ACCRA-Ghana, Media organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals because they hold sensitive information and command high public visibility, Associate Professor of Wireless Communication Networks, Prof. Kofi Sarpong Adu-Manu, has warned.
Speaking during a cyber capacity-building training session on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Prof. Adu-Manu said journalists and media houses are increasingly under attack due to the critical role they play in shaping public opinion and their access to confidential sources, unpublished stories, and personal data.
“Media is a prime target to the cybercriminals because we hold sensitive information and have public visibility,” Prof. Adu-Manu said.
He cautioned media practitioners to adopt a _“security-first approach”_ to their work, urging them to *“pause before you click, verify before you share, and secure before you publish.”*
The CIA Principle for Journalism
Prof. Adu-Manu said journalists must protect their work before, during, and after publication by applying the CIA principle of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.
- Confidentiality: Protecting sources and unpublished information from unauthorized access
- Integrity: Ensuring news content and data are not altered or manipulated
- Availability: Keeping systems and platforms accessible and preventing them from being taken down by attacks
Human Error Remains the Biggest Entry Point
The cyber security expert listed several common threats facing media practitioners in Ghana and across the world, noting that most attacks begin with simple mistakes.
“Most attacks start with opening suspicious messages, clicking unknown links, reusing passwords across platforms, and oversharing personal and work information online,” he stated.
According to Prof. Adu-Manu, cybercriminals often use phishing emails, fake social media accounts, and malware to gain access to journalists’ devices and accounts. Once inside, attackers can steal data, impersonate reporters, spread disinformation, or use compromised accounts to target the public.
Call for Stronger Defenses in Newsrooms
The Associate Professor recommended basic but effective steps for journalists to stay safe online, including:
- Using strong and unique passwords*
- Enabling two-factor authentication
- Updating software regularly
- Backing up work consistently
- *Verifying the identity of sources* before sharing sensitive information
He also urged media organizations to *invest in cybersecurity training for staff* and to put clear policies in place for handling digital threats.
The training forms part of ongoing efforts to build cyber resilience in Ghana’s media sector as digital attacks against newsrooms continue to rise globally.
