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Ghanaian security expert Richard Kumadoe has attributed the recent hacking of President John Dramani Mahama’s X (formerly Twitter) account to vulnerabilities within the country’s cybersecurity framework.
Speaking on Bullet TV’s News Night with host Nana Yaw Fianko (The Speaker), he emphasized that gaps in security, particularly during leadership transitions, created an opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit.
“The hacking occurred at a time when there was a transition in national security leadership. Vulnerabilities during such periods can be exploited, and I believe that’s what happened. Those responsible for managing the President’s account, the National Security team, and the Cyber Security Authority must assess the lapses that allowed this to happen,” – Richard Kumadoe stated.
The President’s verified X account was reportedly hijacked on Monday and used for unauthorized activities before it was recovered by Tuesday. However, details surrounding the attack, including whether any ransom was paid, remain undisclosed.
Kumadoe stressed that high-profile individuals, including political leaders, need to adopt stricter cybersecurity measures.
“In Africa, we lack standardized cybersecurity policies for political leaders. There should be strict orientation on social media use, phone security, and digital interactions before assuming office,” – he added.
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Fellow security analyst Nana Appiah Owusu also weighed in, warning that cyber threats are evolving rapidly. He called for better resourcing of Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority to combat sophisticated hacking techniques.
“As technology advances, hackers also develop new methods to bypass security systems. Even the most fortified institutions, like banks, are vulnerable. It is a global challenge, and Ghana must strengthen its cybersecurity policies to protect high-profile individuals and institutions,”- he noted.
Owusu further advised the public to be cautious when updating social media apps or receiving unfamiliar security codes, as these can be used to gain unauthorized access to personal accounts.
While the President’s X account has been restored, the incident has raised concerns about the digital security of key government figures. Security experts are now calling for urgent policy reviews and stricter cybersecurity measures to prevent future breaches.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu