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Madagascar’s Cybersecurity Capacity Review Reveals Room for Improvement

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A recent review of Madagascar’s cybersecurity capacity has highlighted several areas where the country can improve its defenses against cyber threats.

Assessment Findings

The review, conducted by Dimension 5, assessed the country’s cybersecurity maturity across various factors, including:

  • Adherence to standards
  • Internet infrastructure resilience
  • Software quality
  • Technical security controls
  • Cryptographic controls
  • Responsible disclosure

The assessment found that Madagascar is still in the early stages of developing its cybersecurity capacity, with many areas requiring improvement.

Challenges and Threats

One of the main challenges facing Madagascar is the rapid growth of internet usage in the country. With only 11% of the population connected to the internet, there is a significant need for improved infrastructure and security measures to protect against cyber threats.

Common forms of cybercrime in Madagascar include:

  • Computer-related fraud
  • Cyber harassment
  • Hacking
  • Distributed denial-of-service attacks (DDoS)
  • Website defacement

Government Efforts

Despite these challenges, Madagascar has taken steps to prioritize the security of its internet infrastructure. In 2014 and 2015, the country adopted several laws relating to cybersecurity, including measures to:

  • Regulate telecommunications
  • Protect against cybercrime

Leading Stakeholders

The review also identified several leading stakeholders in promoting the advancement of national cybersecurity capacity, including:

  • Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
  • Ministry of Post, Telecommunications and New Technologies
  • Ministry of Justice
  • Ministry of Public Security
  • Network Information Center Madagascar (NIC-MG)
  • Internet Society

Recommendations for Improvement

To improve Madagascar’s cybersecurity capacity, the review recommends:

  • Developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that outlines goals, objectives, and priorities
  • Implementing robust technical security controls to protect against cyber threats
  • Enhancing software quality through regular updates and patching of vulnerabilities
  • Improving responsible disclosure practices to ensure timely reporting of security incidents
  • Increasing awareness and education on cybersecurity best practices among the public and private sectors

By addressing these areas, Madagascar can improve its cybersecurity capacity and better protect its citizens from the growing threat of cybercrime.

Source: Dimension 5 Cybersecurity Capacity Review Report