Mbabane: The Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Eswatini Communications Commission ESCCOM is working on a National Digital Strategy which is aimed at addressing cyber security issues in the country.
This was shared by the Ministry of ICT Principal Secretary Maxwell Masuku on Monday during the launch of the 2021 Eswatini Cyber Security Awareness Month under the themes; #Tiphephise #BeCyberSmart.
The campaign is a Government-led multi-stakeholder initiative to create awareness on issues of online safety.
Speaking during the launch Masuku stated that the Ministry and Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) are developing a National Digital Strategy which will, in context, address cyber security issues.
Masuku said the Nation Digital Strategy will strengthen the security of Government systems to keep pace with rapidly evolving cyber-security threats
He said the strategy will help increase Government’s capability to detect, defend, deter and neutralize cyber threats.
ESCCOM CEO Mvilawempi Dlamini emphasized the importance of addressing cyber security risks saying “addressing cyber security risks has become more important than ever”. He said it was essential that everyone recognizes the importance of proper digital hygiene. Dlamini highlighted that the country has set up a computer security response team (CIRT) to monitor cyber security threats.
During the launch, Police reported that between the month of December 2020 and September 2021, there has been an upsurge in the number of cybercrime cases, and incurred financial losses were recorded compared to figures recorded last year for the same period.
This was revealed by Deputy National Commissioner Mamsie Dlamini, who stated that it was unfortunate that emaSwati continue to fall prey to online phishing and other related schemes. She emphasized that Emaswati should remain vigilant to prevent themselves from such attacks,
The Cyber Security Awareness Month is observed every year and was created as a collaborative effort between governments and industry to ensure that everyone is aware and has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online
Cyber security threats affect many sectors of society, this year, globally, ransomware attacks have disrupted schools, healthcare organizations, fuel pipelines, food suppliers, and several organizations, often resulting in disruptions that have impacted public health, the supply chain, and national and economic safety and security.
The theme for 2021, which is ‘Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart’ is aimed at helping to empower individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace.
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