The Acting Commissioner of Police Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) under the ICT directorate, SSP Haguma Jimmy, has resounded a call to police officers to embrace cybersecurity in order to safeguard both personal and institutional data.
Haguma made this plea during a one-week sensitization programme on September 20, 2023, at the directorate of Interpol and International Relations and Forensic Services (DFS).
The programme is aimed at reaching police officers across various directorates and is set to expand nationwide, beginning with Kampala Metropolitan.
Haguma emphasised the critical role of implementing measures to fortify and improve the cybersecurity posture of the force.
“If any one of us falls victim to cyber threats, the entire institution is equally exposed to that risk. This was drawn from the adage, “A chain is as strong as its weakest link.” We are all susceptible at any given time, which is why regular check-ups, updates, and the use of robust passwords are indispensable,” Haguma stressed.
During the training, officers were equipped with strategies to shield themselves from digital compromise, cyber offences, and social engineering tactics.
They also received guidance on ethical practices, netiquette, and managing their electronic devices effectively, which includes scheduling breaks, considering noise-cancelling devices, and rewarding themselves for task-focused work.