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Government Cyber Security Strategy: Progress and Challenges

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - The Government of Tanzania has made significant progress in implementing its Cyber Security Strategy 2016-2021, but still faces challenges in ensuring a secure and resilient cyber environment.

Key Objectives

The strategy aimed to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity capabilities by promoting awareness, building skills and innovation, securing and resilient infrastructure, and strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks. The key result areas (KRAs) assessed for performance include:

  • Cyber Security Threat Awareness and Response
  • Knowledge, Skills and Innovation on Cyber Security
  • Secure and Resilient Cyber Environment
  • Strengthening Legal and Regulatory Framework

Progress Made

According to the latest report, the government has achieved notable milestones in these areas. For instance:

  • 12 cyber security awareness events were conducted, reaching over 5,000 participants, including Government staff and public institutions.
  • The e-Government Agency was transformed into an Authority responsible for cyber security matters and compliance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Innovation

The government has provided technical training to over 1,400 public officials, increasing their capacity to manage cyber security threats. Additionally:

  • The number of ICT security personnel in the public service has increased by 102 staff members since 2016.
  • Cyber security technical assistance was provided to over 400 public institutions.

Secure and Resilient Cyber Environment

The connection of 265 MDAs and LGAs to the secure Virtual Private Government Communications Network (GovNet) has been achieved. Additionally:

  • The Government Data Centre has been established.
  • Cyber security technical assistance has been provided to over 400 public institutions.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these achievements, the government still faces several challenges in implementing its Cyber Security Strategy. These include:

  • Inadequate budget for training on cyber security issues
  • Insufficient ICT security personnel
  • Professional training gaps
  • Digital divide between rural and urban areas
  • Delays in enacting e-Government laws and regulations

Stakeholder Engagement

To address these challenges, the government has engaged stakeholders to understand their expectations and identify critical issues that need attention. Key stakeholders have identified:

  • Security as a top priority
  • Confidentiality as a top priority
  • Value for money as a top priority
  • Timely provision of accurate information as a top priority

New Cyber Security Strategy

The government has acknowledged the need to address these challenges and is working towards developing a new Cyber Security Strategy that will build on the progress made so far. The strategy aims to strengthen Tanzania’s cybersecurity capabilities and ensure a secure and resilient cyber environment that supports economic growth and development.

Conclusion

While significant progress has been made in implementing the Government Cyber Security Strategy 2016-2021, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. The government is committed to working with stakeholders to develop a new strategy that will ensure a secure and resilient cyber environment for all Tanzanians.