Director General of Information Network Security Administration (INSA), H.E. Mrs. Tigist Hamid, delivered a press briefing in connection with the celebration of the 7th National Cybersecurity Month, which will be observed over the coming month under the theme “An Aware Citizen for a Secure Nation.”
The national month-long campaign, scheduled to take place from October 1 to 30, 2019 E.C., comes at a time when the rapid expansion of technology adoption in Ethiopia has been accompanied by a significant increase in cyberattacks targeting citizens, institutions, and critical infrastructure, the Director General noted.
Mrs. Tigist further explained that both the frequency and impact of cyberattacks are escalating significantly at the global and national levels. Globally, annual economic losses resulting from cybercrime have reached an estimated USD 9.5 trillion to USD 10.5 trillion. In Ethiopia, cyberattack attempts have continued to increase year after year, with more than 71,000 attempted cyberattacks recorded during the 2018 fiscal year alone.
She emphasized that the National Cybersecurity Month plays a vital role in strengthening cybersecurity awareness among institutions and the public, encouraging greater attention to cybersecurity issues, and empowering citizens and organizations to protect themselves against cyber threats.
The Director General stated that this year's Cybersecurity Month will primarily focus on Child Online Safety. In addition, several key themes will be addressed, including:
Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity (AI & Cybersecurity).
National Cybersecurity Readiness for Digital Ethiopia 2030.
Strengthening the cybersecurity readiness of critical infrastructure and institutions.
Regarding the major activities planned for the month, Mrs. Tigist announced that the official opening ceremony will take place on October 2, 2019 E.C., at INSA Headquarters. On this occasion, a national study entitled “Child Online Safety in Ethiopia” will be presented, followed by discussions on its findings.
A Capture the Flag (CTF) competition targeting teenagers and young people will also be organized during the month. Furthermore, the second week's activities will include a discussion forum outside Addis Ababa, in one of the country's regional states, focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.
In addition, extensive media awareness campaigns will be conducted throughout October to enhance cybersecurity awareness among the public and institutions.
The Administration will also undertake initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity clubs in higher education institutions. Moreover, social media awareness campaigns and short-film competitions will be organized, providing citizens with opportunities to test their cybersecurity knowledge and win various prizes, including major awards.
In her concluding remarks, the Director General stated that INSA continues to discharge its leadership responsibility in safeguarding the country's cybersecurity. She emphasized that ensuring cybersecurity across both public and private institutions requires the collective responsibility and commitment of all stakeholders.
Accordingly, she called upon public and private institutions to observe Cybersecurity Month by undertaking activities that enhance cybersecurity awareness among their employees. She also urged media organizations to give the subject special attention and play an active role in raising public awareness.
It was also noted that Cybersecurity Month is being celebrated for the 23rd time globally and for the 7th time in Ethiopia
