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Cybercrime on the Rise in Afghanistan as Financial Institutions Struggle to Secure Online Transactions
Kabul, Afghanistan - As cybercrime continues to plague financial institutions across Afghanistan, experts warn that the country’s vulnerability to online attacks is a growing concern.
The Growing Concern
According to recent figures, the total loss associated with cyber crimes has reached 1.3 billion AFN ($28 million) from 2011 to 2015, with most of these incidents attributed to internal staff at financial institutions and ID theft, email forging, and “spoofing”.
The Afghan Ministry’s Response
The Afghan Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has established the Computer Emergency Response Team (AFCERT) in an effort to combat cyber threats. AFCERT is responsible for developing a forensic lab to help government and business track security problems.
Expert Opinion
However, experts say that more needs to be done to protect financial institutions from online attacks. “It’s shocking to see that some banks have no major security policies in place,” said a senior official at the MCIT.
The National Cybersecurity Strategy of Afghanistan
To address this issue, the Afghan government has developed the National Cybersecurity Strategy of Afghanistan, which includes five pillars:
- Legal measures
- Technical and procedural measures
- Organizational structure
- Capacity building
- International cooperation
The strategy is based on guidelines from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and aims to establish safe and secure cyberspace for government and business.
Promoting Cybersecurity in Afghanistan
In addition to AFCERT, the MCIT sponsors various promotional programs aimed at promoting young talented students in Afghanistan. These programs include:
- Innovation grants
- Business incubators
- Training in ICT applications
International Cooperation
Experts warn that international cooperation is critical in combating cybercrime. “Cyber doesn’t have boundaries,” said a senior official at the ITU. “It’s a global issue, and one body cannot fight these threats alone.”
Protection Mechanisms
The MCIT has also established a number of protection mechanisms to ensure the security of online transactions in Afghanistan, including:
- Proper budgeting
- Effective organizational structure
- Public private partnership
- Standards and baselines for information security
- Regulatory body
- Strategy
- Policy
- Best practices
The Way Forward
As cybercrime continues to pose a significant threat to financial institutions across Afghanistan, experts warn that more needs to be done to protect online transactions and prevent further losses.
New Cybersecurity Center in Kabul
In related news, the Afghan government has announced plans to launch a new cybersecurity center in Kabul, which will provide training and support for businesses and individuals looking to improve their online security. The center is expected to open later this year.
Sources:
- MCIT
- ITU
- AFCERT