Cybersecurity is crucial in today’s operating environment due to our increasing reliance on digital technology. As the world becomes more interconnected, the potential impact of cyberattacks on individuals, businesses and governments has grown significantly. At the same time, cybersecurity is essential for safeguarding information, maintaining trust and ensuring the stability of our digital society.
Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks and data from cyber threats, while the media encompasses all forms of communication, including traditional outlets like newspapers and television, as well as digital platforms like websites and social media.
Globally, the cost of cybercrime is predicted to reach US$10.5 trillion (almost N$200 trillion) by 2025, according to research by Cybersecurity Ventures. That is more than Apple and Amazon are worth combined.
Namibia’s Cybersecurity Strategy and Awareness Creation Plan 2022-2027 was launched this year under the theme, ‘A Step to Cyber Resilience & Digital Security’.
This initiative aims to protect the National Critical Information Infrastructure, educate and create awareness and collaborate on cybersecurity to continuously improve the safety of internet users.
Crucial role
Cybersecurity and the media are closely intertwined. The media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception, awareness and understanding of cybersecurity issues. In general, all businesses need to adopt a holistic and proactive approach to cybersecurity, as this digital landscape is evolving faster than ever.
The media’s role in cybersecurity is multi-faceted, encompassing reporting, education and advocacy, but it also comes with the responsibility of providing accurate and balanced information to the public.
The well-known African proverb: ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, is similarly applicable here because it will take a village to avert cyber-attacks.
In other words, concerted, combined efforts from all stakeholders are needed to ensure we keep abreast of the latest developments, come up with risk-mitigating actions and jointly implement these to ensure we protect our digital systems.
More specifically, the media landscape, due to constant public interaction, must regularly review and update cybersecurity strategies to stay ahead of potential threats.
Strategies and solutions
Given its heavy reliance on digital technologies and the sensitive information it handles, the media industry faces several cybersecurity challenges. Some key challenges faced involve data breaches, phishing attacks, ransomware, fake news and disinformation as well as intellectual property protection.
Cybersecurity for media organisations is crucial to protect sensitive information and maintain the trust of their audience.
Some strategies and solutions that media houses can adopt include employee training, strict access controls, data encryption and secure file-sharing.
To address these challenges, media companies need robust cybersecurity strategies that include regular security assessments, employee training, threat intelligence monitoring and incident response plans.
Collaboration with cybersecurity experts and staying updated on evolving threats is crucial for mitigating risks in this digital age.
It is evident that overall, the media serves as a critical channel for informing, educating and shaping public opinion about cybersecurity issues. Its coverage helps individuals and organisations navigate the evolving landscape of digital security.
Opportunities
Cybersecurity presents several opportunities for the media industry, as it faces its own set of digital threats and responsibilities. Some of the opportunities where the media can play a meaningful role in enhancing cybersecurity are cybersecurity reporting and education, expert interviews, data privacy advocacy, tech reviews and recommendations and cybersecurity policy analysis.
By embracing these opportunities, media organisations can not only enhance their cybersecurity posture but also play a vital role in promoting digital safety and awareness in the broader community.
This can lead to increased trust and credibility among their audience, as well as better protection against cyber threats.
* This article was adapted from a presentation for the 7th National ICT summit. Conroy Feris is the IT manager at New Era Publication Corporation.