Experts Call For Increased Collaboration To Combat Cyber Crime

CYBER SECURITY experts met in Pretoria South Africa to discuss capacity challenges as fundamental components of cyberspace security in a variety of specific contexts and identify concrete actions towards developing a regional approach to equitable, inclusive, and secure digital transformation that contributes to improved trust and cooperation in

cyberspace.

During the cyber security dialogue, experts examine ways to improve collaboration and coordination across borders to address persistent problems and better take advantage of existing capacities. in addition, they discussed on how Southern African states and stakeholders can participate more effectively in the UN processes on responsible state behaviour and cybercrime.

Following the two United Nations processes released consensus reports which was issued in 2021 which contain recommendations, norms, and principles for improving stability and security in cyberspace, namely: the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) and the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE), The experts examine how the implementation of the UN normative framework on responsible state behaviour in cyberspace can support the development goals of Southern African countries.

Noëlle Van der Waag-Cowling, Cyber Program Lead, Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in Africa (SIGLA), Stellenbosch University spoke on how to bridging gaps between the diplomatic communities and other stakeholders, and identify opportunities for increased engagement in the negotiations and implementation of outcomes. she said more work must be done to involve underrepresented countries in these processes and to promote the work that has already been done.

Yusuph Kileo, a cyber security expert and AfICTA bord director in his address on outlining Southern African priorities for peace and stability in cyberspace he emphasized on the need to enhance collaboration, cyber security awareness, improving capacity building, utilising the right skills sets and tools will improve resilience in cyberspace.

Kileo shared the best practice to improve capacity building and cyber security awareness where he said, universities should includes cybersecurity courses in their program and cyber security awareness should be done repeatedly to make sure all internet users are not only CyberAware on  how to protect themselves from cyber attacks but also to increase the number of people that can help nations to fight cybercrimes.

Terlumun George-Maria Tyendezwa, Vice-Chair, UN Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime outlined a way forward towards the practical implementation of the 2021 Kyoto Declarations in the area of cybercrime and cyber security.

 We will explore how the principles agreed upon at the 14th UN Crime Congress are relevant for cyber development in Southern Africa, highlighting specific connections between the norms and development goals, taking into account the ongoing negotiations for an international legally binding instrument on cybercrime at the UN Ad Hoc Committee.

"Cyberspace is a multistakeholder environment, and thus digital development, cyber security, and cyber stability require engagement from not just governments, but civil society, academia, and the private sector" so said Susan Potgieter, Lead, Cyber security Program and Banking CSIRT, South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC). 

The private sector in particular was highlighted as an important partner to increase capacity to improve cyber security and advance development. However, more meaningful conversation with the private sector, both large tech companies and smaller more regional and local companies, is needed to examine what kind of roles they can play and how governments can create an enabling environment for meaningful partnership in meeting cyber challenges.

 In the context of the international processes on cybercrime and cyber security, they explore the role of the private sector in creating and advancing cyber security maturity. They all agreed that there is need to do more to improve structures and processes necessary for building national capacities and regional cooperation among states and stakeholders, including the private sector, particularly related to digital resilience and cybercrime.