August 28, 2024 at 03:00AM
Zimbabwe launches cybersecurity program for government agencies with over 100 officials graduating. Recent cyberattacks have prompted the nation to address security concerns including social media account hacking and a $120 million bank heist. Minister Maveteras emphasizes the need for vigilance, attributing increased threats to the country’s digitalization and economic growth.
Key takeaways from the meeting notes are:
1. Zimbabwe has established a national cybersecurity training program for government agencies to enhance cyber defenses. Over 100 government officials have completed the program, which covers security trends, standards, governance, and enterprise data security issues.
2. The cybersecurity efforts are in response to recent cyberattack operations affecting Zimbabwe, including an Interpol operation that shut down a cybercrime network with ties to Zimbabwe, South Sudan, and other Middle Eastern and African countries. Additionally, a breach of bank accounts for the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund led to a $120 million heist.
3. Tatenda Maveteras, the minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, emphasized that Zimbabwe is not immune to cyber threats, citing incidents where social media accounts of prominent individuals and entities were hacked. There were also reports of a leading Zimbabwean bank having its systems compromised, with hackers demanding ransom in exchange for not leaking sensitive operational and customer information.
4. Zimbabwe, like other African nations, is facing increased cyber threats due to rapid digitalization and economic growth, making it a prime target for cybercrime.