-Boasiako again said the Cyber Security Authority, is developing a framework that will tackle and monitor students' behavior online, and therefore encouraged participants to build a good online reputation which projects their values, regularly checking information about themselves online using Google Alert, and adhering to cyber security awareness. 

Director for TTU’s Quality Assurance and Academic Planning, Engineer. Prof. Ebenezer Boakye, who represented the Vice Chancellor of TTU at the event advised students, especially computer science and information technology students to familiarize themselves with the Cybersecurity Act and its implications for their future careers.

"As students of this prestigious institution, you are the future leaders and innovators in the field of technology. You must understand the implications of this Act and the importance of cybersecurity in our daily lives. Whether you are studying computer science, information technology, or any other related field, you will undoubtedly come across issues related to cybersecurity in your future careers," he urged

He noted that the TTU has stringent policies regarding cyber crimes and social media offenses and issued a stern warning about the severe consequences for students found guilty of such misconduct. 

"The University takes a strong stance against any form of misconduct, especially when it comes to the misuse of technology and social media platforms. Any student found guilty of such offenses will face severe disciplinary action, which include expulsion from the University…Think before you post, and remember that your actions online can have real-world consequences. Let us all strive to create a positive and safe online community for our university”, he warned. 

Dean of Students Affairs of TTU, Prof. Bruce Amartey Jnr., giving the rational for the event, pointed  increasing instances of cyberbullying, sexual extortion and spreading of explicit content, which have compromised the safety and well-being of students and threatens the institution's reputation has mandated the Dean’s office to raise awareness on the right use of technology. 

"We aim to empower our students to make informed decisions, protect their privacy, and uphold ethical standards in their online interactions. We believe that by raising awareness and promoting responsible use of technology, we can create a safer and more respectful online community for all", he said. 

ACP Dr. Francis Tsidi, who is the Deputy Western Police Regional Commander, in a comprehensive  presentation mentioned some basic features of what constitutes cybercrime. 

He mentioned that people who are found in such acts as hacking, cyber stalking and child soliciting may face serious sanctions such as fines of up to Gh¢5,000  or end up 5-10 years in prison. He advised participants to be security concious and report instances of harassment.

"everyone must have some personal security awareness. If your picture is in the air circulating, you have to blame yourself, at least you have the law to protect you. So if you experience this let us know. We need a lot of sensitisation", he  advised.

Students from TTU and those from the Senior High Schools within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis who attended the event also had the opportunity to seek clarifications of cybersecurity issues.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/KHvSFFVWtJ6YgaHa/?mibextid=oFDknk

THANK YOU for constantly reading stories on KYAscriptoriumblogpost. Kindly like, follow, comment, and SHARE stories on all social media platforms for more entertaining updates! Do you have content that you want to be featured on KYAscriptoriumblogpost? Reach out to us on WhatsApp on 054 668 3647 or via Email at scriptoriumartsanddesigns@gmail.com.