Cybercriminals Meticulously Study Victims Before Launching Attacks, Warns CSA Director-General

Accra: The Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Divine Selase Agbeti, has issued a warning that cybercriminals are increasingly dedicating weeks and even months to studying their victims on social media before executing their attacks. According to Ghana Web, Agbeti revealed this information while speaking at the launch of the National Community Media Cyber Capacity Building Project on August 3, 2026. He explained that cybercriminals gather data from online platforms to create detailed profiles of individuals, allowing them to impersonate trusted figures or helpers to deceive their targets. The event was themed 'Advancing Ghana's National Security and Cyber Defence Objectives through Community Media Strengthening for Cybercrime Awareness and Digital Risk Communication.' Agbeti urged the public to be cautious about what they share online, as fraudsters often exploit personal details to gain the trust of their victims before attacking. He stressed that cybercrime is a pressing daily issue, affecting ordinary citizens through various forms such as mobile money fraud, online investment scams, romance fraud, identity theft, sextortion, and business email compromise. He also highlighted the sophisticated nature of cybercrime operations, noting that they are part of well-organized criminal networks that operate internationally. Agbeti emphasized the crucial role of the media in combating cybercrime, urging journalists to focus on prevention as well as reporting. Agbeti pointed out that media initiatives, such as radio discussions in local languages or television interviews, can significantly reduce the number of fraud victims. He asserted that responsible reporting is essential to protect lives, businesses, and national security. Furthermore, he noted that as cyber threats increasingly intersect with organized crime, violent extremism, and terrorism, the media has a duty to educate the public without inciting unnecessary fear or unintentionally promoting criminal activities. He stressed the impor tance of informing the public about digital dangers while avoiding the amplification of harmful messages from criminal or extremist groups.