How to Stay Safe Online in Ghana — Beginner's Guide

Whether you use MoMo to pay for food, shop on Jumia, or bank with
GCB or Ecobank online, your personal and financial information is
constantly at risk. Cybercriminals in Ghana and internationally target
ordinary people every day. This guide covers the essential steps every
Ghanaian should take to stay safe online.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Your password is the first line of defence on every account you own.
A strong password is at least 12 characters long and combines letters,
numbers, and symbols. Never use your name, date of birth, or "password123".
More importantly, never use the same password across multiple accounts.
If one is compromised, all of them become vulnerable. Use a free password
manager like Bitwarden to generate and store strong passwords securely.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication Everywhere
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second verification step when
you log into an account. Even if someone steals your password, they
cannot access your account without the second factor — usually a code
sent to your phone. Enable 2FA on your email, social media, mobile
banking, and MoMo accounts immediately. This single step blocks the
vast majority of account takeover attacks.

Never Click Links in Unsolicited Messages
Phishing is the most common way Ghanaians lose access to their accounts.
A message arrives — via SMS, WhatsApp, or email — claiming to be from
your bank, GRA, SSNIT, or a government agency. It includes a link that
looks real but leads to a fake website designed to steal your login
credentials. Before clicking any link, check the sender's number or
email address carefully. When in doubt, go directly to the official
website by typing the address yourself.

Verify Phone Numbers Before Sending Money
Before sending MoMo to any number — especially one that contacted you
first — check it on CyberHub Ghana's scam checker at
cyberhub-ghana.onrender.com/scam-checker/. Our database contains
verified reports from Ghanaians who have been targeted. Thirty seconds
of checking can save you from losing your entire MoMo balance.

Keep Your Software Updated
Software updates contain security patches that fix known vulnerabilities.
When your phone or computer prompts you to update — whether it is
Android, iOS, Windows, or an app — do it. Outdated software is the
easiest target for attackers.

Be Careful What You Share on Social Media
Scammers gather information from Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp
before targeting victims. Your phone number, workplace, school,
family members, and daily routine can all be used to make a scam
call more convincing. Review your privacy settings and limit what
strangers can see on your profiles.

Use Secure Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi at cafes, malls, and university campuses is often
unencrypted — meaning anyone on the same network can potentially
intercept your data. Avoid accessing your bank account or entering
passwords on public Wi-Fi. If you must use it, a VPN (Virtual Private
Network) encrypts your connection. ProtonVPN offers a free tier that
works well.

Report Scams So Others Are Protected
If you receive a suspicious call or message, report the number on
CyberHub Ghana immediately. Your report protects every other Ghanaian
who might receive a call from the same number. Cybersecurity in Ghana
is a community effort.

Stay informed. Stay alert. Stay safe.