Zimbabwe kicks off National Cybersecurity Awarenes...

Zimbabwe kicks off National Cybersecurity Awareness Month with urgent call for action

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

As the nation grapples with the escalating threat of cybercrime, Zimbabwe has marked the beginning of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month with a pivotal conference. Government officials, industry leaders, and cybersecurity experts gathered in Harare to discuss the urgent need for collective action to fortify the country's digital defenses.

Organized by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services in collaboration with Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the conference brought together key stakeholders to address the growing frequency and severity of cyberattacks. Minister Tatenda Mavetera, in her opening remarks, sounded the alarm, noting that Zimbabwe is not immune to the global surge in cybercrime.

Citing the 2023 Cybersecurity Ventures report, Minister Mavetera highlighted the staggering projected costs of global cybercrime, which are expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. She emphasized that the consequences extend far beyond financial loss, encompassing emotional and reputational harm to individuals, businesses, and governments.

"In 2022 alone, we witnessed a 105% increase in ransomware attacks, while phishing accounted for more than 80% of reported security incidents," Minister Mavetera stated. "The average cost of a data breach has also skyrocketed to $4.35 million. Cybersecurity is not just a global phenomenon—it is a local issue that demands immediate attention."

Recent cyberattacks on local financial institutions and widespread phishing attempts targeting individuals via SMS and social media have underscored the urgent need for action. Minister Mavetera stressed that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration between citizens and the government.

As part of the government's efforts to bolster cybersecurity, Zimbabwe is developing a National Cyber Security Strategy. This comprehensive framework will provide guidelines to safeguard the country's information assets from evolving cyber threats. The government has already taken concrete steps, including the enactment of the Cyber and Data Protection Act in 2021 and partnerships with companies like Huawei to provide cybersecurity training.

Minister Mavetera also emphasized the importance of continuous education and training to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to combat cybercrime. She called for further investment in regulatory frameworks and policies to guide organizations in establishing robust cybersecurity measures.

As National Cybersecurity Awareness Month unfolds, the conference has set the stage for a series of activities and discussions aimed at raising awareness and building partnerships to strengthen Zimbabwe's cybersecurity posture.