By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Dr Tatenda Mavetera has warned government officials to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding digital infrastructure against threats in cyberspace.
Addressing 105 civil servants who received certificates in cyber security following a week-log training, Dr Mavetera said the Ministry would continue to organise such trainings to keep abreast with the ever-changing technological developments.
“As we embrace the benefits of ICT in enhancing our governmental operations, we must also be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our digital infrastructure against the ever-evolving threats that lurk in cyberspace.
“As you return to your respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies, I urge you to apply what you have learned with diligence and to continue seeking knowledge in this ever-changing field,” Dr Mavetera said.
“We thus have a critical role as a nation in ensuring that we have adequate cyber security systems and knowledge.”
The training was a collaboration between the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services and Huawei Technologies as part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen cyber security within Zimbabwe’s civil service.
Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe Director General Dr Gift Machengete hailed the collaboration between between Huawei and the Ministry saying it was both timely and transformative.
“Our duty as public servants is to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that our digital infrastructure is not only functional but resilient against the ever-evolving threats we face.
“Huawei’s commitment to sharing their expertise and insights has been instrumental in equipping you with the knowledge needed to navigate this complex field,” Dr Machengete said.
He said the global landscape had changed dramatically, with the amount of data consumed in 2023 doubling that of the period from 2000 to 2022.
“This surge in data usage has ushered in a new world order, making cybersecurity a critical aspect of our digital lives,” he said.
According to a 2015 report from the RBZ, the most common cybercrimes in Zimbabwe are identity theft, hacking, email phishing, and malware victimisation.
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