Cyber security campaign initiated
THE increase in technology-based crimes has prompted cyber security experts to implement a nation-wide cyber hygiene campaign which is also meant to contribute to general cyber awareness.
The Zambia Cybersecurity Awareness Network (ZCAN) has announced the recent signing of an agreement with Bongo Hive to facilitate cybersecurity expertise and support to all start-ups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that will undergo various programmes at the innovation hub.
Cyber-attacks have the potential to cripple a business and hence the urgent need to equip more people with fundamental cyber security skills, according to cyber expert Mr Alinani Simuchimba at the signing ceremony of the agreement in Lusaka.
ZCAN, Mr Simuchimba said, believed anyone that had any form of digital presence needed to be aware what risks and threats they were exposed to and basically how to protect themselves.
“As a network, our mission is to simply promote good cyber hygiene practices in Zambia and contribute to general cyber awareness,” Mr Simuchimba said.
On the campaign, he said it aspired to ensure that Zambia attained the expected digital transformation that was aimed at job creation and providing home-grown solutions.
He explained that the purpose of ZCAN was to offer customised cybersecurity awareness programmes across various sectors of society from the common man in the street, bus driver, students, business professionals, SMEs and established organised, among others.
“ZCAN is achieving its objective through conducting workshops, partnering with Innovation Hubs, security and technology solution providers, learning institutions, carrying out research and holding various cybersecurity awareness campaigns,” Mr Simuchimba said.
At the same function, Zambia Bongo Hive Executive Director and co-founder Lukonga Lindunda highlighted the need to address the risks presented by cybercrimes.
Mr Lindunda observed that Zambia had embarked on an encouraging path of digital transformation and had seen a rise in the number financial transactions and innovations around this space.