Govt committed to end cyber threats, crimes

Harare (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe government recognizes the threats of cybercrimes and attacks as well as the detrimental effects they can have on the nation, a cabinet minister has said.

Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Tatenda Mavetera made the remarks while addressing stakeholders during a National Cyber Security conference in the capital on Wednesday.

She said in order to curb the detrimental effects, the government had put measures such as enactment of the Cyber and Data Protection Act as well as supporting directives and other related legislation.

“In addition to this, the Ministry in collaboration with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is setting up a National Computer Incidence Response Team (NCIRT) to provide the focal point for incident reporting and response for the country.

“There is a need to increase awareness programs with regards to cyber security that the nation should be made aware of, it requires pro-active measures by staying informed on the latest trends and best practices on protecting themselves,” she said.

Mavetera called for cooperation and coordination among individuals, organizations, government and international bodies in sharing knowledge, expertise and threat intelligence in order to stay on the safer side of cyber criminals.

She said there is a strong need to invest in cyber security education by equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape safely.

“Education is the foundation of a secure digital future. We also need to empower everyone so that they make informed decisions so that they contribute to a more secure cyberspace,” she said.

In today’s digital age, Mavetera said, ICTs have become the common denominator for all social and economic activities while at the same time equally becoming a security threat.

She said Zimbabwe, like the rest of the world, is embracing its digital future through its smart Zimbabwe 2030 initiative through the National Development Strategy 1 in its journey towards an upper middle economy.

While Cyber Security Month and its activities should be recognized in October, Mavetera said it also coincided with the Cancer Month which also needs a lot of emphasis, hence to recognize it in a less congested month of November and also give it the due recognition it deserves.

New Ziana