ICT adoption should ensure security, says minister

Minister of Information and Digitisation Moses Kunkuyu says the promotion and adoption of information and communications technology (ICT) should ensure users’ safety and overall security of the technologies.

He said this on Monday in Lilongwe when he opened the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Regional Cyber Drill for Africa.

He said Malawi undertook a Cyber Security Maturity Model Assessment from which five dimensions are being pursued to address security threats in the cyber space.

“The dimensions include the development and implementation of cyber security policy and strategy, promotion of cyber culture and society, cyber security education, training and skills, strengthening of legal and regulatory frameworks and the development of cyber security standards,” said Kunkuyu.

Speaking during the meeting, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority board chairperson Stanley Khaila said Africa needs to shift away from the national boundary mindset and take the modern approach of collaboration and coordination on cyber security.

“Without collaboration, cyber security can and will belong to the attackers,” he said.

ITU regional director for Africa Rachael Inne said  in  2022, Africa experienced 1 845 cyber-attacks.

Malawi is hosting the meeting in partnership with Malawi Computer Emergency Response Team, United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism and Forum for Incidence Response Security Team. n