Rural Communities To Be Taught, Capacitated On Cyber Security

MUTARE-More needs to be done to capacitate rural communities to access
internet and learn about cyber security to reduce chances of being swindled
online, Minister of State For Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution,
Misheck Mugadza, has said.

Speaking on the occasion of Information Communication Technology (ICT)
Conference on Cybersecurity Awareness in Mutasa district last week, Minister
Mugadza said the lack of access to electricity in the remote areas of the
province continued to create a digital divide between the urban and rural
dwellers calling for renewable energy source implementation to help expedite
internet access to such areas.

“Though we appreciate Government efforts at providing digital access to rural
communities, most of Manicaland’s remotely located communities without
electricity remain without digital access or any form of internet connectivity,
which to date continues to explain the persistent widening of the digital divide.
It is my held conviction that ICT investment via the latest affordable solar
energy, in the same areas by Government would go a long way in bridging this
divide,” said Minister Mugadza.

He added that digital literacy and accessibility had become forefront rights for
children and the citizenry in the knowledge economy and technology world.
Speaking at the same occasion, Minister of ICT, Tatenda Mavetera said
technological advancements have exposed people to new risks and it was
important to prioritise rural communities on cybersecurity awareness as these
communities are not immune to web attacks.

“Rapid technological advancements have brought numerous benefits but they
have also exposed us to new risks and vulnerabilities. While cybersecurity
awareness is often emphasized in urban areas, it is equally important to
prioritise it in rural communities. Rural areas are not immune to cyber threats
and in fact they may be more vulnerable due to limited access to resources and
expertise. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that everyone, regardless
of their location has the knowledge and tools to protect themselves online,” said
Minister Mavetera.

Minister Mavetera further encouraged community leaders, educators and
organisations to collaborate and develop initiatives that promote cyber security
awareness in rural areas.

One of the key factors contributing to the vulnerability of rural communities is
the limited access to cutting edge technologies and cyber security resources.

Cyber criminals exploit these gaps in security, employing tactics such as
phishing scams, malware distribution and ransomware attacks.

The absence of robust cybersecurity infrastructure coupled with a lack of
awareness regarding cyber threats heightens the risk for rural communities.

The impact of cyber-attacks on rural communities extends far beyond
immediate financial losses. The interconnectedness of digital systems means an
attack on a single entity can have a ripple effect on the entire community.