Easter in Namibia is traditionally a time for rest, reflection, and reconnection with family. As many individuals step away from work and digital routines during the holiday, cybercriminals continue to operate – often using this period of lowered vigilance to target unsuspecting victims.

Social engineering attacks, which involve manipulating people into disclosing sensitive information, remain one of the most common techniques used by cybercriminals. These can include phone calls pretending to be from banks, emails awarding fake prizes or SMSes inviting you to enter a competition. In many cases, individuals are pressured into providing personal information such as ID numbers or bank card details.

Namibians have increasingly reported cases where fraudsters request full bank card numbers, claiming to need them to deliver new bank cards or to claim prize money. Such scams continue to evolve in their sophistication and can affect individuals regardless of their level of digital literacy.

Although Namibia is still developing its digital infrastructure, the rise in mobile banking and online communication means that individuals across all regions and age groups are now potential targets for cybercrime. Holidays such as Easter – when people are often distracted or away from their usual support networks – present opportunities for attackers to exploit these gaps.

Basic data protection practices, such as not sharing banking information over the phone or clicking on suspicious links, remain critical. The public is advised to verify any unusual requests through official channels and to treat unsolicited communications with caution.

While efforts continue to improve national cybersecurity awareness, the responsibility to remain alert also lies with each individual. Staying informed and cautious, even during periods of rest, plays an important role in reducing the risk of cybercrime in the country.
 
To read more, visit the Meinert Cybersecurity website here: https://meinertcybersecurity.com/.