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Namibia’s National Cybersecurity Strategy: A Critical Need for Defenses Against Rising Threats

As Namibia’s digital landscape continues to grow, so do concerns about cyber crime and its impact on the country’s financial inclusion and overall security. The increasing adoption of mobile technologies and internet access has brought new opportunities, but also new threats that require urgent attention.

Vulnerabilities in Mobile Technologies and Internet Access

A recent study by Kaspersky Lab revealed that many feature phones used in Namibia are vulnerable to security risks, including data leaks and money theft. The use of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes for accessing digital financial services is widespread, but it has been found to be a potential entry point for cyber threats.

Low Cybersecurity Awareness in Rural Areas

The unequal access to technology and digitization solutions in Namibia has resulted in a low level of cybersecurity awareness, especially in rural communities. The Fiber to the Village project has increased internet access, but also brought new cyber risks that are often unknown to users.

• The country’s overall security maturity is extremely low, with many organizations, including micro-to medium enterprises, inadequately prepared to guard against cyber threats.
• Namibia is considered one of the most exposed countries in Africa due to its lack of cybersecurity preparedness.

National Cybersecurity Strategy and Awareness Creation Plan

In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has launched a National Cybersecurity Strategy and Awareness Creation Plan. The plan aims to:

• Protect critical information infrastructure
• Educate the public on cybersecurity risks and best practices
• Collaborate with public and private entities on cybersecurity

Building Awareness Through Partnerships

Raising awareness is just one building block for an improved security posture. A meshed approach that includes partnerships with the private sector is required to develop secure applications and infrastructure for data and asset protection.

• Targeted solutions are needed to build up security nationally, especially in a country with low levels of digital inclusion and literacy.
• The Payment Association of Namibia has highlighted the need for increased awareness and education on cybersecurity risks and best practices.

Conclusion

Namibia’s national cybersecurity strategy is critical to addressing the rising threat of cyber crime and promoting a secure and inclusive digital environment. To achieve this, the country must prioritize:

• Awareness campaigns
• Partnerships with the private sector
• Targeted solutions to build up its security posture and protect its citizens from online threats.
• A multi-stakeholder approach that includes government, private sector, and civil society to address cyber threats and promote a culture of security and trust in the digital space.