Considering the complexity of cybersecurity, protection and prevention against worldwide criminal activities in cyberspace requires cooperation and coordination among stakeholders both within and between countries.
Kenya and the Slovakia, for instance, have already signed a memorandum of understanding that will see the two countries work together to strengthen the Kenyan cybersecurity space.
This memorandum signed between Kenya’s National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) and Slovak’s National Security Authority in February 2024 will enable Kenya to leverage Slovakia's expertise and resources while building a secure and resilient cybersecurity system.
Africa is embracing the digital future. However, the rapid growth of Internet and intensive use of e-transactions have also created new possibilities for perpetrating criminal activities on a global scale and the increasing number of cyber threats and cyber-attacks constitutes a major concern across the world.
The growing digital economy on the continent, which was discussed at the recently held Africa regional cyber sector collaboration symposium conference, requires a corresponding need for better cybersecurity measures to keep digital systems safe.
African countries have enormous potential, but digitalisation is occurring faster than the implementation of cybersecurity laws and regulations.
The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks threaten the security of critical information infrastructure, and the inability to thwart cyberthreats leads to serious consequences for individuals, businesses, and socio-economic development of the entire region.
The more African countries are increasing access to and using ICTs, the more they become exposed to cyber incidents.
Cyber threats have become the new planetary emergency, amplifying the traditional risks like crime or terrorism. It goes beyond national borders.
According to the recent Check Point Software Technologies’ Global Threat Index, more African countries have joined the list of the most attacked.
In Slovakia, cybersecurity is a critical aspect of information technology and digital infrastructure.
The country has a vibrant and thriving cybersecurity ecosystem, with remarkable defence of cyberspace, including specialists proving to be among the world’s best on the digital battlefield.
African countries, including Kenya, need to take advantage of Slovakia’s significant strength in tackling cybersecurity.
Slovakia has made significant progress in addressing cyber security through regulations and practical activities, such as risk management, detection and incident handling, system recovery, education, dissemination of security awareness and research and development of tools and processes.
The Slovak Act on Cybersecurity adopted in 2018 outlines the roles, rights, and responsibilities in the field of cybersecurity. The law also designates the National Security Authority as the National Computer Security Incident Response Team Unit, a responsibility carried out by the independent National Unit Slovak Computer Emergency Response Team.
The African Union Commission's report on cybersecurity and cybercrime trends in the continent shows that many African countries are yet to adopt policy instruments and legislative frameworks to fight against cybercrime.
Africa can learn from how Slovakia has taken steps to protect its digital infrastructure, critical systems and citizens from cyber threats, and has developed a robust legal framework, national strategies, incident response mechanism, public–private partnerships, education and international cooperation.
Another area that Slovakia and African countries can work together is in the development of cybersecurity strategy. Slovakia has been ranked as a pioneer in development of a comprehensive national strategy.
At the same time, African countries and Slovakia can work together to strengthen awareness, knowledge and skills in the field of cyber and information security.
There is need to develop strategies and initiatives to address the cybersecurity skills gap across Africa and raise awareness about cybersecurity challenges.
In this respect, like in Slovakia, African countries should consider establishing cybersecurity competence and certification centres.
