By Makutu Manneh
The National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Centre has warned of an increase in WhatsApp account hacking, online impersonation, and the compromise of social media accounts across The Gambia, urging the public to strengthen safeguards around their digital identities.
In an advisory issued on Aug. 27, the center, known as the NCCRM, said compromised accounts were being used to spread misinformation, solicit money under false pretenses, and obtain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The center said the growing threat posed risks not only to personal privacy but also to broader human security, as more people rely on social media and messaging platforms for communication and the exchange of information.
“Individuals can make their WhatsApp and other social media accounts much harder to hack by adopting stronger security practices,” the NCCRM said.
The center urged users to enable two-step verification, secure their devices with strong passwords, and keep operating systems and applications up to date.
It also warned users never to share WhatsApp verification codes, regardless of who requests them or who the person claims to be. Such codes can allow criminals to take control of an account and impersonate its owner.
The NCCRM advised users to regularly review devices linked to their accounts and immediately remove any they do not recognize. It also urged the public to be wary of phishing attempts, particularly messages designed to create a sense of urgency or persuade recipients to click suspicious links.
Anyone who suspects that an account has been compromised or notices unusual activity should report it promptly to the Gambia Police Force, the center said.
The NCCRM said protecting digital identities had become an important part of safeguarding personal privacy and human security as cybersecurity threats continue to evolve.
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