Information security is no longer the sole purview of the information technology (IT) department in an era defined by a networked digital environment.
Instead, it has developed into a shared duty that cuts across organisational boundaries.
Instead of being limited to purely technical talks, the topic of cybersecurity should be woven throughout executive board meetings.
Malevolent actors in this complex web of technology do not distinguish between potential victims based on a person’s professional status or job description – the chief executive, the cleaner, the IT specialist and the driver are all equally vulnerable.
The threat is pervasive and can affect everything from small and medium-sized businesses to large corporations.
No organisation is safe from the dangers of cyberattacks.
Therefore, it is necessary for organisations to move away from a narrow focus on safeguarding their digital spaces and towards a more comprehensive and resilient strategy.
While we wait for Namibia’s cybercrime bill to be finalised, we must work together diligently to accomplish the goals stated in the National Cybersecurity Strategy and Awareness-Raising Plan for 2022 to 2023, appropriately titled ‘A Step towards Cyber-Resilience and Digital Security’.
This strategy’s overarching goal is to create a safe online environment that stimulates creativity and advances Namibia’s social and economic development.
Organisations must make a commitment to strengthening their cybersecurity policies and putting strong technical safeguards in place to protect their systems, networks, devices, apps and websites to realise this vision.
Additionally, to strengthen these organisations’ cybersecurity posture, a rigorous and consistent programme of training and awareness campaigns needs to be established.
Importantly, cybersecurity awareness is now a basic literacy that all digital citizens need to possess – it is no longer the exclusive domain of technical experts.
Furthermore, every organisation plays a crucial role in augmenting the nation’s overall cybersecurity resilience.
This means cybersecurity policies must be strictly followed at all organisational levels, and their efficacy must be systematically assessed.
It’s time to reconsider how we approach cybersecurity investments, as the theme of the seventh Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Summit in 2023 so aptly notes.
To safeguard the digital economy and take advantage of its opportunities, we need to re-evaluate our strategies.
Additionally, due to the constantly changing nature of digital security, Namibia now urgently needs to establish a national cybersecurity centre in addition to a national computer security incident response team.
The mission of the cybersecurity centre would be multifaceted, covering both the technical and governance aspects of cybersecurity, with a primary focus on protecting Namibia’s critical national ICT infrastructure, and strengthening the integrity of the country’s networks.
The purpose of this initiative is to strengthen the resilience of our country’s digital ecosystem and proactively address emerging cyberthreats.
In conclusion, organisations are expected to improve, change, and adapt to the quickly evolving cybersecurity landscape as stewards of critical digital assets and sensitive data.
Beyond the conventional lines of organisational responsibilities, proactive, watchful and cooperative behaviour are required on the road to cyber-resilience and the protection of our digital future.
- Iyaloo Waiganjo is an IT lecturer and cybersecurity consultant at the International University of Management.
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