FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – The widespread use of the internet and social media has led to a surge in cybercrimes, including data theft, cyberbullying, identity fraud, and artificial intelligence-assisted scams, according to officials in north Cyprus.
The number of cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified by the ‘Information Technologies and Communication Authority’ (BTHK) rose from 97 in 2021 to 233 in 2024, BTHK President Kadri Bürüncük said.
Bürüncük emphasized the importance of updating legal frameworks regularly and proposed establishing a dedicated Cyber Crime Combat Unit. He also urged individuals to use strong passwords and exercise caution with suspicious messages, emails, and calls.
Cybercriminals often target older adults, institutions, and frequent internet users, Bürüncük said. Common tactics include phishing, fraud, fake websites, and data breaches. Cyberbullying and AI-driven scams, like deepfakes, are also on the rise.
Bürüncük stressed the need for coordinated efforts, such as the collaboration between BTHK and Turkey’s National Cyber Incidents Response Center, to address these threats effectively.
He called for public awareness campaigns, international cooperation, and integrating cybersecurity education into schools. Updating software and limiting the sharing of personal information online were also among Bürüncük’s recommendations.