ZIMBABWE has experienced a surge in organised cybercrime as a result of online scams, business email compromises and investment scams including malware and ransomware over the last three years, a senior government official has said.
Addressing the launch of the National Cyber Security Awareness campaign in Harare last week, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services deputy minister Dingumuzi Phuti said the biggest threat to cyber security was people’s complacency.
The month-long programme is aimed at protecting the work environment, families and businesses.
“It’s going to be taken all over Zimbabwe, including to places that are not as metropolitan as Harare, where you may expect not to find many people who can be concerned about issues of cyber security,” he said.
Phuti said the cyber security not only protects devices, but people as it resonates profoundly in the current digital landscape, where the threats faced are both complex and pervasive.
“Over 80% of reported security incidents were attributable to phishing attacks highlighting the vulnerabilities that exist even in well-guarded systems.
“The average cost of data, which sold to US$4,35 million emphasises the need for comprehensive cyber security strategies. These statistics are stark reminders of the challenges that we face,” he said.
Phuthi, however, called on the government, business community and individuals to play their roles to create a robust defence against cyber threats thriving in the digital age.
“Public-private partnerships have vital contributions in developing innovative solutions that address the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. Investment in education and training is paramount,” he said.