Bolster Cybersecurity to Protect Innovations, Says Defense Chief
The cybersecurity course for top security officials runs through the week.
LILONGWE, Malawi - "Malawi's cybersecurity requires strengthening," Secretary for Defense Erika Maganga said Monday, "to prevent serious threats that could stifle innovation," writes Moses Nyirenda.
Speaking at the Malawi School of Government, Maganga opened a cybersecurity training course for 70 senior security officers.
The event was jointly organized by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority and the Malawi Defense Force.
Maganga warned that cyberattacks pose a major challenge to Malawi's development, especially in new technologies.
"Malawi may not face a physical war, but cybersecurity threats are real today," she said. "One of our 2063 goals is innovation.
But cybercrime could steal our people's innovations, since they rely on vulnerable digital systems."
Maganga called for reinforced cybersecurity to protect national progress like new innovations.
She said the government aims to build security officers' skills to counter cyber risks to innovation and development.
General Paul Velentino Phiri, MDF Commander, also spoke at the opening ceremony. He said the MDF is focused on addressing cybersecurity issues affecting Malawi.
"MDF plays a key cybersecurity role," he said. "We have set up a Computer Emergency Response Team to tackle cyber threats."
MACRA's Christopher Banda said his agency looks forward to helping equip the security forces with cyber skills.
"As Malawi becomes more digital, we must know the same tech can be misused," Banda said. "Building our security sector's cyber capacity will help defend against online threats."
The cybersecurity course for top security officials runs through the week.