Cyber security trainning boost for civil service

Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

CIVIL servants yesterday received training in cyber security as the Government strengthens cyber security within its civil service.
The trainings were done in partnership with Huawei Technologies to leverage global expertise in cyber security.

Speaking at the cyber security training at the Postal and Telecommunications Regulations Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) headquarters in Harare, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services Dr Beaullah Chirume said that the importance of cyber security cannot be overstated in today’s digital age.

Dr Chirume said the country faces unprecedented challenges as it embraces technological advancements.

“Cyber threats are evolving rapidly and the consequences of inaction can be devastating not just for individuals and businesses, but also for our national security,” she said.

“Our nation is increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, making it imperative that we equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect our information systems and data. This training program is a crucial step in fostering a culture of cyber awareness and resilience.

“Huawei has been at the forefront of technological innovation, and their experience in cyber security solutions will provide invaluable insights to our participants. Together, we aim to build a robust framework that not only addresses current threats but also anticipates future challenges.”

POTRAZ director-general Dr Gift Machengete said the digital landscape was increasingly becoming complex, and as such the potential threats to systems and data were becoming more sophisticated.

Dr Machengete said the rapid pace of technological advancement presented both extraordinary opportunities and significant challenges.

“It is our duty, as public servants and guardians of critical information, to stay ahead of these challenges and ensure that our digital infrastructure remains secure and resilient,” he said.

“Today’s training is not just about learning the latest techniques or understanding new technologies; it is about fostering a mindset that continuously questions and evaluates our cyber security practices. By asking the right questions, we can better identify potential vulnerabilities, anticipate emerging threats, and implement effective strategies to protect our digital assets.

“Cyber security is a dynamic field where complacency is not an option. The threats we face are evolving, and our response must evolve accordingly.”

Dr Machengete said the training aimed to equip civil servants with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complex environment and to foster a culture of proactive defence and cyber resilience within the civil service.