Why Africa must take cyber security serious

Editor, RE: “Global cooperation in fighting cross-border cybercrime is not optional but a necessity” (The New Times, November 9). According to computer security experts, a lot of cyber crime is registered on the African continent, and these threats spread easily because many computer systems are not properly protected. The fight against cybercrime requires a cohesive and coordinated approach, but in Africa, there is indeed much more required than just cooperation. The potential for internet abuse in Africa is also high. This is due to the lack of security awareness programmes or specialized training for the law enforcement agencies. Here I must say Rwanda has made tremendous strides. With regards to legal instruments, specific legislation on cybercrime has been enacted through the penal code and through the law on electronic message, signature and transaction as well as the ICT law. Specific legislation and regulation related to cyber security has also been enacted through the National Standards for Cyber Security. Rwanda has an officially recognized national CIRT and has developed an Information Security Framework referred to as Government Security Architecture. This architecture provides information security policies, procedures and guidelines for the public and private sector. Rwanda has officially recognised national or sector-specific benchmarking exercises or referential used to measure cyber security development. The last exercise was performed in 2013. We also have close to 200 public sector professionals certified under internationally recognised certification programs in cyber security Notably among those is: Rwanda National Police has, in partnership with Interpol, a mandate to fight the vice and perpetrators of cyber crimes can face prosecution. In the same spirit, the Police run a fully fledged division charged with fighting cyber crimes. Rwanda has made strides but Rwanda will not progress alone that’s why there is need for inter-nations cooperation against this vice. Ed

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Why Africa must take cyber security serious