CYBER ATTACKS POSE SECURITY THREAT, SAYS MIN MUSWERE
INFORMATION, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, says cyber attacks are a key part of information warfare that can have a devastating impact on national security.
In a presentation at the Zimbabwe National Defence University yesterday, Minister Muswere cited the rise of computers, the internet, mobile devices, cloud computing and artificial intelligence as technologies can pose challenges, such as cyber security threats, data privacy concerns and ethical implications.
“Information systems have undergone a transformative journey, revolutionising the way we communicate, work, learn and interact with the world around us.
“From the early days of manual record-keeping to the sophisticated digital networks of today, the evolution of information systems has shaped the very fabric of our modern society.
“At the heart of this evolution is the relentless march of technology.
“We have witnessed the rise of computers, the internet, mobile devices, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and a myriad of other innovations that have redefined how we store, process and share information.
“Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, quantum computing and the Internet of Things promise to further revolutionise how we interact with information and each other.
“However, with these advancements come challenges such as data privacy concerns, cybersecurity threats and ethical implications that must be carefully navigated, particularly with respect to national security,” said Minister Muswere.
The Minister warned that while national security threats previously related to physical threats such as military invasions or espionage, the landscape had shifted dramatically in today’s digital age.
“Information systems now play a pivotal role in almost every aspect of our lives, from critical infrastructure to personal communications.
“This interconnectedness has made Zimbabwe and other nations more vulnerable to cyber-attacks, data breaches and information warfare.
“The evolution of information systems has enabled governments, including Zimbabwe, to enhance their intelligence capabilities through advanced surveillance technologies, data analytics and artificial intelligence.
“These tools have proven invaluable in detecting and thwarting security threats before they materialise.
“On the other hand, these same technologies can also be exploited by malicious actors to launch cyber-attacks and disrupt essential services.
“Technological developments have had a profound impact on the media landscape, reshaping how information is produced, distributed and consumed.
“The advent of digital technologies has revolutionised the way we access news, entertainment and other forms of media.”
He highlighted some key impacts of technological developments on the media like instantaneous news delivery, citizen journalism, global reach, personalised content, interactive engagement, fake news and misinformation.