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Namibia’s Cybersecurity Landscape: A Growing Concern

As Namibia continues to adopt digital technologies, the risk of cybercrime is increasingly becoming a major concern. In recent years, feature phones from China have flooded the market, offering affordable access to the internet for many Namibians. However, these devices often lack advanced security features, making them vulnerable to attacks and data breaches.

USSD Codes: A Security Risk

Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes are widely used in Africa for accessing digital financial services. While they offer convenience, a recent study by the GSM Association revealed that 90% of mobile money transactions in Africa are driven by USSD codes. Unfortunately, this also makes them a target for cybercriminals.

National and Sector-Specific Threat Intelligence

Namibia lacks a national center for identifying vulnerabilities and threats, making it difficult to respond effectively to cyber incidents. Private sector companies like Kaspersky Lab provide some threat analysis and monitoring services, but these are limited and not included by default in most organizations.

Cybersecurity Awareness: A Major Concern

The country’s digital landscape is plagued by a lack of awareness about cybersecurity risks and threats. This is especially true for rural communities with limited access to technology and digitization solutions. As more people come online through initiatives like the Fiber to the Village project, cyber risks will only increase.

A National Cybersecurity Strategy

In 2023, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology launched a National Cybersecurity Strategy and Awareness Creation Plan to combat cybercrime. The plan aims to educate citizens about cybersecurity risks and promote collaboration between public and private entities.

Implementing the Plan

The plan’s implementation began with a memorandum of understanding between the government and SALT Essential IT, a Namibian company, for an initial five-year period to develop and deliver cybersecurity training to government employees. The ministry recognizes the increasing threat of cybercrime and emphasizes the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach.

Raising Awareness

Raising awareness is just one building block for an improved security posture. A meshed approach that includes partnerships with the private sector for developing secure applications and infrastructure is required. Targeted solutions to build up security nationally are needed, especially in a country with low levels of digital inclusion and literacy.

Conclusion

Namibia’s cybersecurity landscape is complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive approach to address its unique challenges. By implementing a national cybersecurity strategy and raising awareness among citizens, the country can better protect itself against cybercrime and promote a safer online environment.