WINDHOEK: The fourth Namibia Annual International High-Level Cybersecurity Conference is underway in Windhoek, under the theme ‘Emerging Cybersecurity Threats and the country’s preparedness to build a safer digital space’.

The three-day conference started on Wednesday and will end on Friday.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Modestus Amutse, said the conference aims to provide a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among key stakeholders in the cybersecurity domain, catering to various sectors of the economy.

‘In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and increasing interconnectedness, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Just as much as we advocate for digital inclusion, connectivity and embracing digital technologies in our quest towards effective and efficient service delivery to our clientele, we all have an obligation to safeguard our networks, systems, and data against cyber threats on a daily basis,’ Am
utse said.

Amutse also emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in discussing the evolving trends and threats of the cybersecurity landscape.

‘Namibia, like many other countries, is increasingly reliant on digital technologies across sectors such as oil and gas, mining, energy, aviation, mobile, and telecommunications. Cybercrimes know no boundaries and every sector is at risk of cyberattacks resulting in potential massive financial losses and reputational risks for organisations and individuals alike,’ he added.

According to him, the challenges faced by developing countries in securing the digital economy require collective efforts from governments, industry leaders, academia, civil society and all players in the ecosystem.

‘Through collaboration, we can develop effective strategies and solutions that will safeguard our digital infrastructure and enable us to fully harness the opportunities presented by the digital economy,’ Amutse added.

Source: The Namibia News Agency