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Gambia Takes Major Step Against Cybercrime with New Digital Forensic Laboratory

The Gambia has made a significant stride in its fight against cybercrime as it officially received a state-of-the-art digital forensic laboratory from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on October 19.

Background and Context

The ceremony, held in Banjul, was attended by top officials from ECOWAS, the European Union, and the Gambian government. The new laboratory is part of the “Organised Crime: West African Response on Cybersecurity and fight against Cybercrime” (OCWAR-C) project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France.

Key Features of the Laboratory

The laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge equipment and software, enabling the Gambian police to effectively investigate and prosecute cybercrimes. The country’s authorities have received training on digital forensic investigations and evidence processing, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle the growing threat of cybercrime.

Cybercrime in West Africa

According to ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, Mr. Sédiko Douka, cybercrime is a major concern in West Africa. Online scams, digital extortion, business email compromise, ransomware, and phishing are among the top threats identified by Interpol’s African Cyberthreat Assessment Report.

Statistics and Impact

  • 60% of the world’s business email compromise perpetrators are based in Africa, specifically in 11 countries, six of which are in West Africa.
  • Cybercrime has resulted in significant economic losses, reducing the GDP of Africa by 10% in 2021.

Regional Approach to Combat Cybercrime

The ECOWAS Commission and its partners are working towards a coordinated regional approach to combat cybercrime, launching a cybersecurity agenda to support the securing of the common digital space in West Africa. The handing over of the laboratory is seen as a major step towards achieving this goal.

Awareness Campaign and Future Plans

Following the ceremony, an awareness campaign on cybersecurity will be held on Friday, October 21, targeting stakeholders from the government, private sector, and general public. The event aims to promote digital hygiene practices and international best practices in combating cybercrime.

The OCW-C project is aimed at improving cybersecurity and combating cybercrime in ECOWAS member states, including Mauritania. With the new laboratory, Gambia has taken a significant step towards enhancing its capacity to tackle the growing threat of cybercrime.

Conclusion

The handing over of the digital forensic laboratory marks a major milestone in Gambia’s fight against cybercrime. As the country continues to strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities, it is essential for all stakeholders to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent and respond to cyber threats.