Cybercrime Awareness Crucial for All Ages, Says Police Commissioner

Raising cybercrime awareness among digital technology users across various age groups is vital to safeguard them against online threats, Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau has stated. The statement was made during his address at the opening ceremony of the ‘Cyber Expo 2024.’

The Cyber Expo, organised jointly by the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and the National Center for Information Technology (NCIT), aims to serve as a platform for cybersecurity professionals and stakeholders to network and enhance relationships in an increasingly digital world.

In his address, Commissioner Shujau underscored the importance of capacity building within the cybersecurity sector and attracting youth to the profession. As cybercrimes become more sophisticated, there is a growing need to expand the cybersecurity sector and intensify efforts to combat these crimes, he said.

“Our objective is to facilitate opportunities for small, medium-sized, and large enterprises within the cybersecurity sector to connect and establish relationships,” he noted. “This initiative aims to open new avenues for bolstering digital security. One of the primary goals of this expo is to ensure that the Maldives keeps pace with the rapid advancements in cyber technology.”

The number of reported cybercrime cases has doubled this year compared to the previous year, according to statistics released by the police. In 2023, there were 99 reported cases, a number that has risen to 173 so far this year. The majority of these cases involved hacking, including incidents of bank account and social media account breaches and hacks targeting government and private sector websites, Commissioner Shujau clarified.

There has also been a notable increase in forgery cases and fraudulent activities on social media pages impersonating businesses to extract money from unsuspecting customers, Commissioner Shujau added, noting that the public’s awareness of cybercrimes must be enhanced to mitigate these issues.

According to MPS, the Cyber Expo gives an opportunity to view gadgets and services used for cybersecurity in one place and consult with technical experts in the field about common cyber attacks and potential preventive measures. The expo is scheduled to run from 11 to 13 December.