Cyber Security Policy on cards

Remember Deketeke

Herald Correspondent

THE Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services held a cyber security workshop in Harare last week aimed at aligning the national cyber security strategy with global best practices, while tailoring it to address specific challenges facing Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe has embraced the rapidly evolving digital age, with digital platforms becoming integral to every aspect of people’s lives from commerce and education, to governance and social interaction.

Addressing stakeholders at the workshop, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Permanent Secretary Dr Beaullar Chirume said while these developments had undoubtedly enhanced efficiency and connectivity, they had also brought new challenges and risks.

“The very systems that drive progress can be vulnerable to attacks that threaten our national security, economy, and individual privacy. This is why the importance of cyber security cannot be overstated.

“Cyber threats are evolving in both frequency and sophistication, targeting not just large corporations but also small businesses, government institutions, and individuals,” Dr Chirume said.

She also Government will now explore new ideas and craft solutions to address cyber security challenges.

“We must recognise that the stakes are higher than ever before, and the consequences of inaction are too great to ignore.

“We will explore new ideas, challenge the status quo, and work together to craft solutions that are practical, scalable, and resilient.

“We are fortunate to have gathered such a diverse range of experts from Government, academia, the private sector, and civil society who bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience.

“Knowing that the work we do here will have far-reaching implications for the safety and prosperity of the country, our collective efforts will determine how well we protect the digital assets and data that power our economy and secure the futures of our citizens,” Dr Chirume added.

Chairperson of information security and assurance at the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), Mr Calvin Mugauri, said the workshop would help in creating a cyber security policy.

“We are formulating a strategy, a policy for the nation, because remember, like I said, we now have a Cyber Security Data Protection Act, so we need to have a strategy, a policy for the nation.

“What we expect from this workshop is to come up with a policy so that we are in line with the International Telecommunications Union, where our country Zimbabwe is not an exception, we participate in such events and activities,” Mr Mugauri said.