Gov’t Responds to Growing Cybersecurity Threats
The Zambian government has announced its commitment to creating an enabling policy and legal environment to bolster the country’s cyber resilience in light of the increasing cybersecurity threats faced by the nation.
Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, expressed these sentiments during a Cyber Security breakfast engagement held in Lusaka, where he emphasized the critical need to address cybersecurity challenges in the digital era.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Technology and Science, Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, Minister Mutati underscored the interconnected nature of the digital world, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.
He highlighted the growing exposure to threats and vulnerabilities in cyberspace due to technological advancements, noting the increasing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals that surpasses the available talent pool.
Minister Mutati identified cybersecurity threats as a major concern across all sectors, with particular emphasis on financial institutions being a prime target for cyber-attacks.
In response, the government has taken proactive measures to review the Cyber Security and Cyber Crime Act of 2021, with amendments aimed at strengthening cyber resilience protocols to protect critical information and infrastructure.
The advanced review of the cybersecurity legislation includes provisions for an enhanced legal framework to process and protect personal data while ensuring compliance with mandatory standards such as payment card and industry data.
Minister Mutati stressed the importance of not only regulation but also effective enforcement to foster a culture of cybersecurity within communities.
Furthermore, Minister Mutati called for public-private partnerships to safeguard critical infrastructure and promote the stability and growth of Zambia’s digital economy.
He commended Digital Safe Limited for their leadership in convening discussions on cybersecurity trends and insights, emphasizing the importance of such platforms in sharing knowledge and building capacity across industries.
In his presentation, Musonda Kapaya, CEO of Digital Safe Limited, highlighted the significance of cybersecurity technology in the digital transformation era.
With over a hundred partners engaged, Digital Safe Limited is dedicated to providing ICT services, capacity building, and Artificial Intelligence services to enhance cybersecurity measures and ensure the safety of data.
