IN the information and digital era, where most services from banking to entertainment are accessed through on-line systems, cyber security becomes of paramount significance than ever before.

As the Country propels through digital transformations, there has been dramatic increase in the number of registered SIM Cards amounting to 76.6 million as of June 2024, out of which 57.6 million are used for accessing on-line, mobile money services, which is equivalent to over 90 per cent of the population, benefiting the services in the Country. 

Therefore, issue safe and secure mobile money plus other on-line services becomes of paramount significance so as to enhance public trust in the services that enable improved living standard of the people thus contributing to the sustainable development of the Country. 

In protection of users of on-line services, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has reminded Tanzanians to be vigilant against cybercrime, including verifying sources of unsolicited information or requests before responding.

Dr Jabiri Bakari, TCRA Director General said this in Dar es Salaam yesterday, saying that a safe cyber environment would enable Tanzanians to meet their economic and civic aspirations. 

The authority has launched a countrywide multipronged campaign known as “Ni Rahisi” (It's Easy) to raise public awareness of digital opportunities and cyber security.  The two-phase campaign that involve live and recorded radio and television programmes, newspaper stories plus social media outlets, will run from October to December 2024 and January to March 2025 respectively.

According to Dr Bakari, TCRA will disseminate cybersecurity tips and techniques, like sending phone number of fraudsters by short message to 15040, free of charge. He said it would also urge more individuals and entities to use *106# to verify the registration status of phone numbers plus using the Tanzania domain name Dot TZ for their websites and email addresses. The campaign also includes how to detect misleading online content, including detecting fake news and reporting fraudulent online activities.

It will also enhance public awareness of digital clubs and innovations. The latter and stakeholder protection are among the strategic objectives in TCRA's rolling strategic plan (2021/22-2025/26).

The strategy also seeks to ensure reliable and secure communication services and applications in Tanzania. 

Dr Bakari said TCRA had developed messages to be disseminated through media, mobile phones, public places, buses, trains and ferries as well as exhibitions and seminars.

He explained that although public awareness was a permanent TCRA agenda, it was crucial to equip Tanzanians with the means to protect themselves against new cyberspace attack types, tools and techniques. 

He added that TCRA strives to give the public information on the safe, secure and positive use of cyberspace, he said. “Promoting digital literacy and cyber security aims at ensuring a safe and secure digital environment.” 

The campaign follows another TCRA programme promoting the benefits of owning a Tanzania domain name. They include easy access to a website. 

It also demonstrates professionalism and provides branding opportunities, users trust and confidence in a business or service. A local domain name also enables an organization to improve its credibility and build a solid client base. 

It also coincides with a global cyber security assessment report placing Tanzania among 46 world role models in this area. 

Tanzania is the first in East Africa, third in Africa, and is occupies 25th position in world cyber security excellence, according to the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), which has just been released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in September 2024.