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    HomeNehanda GuardianRural Communities To Be Taught, Capacitated On Cyber Security

    Rural Communities To Be Taught, Capacitated On Cyber Security

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    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.

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