Experts urge strengthened cybersecurity measures

Dar es Salaam. Technology experts are calling for heightened cybersecurity measures as the growth of digital platforms continues to attract increased cyber threats.

Speaking at a cybersecurity seminar organised by global cybersecurity company Kaspersky and distributor of security services Tech First Gulf (TFG) in Dar es Salaam, the industry leaders emphasised the need for continued innovation and investment to safeguard individuals, businesses, and financial institutions from cybercriminals.

Kaspersky’s pre-sales manager for Africa, Mr Moses Munguti, emphasised the need for continued vigilance, citing the increase in cyberattacks over the past year.

According to him, Kaspersky had detected more than 400,000 cyberattacks per day globally last year, underscoring the importance of using the latest cybersecurity technologies to stay safe.

“This is a big challenge because, on one hand, the government is investing in digital platforms to boost e-commerce, but on the other hand, there are people who can steal from individuals and companies through these platforms,” said Mr Munguti.

“We need to encourage people to continue using the right technologies to protect themselves from cyber threats,” he said.

The managing director of Rai Technologies Company Ltd., Mr Anderson Maulambo, highlighted the growing prevalence of online threats, particularly in sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and social media.

“Cyber threats are numerous, and stakeholders are working hard to develop different technologies to counter them. These threats are emerging daily in banks, telecom networks, social media, and other digital platforms,” he said.

“It is our responsibility to ensure we develop the right technologies to tackle these threats so they do not negatively impact us economically or psychologically,” said Mr Maulambo.

He also warned of the dangers posed by hackers, who can steal funds or post harmful content that could damage an individual’s reputation or mental well-being.

The managing director of Asyx Group, Mr William Venance, reiterated that while the current state of cybersecurity is generally strong in Tanzania, the rapid pace of technological advancement poses ongoing challenges.

“The current state of cybersecurity is good, but challenges will continue to arise as technology advances. The more people gain knowledge about technology, the stronger security becomes. Therefore, we as stakeholders must step up our efforts to prevent cybercrime,” said Mr Venance.

He said investing in cybersecurity expertise was important, calling for increased efforts to equip professionals with the necessary tools to combat online crime.

“We need to increase investment in training experts and developing ways to control cybercrime. Although we have experts, we need more, and we need to continuously update them on evolving technologies,” he said.

Mr Venance also advised individuals to take personal responsibility for safeguarding their devices, noting that simple measures, such as using strong passwords and regularly updating cybersecurity software like Kaspersky, can significantly reduce risks.

Projects and operations manager at Orionpax Tanzania Ltd., Ms Janeth Lwena, echoed the need for individuals to take proactive steps in protecting their data and devices.

“To stay safe, you must protect yourself. We have access to data, but it’s not always secure. Everyone needs to protect the devices they use, whether it’s a phone or a computer. While we can’t ensure security alone, software developed by experts helps a lot,” said Ms Lwena.