Ministry of Information and Communication Technology's (MICT) Executive Director Linda Nakale says cybercrime continues to rise in the country, urging people to be vigilant.
Nakale made the remarks during a one-day regional consultation workshop on the Cybercrime Bill at Oshakati.
Cybercrime is defined as a criminal act that uses digital devices, networks or online platforms as a tool or target.
Nakale said criminals involved in cybercrime mainly target senior citizens, young people and business owners, with an intention to rob them of their hard-earned money.
She warned the public to be mindful of cybersecurity threats, noting that cybercrime has serious psychological effects on individuals, businesses and the country in general.
"The government is committed to strengthening its policy legislation framework that ensures specific infrastructure and informs and protects the public and ensures a digital economy, which will provide a collaborative approach," stressed Nakale.
Cybercriminals often carry out online exploitation and abuse of children; therefore, parents should be mindful about granting unrestricted access to cellphones to children, Nakale said.
"Our children are most vulnerable; we are too busy. What do we do? We give our phones to our children. What are they watching? Who are they talking to? So we have to be mindful about it. That is why we are running this campaign targeting various stakeholders."
Nakale stressed that cybercrime knows no borders, making it a global challenge.
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology is conducting regional consultation on the Cybercrime bill to engage stakeholders, discuss the proposed legislation, and gather public input aimed at securing Namibia's digital economy.
The executive director urged people to avoid answering calls from strangers to avoid scamming and also to be mindful of the information they provide on social media.
"Sometimes we post on social media, checking out at the airport, 'Whom are you telling?' you are telling criminals. Sometimes we share so much information; they say they will pay my money on Friday. That is how they catch you, so we have to be mindful about information," she concluded.