The courtesy call paid to the prestigious education centre is part of a broader campaign launched by CASAI to equip schools in The Gambia with the basic cybersecurity tips and tricks to enable students, teachers and other educationists to protect themselves from malicious cyber-attacks.
A science, technology and innovation advocacy body, CASAI is an organisation of information communication and technology professionals that anticipates a science and innovation-driven Gambia where the masses draw maximum advantages from science and innovation.
During the opening, Mohammed Khan, founder and CEO of the advocacy body, highlighted the increasing need to discuss cybersecurity, which impacts each and every individual in an increasingly digital world.
He stated: “Just like we lock our doors at home to protect our belongings, it's essential to take proactive steps to safeguard our digital lives from cyber threats. In today's interconnected and technology-driven society, our personal information, online activities and devices are constantly at risk of being targeted by cybercriminals.
He explained that from phishing scams to malware attacks, the digital landscape is filled with potential dangers that can compromise individuals’ privacy, security and even identities.
“As students and educators, you are not only users of technology but also digital citizens who play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and secure online environment for yourselves and others. By understanding the basics of cybersecurity, practicing good digital hygiene and staying informed about the latest threats, you can protect yourselves from falling victim to cyber-attacks and contribute to a culture of security awareness in the school community,” he said.
The students were introduced to phishing attacks, social engineering, identity theft and other malicious techniques and tricks employed by cybercriminals.
Additionally, they were also exposed to digital safety, implementing cybersecurity best practices, multi-factor authentication (MFA), as well as the dos and donts of the internet.
Khan, expressed his belief that this would go a long way in mitigating the risk of the pupils and educators. He called on stakeholders to support their initiatives, as a lot more could be achieved with more resources and support.
