Youth commit to raising awareness on new technology-driven crime strategies

By The Inspirer.

A diverse group of young people has committed to using the knowledge they’ve gained to help the wider community understand the new tactics used by criminals who exploit technology, so that they can protect themselves from such crimes.

This initiative was undertaken on September 12, 2025, during the closing ceremony of a five-day training organized by the leadership of the East African Standby Force (EASF), which is always ready to respond wherever needed.

The training, held in Kigali, aimed to educate youth on safeguarding digital information and preventing crimes such as terrorism carried out using technology.

The event was attended by 53 individuals from Rwanda, including military and police personnel, university students, recent graduates, and other youth.

Élysée Ishimwe, a graduate in ‘Information Systems’ from university, explained that as a member of the youth, his contribution was to help others understand the tactics used in cyber scams and fraud.

He pointed out several schemes, such as phone calls telling individuals that they have won a prize, with no prior registration or participation in any contest. When people hear this, they often respond emotionally and agree to share sensitive information, including money.

He also highlighted cases where people, even those known to the victim, might ask them to open accounts using their national ID or to buy a SIM card in their name. These SIM cards can be used for fraud, and the account holder may unknowingly be implicated in the crime, especially when the stolen funds are funneled through those accounts. If such crimes are discovered, investigations will follow the account holder whose name is attached to the fraudulent activities.

Rémy Ikuzwe emphasized that protecting personal data is a key part of fighting digital crimes. He stated, “A person should not disclose personal information when creating a password or sharing sensitive data. After using a computer, always turn it off, and when making a mobile payment, ensure your pin number remains hidden.”

Adelphine Niyonagira shared that she learned how young people often make the mistake of trusting strangers on social media platforms. They share personal information with individuals they know very little about, which can later be used to commit cybercrimes without the individual’s knowledge or consent.

She continued, “As technology advances, so do the tactics used by criminals. But if we all remain informed, we can avoid falling victim to these scams.”

Kayigi Ghislaine, the head of cyber security at the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), stated that more education is still needed in the field of digital security, as there are existing gaps. She added, “Continue learning about digital security and the prevention of tech-based terrorism and online crimes, so that in the future, you can teach others, both in Rwanda, across Africa, and worldwide.”

She further mentioned, “We need more cyber security experts, as the current number is insufficient. As technology advances, the risks increase, and this is why we need more professionals in this field.”

Maj. Faustin Ngaboyimanzi, the technology director at EASF, told the youth that their participation was significant, as it represented a vital contribution to peace in the region, security, and the fight against technology-based crimes.