MACRA, NDC collaborate on cybersecurity

The Malawi Defense Force (MDF) has underscored the significance of training staff members from various security institutions on cybersecurity issues.

MDF Commander Paul Valentino Phiri made the remarks during the opening of the National and cyber security courses at the Malawi Institute of Management (MIM).

The courses have been organized with financial support from the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to the tune of 55 Million Malawi Kwacha through the National Defense College NDC.

The training has drawn together 70 participants from the Malawi Defense Force (MDF), the Malawi Police Services, The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, the National Intelligence Services NIS), and the Malawi Prison Services.

According to Phiri, the courses are critical as the world is cluttered with massive emerging technology advancements which could be a risk to national security.

‘’Security agents are key in dealing with cybersecurity and we are already part of CERT because cyber incidents have to be recorded and for that to happen security agents have to be well trained in that regard to ensure there is no breach of national security,’’ said Phiri.

While acknowledging that cyber security is not yet a big issue in Malawi, MACRA’s Director responsible for the Computer Emergency Response Team CERT, Christopher Banda observes it is important for security agencies to be ready at all times hence the training.

He observes that his department has been engaging several stakeholders both local and international in a bid to deal with such emerging issues.

’’ The challenge with cybersecurity is that it knows no boundary and attacks can come from any director hence the need for collaborations. currently, Malawi is mostly affected through mobile money fraud and fake news but that does not mean we are safe as a country,’’ said Banda.

The National Defense College (NDC) will Conduct three phases of the training running from the 4^th to the 15^th of December this year.