Combating cybercrime by force
Cybercrime is becoming a major social scourge in Africa as the rapidly developing continent finds itself in the crosshairs of digital criminals. Until recently, many nations on the continent were caught unawares by cyberattacks but this is set to change thanks to several digital security initiatives in combatting cybercrime are currently underway from Cape to Cairo.
In this article we highlight two such projects, the CSIR-NPA collaboration and African Centre for Coordination and Research in Cybersecurity, that are set to change the online security game in Africa and defend the continent’s internet users from bad actors in cyberspace.
research meets law enforcement with enhanced cybersecurity cooperation in SA
In late August, the CSIR announced that it will be cooperating extensively with the Special Investigations Unit to help solve cybercrime cases and prevent cyberattacks from happening in the future.
- The CSIR expanded its research capacity focusing on internet use dramatically during the COVID-19 lockdowns, diving deep into the realm of social media and South Africans’ online activity to understand the impact that the pandemic was having on society as a whole.
- The research body helps to harness the insights gained during this period to help law enforcement solve cybercrimes while respecting the online privacy of South African citizens.
A strong focus of this collaboration in combatting cybercrime, the details of which are still sketchy, will be working with law-enforcement to eliminate the scourge of corruption and maladministration that has cost the country more than R1 trillion over the past decade.
To achieve this, the CSIR intends to use artificial intelligence, data analytics, and other advanced techniques to enhance the investigative power of local law enforcement bodies.
new cybersecurity centre for Africa set to open in Togo
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the African Centre for Coordination and Research in Cybersecurity recently announced a joint project to enhance online safety throughout the African continent.
This initiative, which will be based in Togo’s capital city of Lomé, will employ a range of cybersecurity experts and conduct research that could empower the entire continent in the fight against online criminals.
Togo may be a small nation, but it’s a frontrunner in digital security on the continent. By working collaboratively to ensure a safe online environment in the country, the UN hopes to create a test case that can be replicated in other African nations.
combatting cybercrime starts with best practices in the workplace
High-level cybersecurity initiatives like these are excellent news for Africa as the continent battles cybercrime on a daily basis. As a small business owner, you can do your part to protect your sensitive information and make the online business environment a safer place by choosing secure cloud storage as your preferred method of data back up today.