After a decade, the Cyber Crime Bill, along with the Data Protection Bill and the National Cyber Security Strategy, is expected to be passed in the National Assembly next year.
“The Cyber Crime Bill comes a long way since 2013. That’s when we started, along with the Data Protection Bill and the National Cyber Security Strategy. But we expect our minister to table the two Bills in parliament by February 2024”, said Elizabeth Kamutuezu, who is the deputy director at the ministry of information and communication technology (MICT).
She was updating the audience on bills, policy reviews and strategies at the just-concluded three-day seventh national ICT summit.
The mentioned bills are part of efforts by the ICT ministry to ensure groundwork for the realisation of a digitalised government service.
“We are very much concerned about cyberattacks, and one underlining statement is that if cyber criminals get their hands on your personal data, there are dire consequences,” warned Kamutuezu.
The deputy director further stated that the ministry expects to have the first draft of the National Digital Strategy next month. Also, by March 2024, they should submit the revised ICT policy to Cabinet.
The field of cybersecurity is always changing as new threats appear on a regular basis. This is particularly true in Namibia, a nation that has a developing digital economy.
Cybersecurity was the talk of the summit, as many presenters pointed out the absence of legislation on the matter, making Namibia vulnerable to cyberattacks.
In 2022, Namibia faced a 40% increase in reported cyberattacks, including phishing, malware and data breaches.
One of the concerned presenters was Kamal Tour, acting head of cybercrime programmes in Africa for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), who stated that without a robust legal framework, authorities will be a bit confused when faced with the scenario of having to prosecute those crimes.
Sharing similar sentiments was Elton Witbooi, executive for cybersecurity and ICT at the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran), who informed the conference that Namibia’s weak cybersecurity measures make it susceptible to cybercrimes.
On his part, the chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on ICT and Innovation, Modestus Amutse, observed that as Namibia advances its cyber legislation, it sets an example for others in the region, reinforcing the critical need for harmonised cybersecurity regulations to ensure a cohesive and secure digital future.
“Progressive pieces of legislation, such as the Data Protection Bill and the Cyber Crime Bill, are poised to enter parliament soon, and we eagerly anticipate robust debates and the enacting of these laws. With the rapid pace of digitalisation, policymakers must stay proactive in crafting laws that facilitate Namibia’s integration into the digital economy, while prioritising the safety and security of our citizens,” he implored.
Cybersecurity awareness
Meanwhile, the ICT ministry and Salt Essential IT yesterday officially launched the first-ever iSecureBot, which is a WhatsApp Info Bot that provides cybersecurity awareness and education.
This innovative and interactive platform aims to empower and protect online users in Namibia.
iSecureBot supports the National Cybersecurity Strategy & Awareness-Raising Plan 2022-2027, which was initiated by the ministry to address the potential risks, prevention, mitigation and remediation of cyber threats.
Salt Essential IT, as a leading ICT service provider in Namibia, has committed to developing and providing Cybersecurity Awareness Training with the ministry in alignment of an agreement between the two entities signed in 2022 for a five-year period.
iSecureBot leverages the technology made available via WhatsApp’s interactive info bot services, which allows users to access information and guidance on various cybersecurity topics, such as Google, email, online banking, social media and more.
Users can simply send a “hello” to Cyber-Hero’s number +264 85 173 2873, and receive a welcome message and a user-friendly menu that offers them a chance to request information on cybersecurity risks, prevention, mitigation or remediation.
Furthermore, the info bot offers an interactive platform for individuals and organisations to ask questions and receive information, links to training and informational videos, and so much more.
“With the world changing at the pace it does and our lives revolving more and more around online transactions, work and socialising, cybersecurity should always be top of mind. Your security; our priority,” said Sonja Coetzer, MD of Salt Essential IT.
Linda Aipinge-Nakale, the director of ICT Development at MICT, said: “We are very excited to launch iSecureBot, a WhatsApp Info Bot that will provide cybersecurity awareness and education to the public. This is a milestone achievement for MICT and our partner, Salt Essential IT, who have worked tirelessly to develop this innovative and interactive platform. iSecureBot will help us achieve our vision of creating a safe and secure online environment for all Namibians. We encourage everyone to use this service and learn how to protect themselves from cyber threats”.
– mndjavera@nepc.com.na