Ghanaians have been cautioned against casually handing over their phones and passwords to repairers, as doing so can expose sensitive personal and financial information.
The warning came from Terence Ade-Adams, Digital Forensic Examiner, Cybercrime Investigator and Instructor with the Ghana Police Service, during an Asaase Townhall Talk discussion on digital fraud.
Ade-Adams said giving a phone to a repairer creates vulnerabilities, particularly when the repairer requests the device’s password.
“There are vulnerabilities when it comes to you giving out your phone. Because obviously, they’re going to… ask for your password.”
He said users should take advantage of privacy and security features available on their devices when handing them over for repairs.
Use repair mode where available
Ade-Adams specifically pointed to repair mode on some Android devices, which can provide protection for personal data while allowing technicians access to the parts of the device required for repairs.
He said iOS devices also have a similar privacy-protection functionality.
“There is a repair mode which can be activated. It provides some privacy and security to your personal data.”
Convenience can create security risks
The police investigator said the desire for convenience can sometimes cause people to overlook cybersecurity risks.
The warning forms part of a broader message from the panel that digital fraud is often enabled not by weaknesses in technology itself, but by the manipulation of users.
Ade-Adams said fraudsters continually adapt their methods, making public awareness and cooperation among banks, fintech companies, telecommunications operators, law enforcement and customers essential to combating cybercrime.
He stressed that technological safeguards cannot eliminate every risk, particularly where criminals succeed in manipulating individuals into voluntarily surrendering access or information.
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