Technology expert Brenda Zulu has expressed concerns […]

Technology expert Brenda Zulu has expressed concerns over the increasing habit of accepting cookies and sharing personal information online without understanding what they are agreeing to, leaving themselves vulnerable to cybercriminals.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Zambian Business Times -ZBT Zulu said internet users need to become more digitally aware on the dangers around sharing personal information online as cybercrime continues to rise. She explained that many websites ask users to accept cookies or allow the collection of personal data.

While genuine websites do this to improve user experience and comply with privacy laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), she warned that not every website can be trusted. “Some websites are genuine, but others are created by criminals. If someone clicks on a phishing site, their personal information can be stolen and later used to commit fraud,” Zulu said.

 She said cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and have shifted many of their activities online, where unsuspecting users are easier to target. Zulu noted that a lack of digital literacy is making the problem worse, as many people unknowingly expose themselves by clicking suspicious links or responding to fake messages.

“What we need is digital education. We all use smartphones, computers and the internet every day, but many people do not know how to protect themselves online,” she said. Zulu also cautioned members of the public against believing every attractive offer they see on social media, especially messages promising free money.

She cited recent fake online posts claiming that members of the public could receive K700 during the election period, saying such messages are designed to lure people into sharing personal information or clicking malicious links. “If you stop and think about it, why would someone simply give away money like that?

Unfortunately, many people believe these messages and end up losing their personal information or even their money,” she said. Zulu highlighted that online fraudsters continue to exploit people’s curiosity and financial struggles, making cyber awareness an essential skill in today’s digital world.

She advised internet users to verify websites before entering personal information, avoid clicking unknown links, read privacy notices carefully and think twice before accepting requests for access to personal data. “As more services move online, being digitally aware is no longer optional. It is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cybercrime,” she said.

Article by Karen Ngulube