Cyber Security Public Education Campaign

Cyber Security Public Education Campaign

Cybercrimes have been on the rise globally given that most aspects of our lives have moved online due to the pandemic. The Cayman Islands Government has adopted a strategic approach to cyber and information security for the protection and safeguarding of data and critical assets.

The Cayman Islands Government, through the Ministry of Investment, Innovation, and Social Development is focusing on good online practices and strategies to prevent cybercrimes such as phishing email scams, social media impersonation, bank fraud, cyber bullying and online exploitation.

Cybersecurity is an issue that touches all of us. It affects our children and adolescents, families, older persons and businesses, and therefore this campaign under the theme, “Better Cyber Safe than Sorry,” will help to create awareness and educate the public about the importance of cyber security.

“Our Government remains committed to leading on campaigns that promote cyber safety as we know that children and young persons, here in Cayman and around the world, are particularly vulnerable to online scams, cyber bullying and other exploitation through their use of social media, their engagement in chat forums and gaming. It is important that our children and young persons are provided with learning opportunities, so that they are equipped with the knowledge to identify if they are being targeted, know what action to take and how to seek help. I truly encourage parents to ask their children (minors and young adults) to participate in these workshops.”

Calling All Gamers!

How Does It Occur?

Scammers often reach out to online Gamers, maybe via chat forums or by placing what seems like enticing offers on social media platforms or on the internet, to try and reel you into their scams.

One of the the scammers’ tricks is to offer you a freebie, such as free V-Bucks! You may be tempted, but you should think twice, as there are a lot of fake websites created by the scammers. If you take the bait, you could end up getting banned from the game and even worse if it is illegal.

What Should You Know?

The scammer will try to use your passion for gaming and their free offers as a bait, to lure you into inappropriate chat, inappropriate sharing of images, sharing your personal/sensitive information, and keeping you up into the early hours of the morning, chatting about nothing really that important.

The freebies offered by the scammer will likely never materialise.

The scammers are often after your or your parents/carers credit card details, so that they can use these to steal money.

What Should You Do?

You should also watch out for spending too much time gaming – limit your gaming time as you could easily find yourself gaming into the early hours of the morning!

You should never share your personal or sensitive information on the online gaming chat forums, as the scammers may use your information to scam, bully or threaten you later.

You should never reveal your, or your parents', credit card details.

You should talk to your parents or carers.

Report to MASH@DCFS.gov.ky or call 945-0545 or KIDSLINE on 649-5437 or the RCIPS, call 911. All communication will be kept confidential and you will be offered support.

Alternatively, you can speak to your school counsellor or a trusted adult.