By Phiwa Sikhondze
Cybersecurity expert Jonathan Maseko says that elderly individuals are the primary targets of cybercriminals.
Maseko disclosed this during a presentation at the launch of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini last week.
The cybersecurity expert demonstrated how hackers exploit digital platforms like PayPal to access users’ bank accounts, with older individuals disproportionately affected due to their limited familiarity with digital security.
Maseko’s presentation showed how fraudsters typically begin by sending malicious links through emails or messages, which, once clicked, allow them to infiltrate platforms like PayPal.
“From there, they can escalate their attacks, compromising bank accounts and other sensitive information. It takes only a few minutes for hackers to access someone’s account once the link is clicked,” Maseko explained.
The cybersecurity expert highlighted that most elderly victims fall prey to these schemes because they are less adept at identifying and avoiding cyber threats.
He urged the public to be cautious of unsolicited links and messages, emphasizing the importance of examining URLs carefully before entering personal information.
“The future is digital, and this means more opportunities for fraudsters to take advantage of vulnerable groups,” Maseko warned.
Maseko also pointed to the rise in social media fraud, where hackers impersonate trusted public figures, such as senior pastors, to scam unsuspecting followers.
“In one case, a scammer used a pastor’s account to solicit money from congregants,” he said, stressing that no one is immune from these threats, regardless of age or status.
The presentation was part of the broader initiative for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, aimed at educating the public on the risks of cybercrime and the measures they can take to protect themselves.
The month-long campaign by the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), supported by the government, seeks to promote safer online practices, particularly among the elderly.