ONLINE financial transactions have grown at a rapid pace, and so have cybercrimes.

Every about 30 seconds, someone somewhere in Pakistan is believed to fall victim to identity theft, which is quite alarming. It is common to receive random calls, messages and emails that request personal information, such as CNIC numbers, bank account and credit card details, usernames and passcodes.

These sensitive details are often used to steal money from one`s accounts, and they are extracted through psychological manipulation techniques, such as creating a sense of urgency, instilling fear, invoking curiosity, appealing to greed, or even impersonating friends or colleagues.

Cybercrime caused damages amounting to $8 trillion globally in 2023, with estimates suggesting this figure will rise to $10.5 trillion by 2025. This makes cybercrime the third largest `global economy`, trailing only behind those of the United States and China. Such statistics should serve as an eye-opener.

The Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) recognised Pakistan`s efforts in securing its digital borders by ranking it among the top 64 countries in Tier-1 Role Modelling category last year. The enactment of new cyber laws, the introduction of cybersecurity policies, and the implementation of technical barriers against cybercriminals are certainly significant steps forward in combatting the menace of cybercrime. However, raising public awareness is an area that, if prioritised, could lead to a dramatic change.

The human factor is often regarded as the weakest link that is easily exploited by cybercriminals. If people stop falling into the trap, more than half the battle would be won.

A mass awareness campaign should be launched to tackle cybersecurity threats on the same scale as the efforts that were made during the Covid epidemicregarding vaccination, and is routinely done for polio eradication. Nationwide awareness weeks could be observed, using mainstream print and electronic media platforms to ensure the message reaches every individual.

Building a strong human defence against threats of cybercrimes would help foster the growth of Pakistan`s digital economy.

Adeel Yousfani Karachi