Zimbabwe's October Cyber Security Awareness Month 2025

The State of Cyber Threats in Zimbabwe: A Research Analysis ?

Zimbabwe's rapid adoption of digital technologies, while providing immense opportunities, has also opened the door to a complex landscape of cyber threats. A research analysis of the current digital environment reveals several key challenges that put Zimbabwean citizens at risk.

1. Phishing and Social Engineering: The Human Element

The most prevalent digital challenge is phishing, which has evolved to target Zimbabwe's high mobile phone penetration and reliance on mobile money. This includes:

• Email and SMS Phishing (Smishing): Scammers impersonate local banks, network providers (like Econet and NetOne), or even government agencies to trick users into clicking malicious links or revealing personal information.

• Social Media Phishing: Scams on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp use fake giveaways, job offers, and fraudulent investment schemes to harvest credentials and money. The use of messaging apps to spread chain messages and misinformation further amplifies this threat.

2. The Scourge of Social Media Scams

Social media has become a breeding ground for elaborate scams. Zimbabweans have suffered significant financial losses from schemes that exploit trust and the desire for quick gains.

• WhatsApp Hijacking: A particularly common and devastating scam. Fraudsters gain access to a user's WhatsApp account, often by tricking them into sharing a six-digit PIN. Once hijacked, the scammer poses as the victim within their groups and with contacts, offering fake foreign currency deals or asking for emergency funds, leading to friends and family losing money.

• The "Chivhayo Scam": This notorious scheme preys on the public profile of a prominent local figure, Wicknell Chivayo. Scammers create fake social media profiles, promising individuals cars or other valuable items. The scam's genius lies in its use of video calls where the scammer targets another phone playing a video of Chivhayo talking, while the scammer talks in the background. This creates a deceptive illusion of a live conversation, making the scam appear more legitimate and harder to detect. The victim, convinced they are speaking to the real person, is then asked to send a "processing fee" or "registration fee," which is never returned.

Digital Vocano's 2025 Cyber Security Awareness Month Initiatives ?

This October, Digital Vocano is committed to addressing these challenges head-on through a series of actionable initiatives designed to empower Zimbabweans with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe online.

1. #SecureZim: A National Digital Literacy Campaign

We will launch the #SecureZim campaign across social media and local platforms. The campaign will provide daily tips and weekly deep dives into specific threats. Our focus will be on the Core 4 of Cyber Hygiene:

1. Use Strong Passwords and Password Managers: We'll educate users on creating unique, complex passwords for every account and why using a password manager is essential.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This simple step adds a critical layer of security. We will provide clear, step-by-step guides on how to enable MFA on popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Gmail.

3. Recognize and Report Phishing: Our campaign will use real-life examples of phishing messages and calls, including those impersonating local figures and companies, to help Zimbabweans spot the red flags.

4. Update Your Software Regularly: We'll stress the importance of installing updates to patch security vulnerabilities.

2. Targeted Community Workshops

Digital Vocano will partner with local community centers and businesses to host free, in-person workshops. These sessions will provide a hands-on approach to cybersecurity, covering topics such as:

• Securing Your WhatsApp Account: A practical guide to enabling two-step verification, recognizing hijacking attempts, and protecting your chats.

• Spotting and Avoiding Social Media Scams: An interactive session that will teach participants how to verify profiles, check for scam indicators, and avoid falling for schemes like the "Chivhayo scam."

• Business Cybersecurity 101: Tailored for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this workshop will cover securing company data, protecting against ransomware, and training employees on safe digital practices.

3. The Digital Vocano Cybersecurity Toolkit

To provide long-term value, we will release a free, downloadable Cybersecurity Toolkit for Zimbabweans. The toolkit will include:

• A scam checklist to help users identify fraudulent messages and calls.

• A password strength calculator and tips for creating memorable, secure passwords.

• A list of verified contact details for major Zimbabwean banks and mobile network providers to combat impersonation scams.

Conclusion: A Collective Effort for a Safer Cyberspace ?

As we observe Cyber Security Awareness Month this October, it's clear that securing Zimbabwe's digital future is a collective responsibility. It's not just about advanced technology; it's about empowering every citizen with the knowledge to make smart, safe choices online. By raising awareness about the unique challenges we face—from WhatsApp hijacking to the "Chivhayo scam"—and providing accessible education, we can build a more resilient and secure digital community. Let's work together to make Zimbabwe's cyberspace a safer place for all.