Internet data hackers should brace for tough time ahead if the Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA)’s partnership with Common Market for Eastern and South Africa (COMESA) in cracking down cyber threats is anything to go by.
The head on partnership is coming due to proliferation of destructive malware, identity and data theft and denial of service attacks which ICT sector world, Malawi inclusive is currently facing which requires joint operation in cyber security the sensetisation campaign.
Cyber security is new globally Malawi in particular hence there is need for raising awareness as the nation is experiencing increasing electronic transactions which in turn will enhance economic activity of the country.
In view of this, Macra has teamed up with Comesa in engaging policy makers, legal, ICT and telecommunication experts through the three day sensitisation workshop on cyber security under way in the capital Lilongwe.
Speaking in an interview after opening the conference on Tuesday, George Mkondiwa, The Chief Secretary to the government said the workshop has come at the light time when the nation is advancing on ICT which needs a strategic control measure on any threats ahead.
Mkondiwa disclosed that Electronic Transaction Bill passed through cabinet waiting to be tabled in Parliament soon which will deal with cyber threats in Malawi.
“Malawi government sees ICT as a critical in human capital development, delivery of government services, performance of our industries, infrastructure development, enhancement of national security, promotion of international cooperation and key to the blossoming of national priority growth of health, education, agriculture, tourism and mining.
“However, government is aware that the emergence of the ICTs has brought along with the concerns of cyber threats. It is this reason that government came up with Electronic Transactions Bill which is intending to deal with the challenge as cyber -crimes are threat to national security”, observes the Chief Secretary Mkondiwa.
Echoing on the same, Ambassador Kupyengo Cheluget, COMESA’s Assistant Secretary General for Programs expressed gratitude over zeal Malawi has on the campaign to deal with cyber threats in the region.
“Malawi is a member state of COMESA which subscribes to International Telecommunication Union (ITU), therefore, urgent support is needed to win the battle of cyber threats which contravenes online trading between member states hence COMESA’s technical and financial support on the course”, assures Ambassador Cheluget.
Speaking on the Malawi’s readiness on the battle to win cyber threats, Andrew Kumbatira, MACRA Director General said his organisation will continue engaging with phone operators in the country to put measures of protecting their customers on the threats.
“Malawi is on the way advancing on ITC, internet compared with other member states in COMESA as such local phone operators have to be vigilant on how best their customers can be protected from such threats through massive campaigns and increasing network base and phone users”, appeals Kumbatira.
Cyber security is therefore a process of applying security measures to ensure confidentiality, integrity and available data whose overall goal to protect data both transit and at rest.
Cyber security attempts to ensure the protection of assets including desktops, servers, buildings, data and human beings inclusive.
