By Josephine Sesay

The Office of National Security (ONS) has urged Sierra Leoneans to exercise greater caution when using digital platforms, warning that the careless sharing of personal information online is contributing to a rise in cyber fraud and the hacking of personal accounts.

The warning was issued by the Director of Communications at the ONS, Abdul Karim Will, who said many victims of cybercrime unknowingly provide fraudsters with access to their personal accounts by responding to deceptive requests.

“We have to be mindful of our activities online. Most people become victims because they expose their personal information or unknowingly comply with fraudulent requests,” Will cautioned.

He disclosed that almost all individuals whose phones or online accounts had been compromised shared a common experience. According to him, they had been invited to join an online meeting or platform or were asked to send a screenshot containing a verification code, which cybercriminals then used to gain unauthorized access to their accounts.

Will stressed that fraudsters are increasingly exploiting people’s trust through fake invitations, deceptive messages, and impersonation schemes designed to steal confidential information.

He advised members of the public never to share one-time passwords (OTPs), verification codes, passwords, banking details, or other sensitive information with anyone, regardless of how genuine the request may appear.

The ONS also encouraged citizens to verify the authenticity of suspicious messages before responding, activate additional security measures such as two-factor authentication, and regularly update their passwords to strengthen the security of their online accounts.

As digital services and internet usage continue to expand across Sierra Leone, cybersecurity experts warn that public awareness remains one of the most effective tools in preventing online fraud. The ONS emphasized that practicing safe online habits and safeguarding personal information are essential to protecting individuals from cyber threats.

The Office reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cybersecurity awareness and urged Sierra Leoneans to remain vigilant, emphasizing that protecting personal data is a shared responsibility in an increasingly digital world.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 27th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)