Kampala- Milima Security, has launched the Cyber Security Awareness Month, a global initiative promoting public-private conversations on cyber security.
Starting October 1st, this month-long initiative, themed “Secure Our World,” aims to build resilience and reduce cyber attacks through awareness and education.
Uganda has seen a significant impact from cybercrime, with over 1.5 billion shillings lost in 2023 alone, according to the Uganda Police’s annual crime report.
Emmanuel Chagara, CEO of Milima Security, noted that cyber attacks don’t happen accidentally, but rather due to weak controls.
“The incidents of cyber attacks don’t happen accidentally; they occur due to weak controls. Our awareness trainings and education help the public appreciate the threats and provide necessary tools to respond,” said Chagara.
Beyond financial losses, Chagara highlighted the broader implications of cyber attacks. “We’re witnessing significant losses in terms of legal matters, credibility, and reputation. A business that loses its credibility suffers more than just financial losses,” he said
Statistics show that user awareness and education can close gaps by up to 85%, significantly reducing cyber attacks.
Michael Ocero, Assistant Commissioner E-services at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, emphasized the importance of cyber security.
“The ICT sector has experienced remarkable growth, with a 4.8% increase over the past five years, contributing 9.7% to Uganda’s GDP,” Ocero said attributing the sector’s growth to intentional government investments in infrastructure and skilling programs.
“Cyber security is crucial to securing our transactions and systems,” he stressed. He noted that government has established 441 computer labs in schools, focusing on cyber security, and invested in innovation hubs developing secure software applications.
Throughout the month, Milima Security together with its partners will host various activities, starting with addressing cyber security skills gaps through training programs for young individuals and professionals. This will be conducted through webinars and Twitter spaces. The company will also focus on empowering women in cyber security, a field where women are underrepresented, making up only 9% of the African workforce.
Conversations around financial sector security will also take center stage, particularly for tier four financial sector institutions such as Saccos, fintechs, and microfinance institutions, which have been largely ignored despite transacting large volumes of cash.
The initiative will culminate in the Eastcon conference on October 31, bringing together stakeholders from across East Africa to discuss strategies for combating cyber threats.