Tag: war against cybercrime

Combatting Cybercrime | Cybersecurity

Combating cybercrime by force

Cybercrime is becoming a major social scourge in Africa as the rapidly developing continent finds itself in the crosshairs of digital criminals. Until recently, many nations on the continent were caught unawares by cyberattacks but this is set to change thanks to several digital security initiatives in combatting cybercrime are currently underway from Cape to Cairo.

In this article we highlight two such projects, the CSIR-NPA collaboration and African Centre for Coordination and Research in Cybersecurity, that are set to change the online security game in Africa and defend the continent’s internet users from bad actors in cyberspace.

research meets law enforcement with enhanced cybersecurity cooperation in SA

In late August, the CSIR announced that it will be cooperating extensively with the Special Investigations Unit to help solve cybercrime cases and prevent cyberattacks from happening in the future.

  • The CSIR expanded its research capacity focusing on internet use dramatically during the COVID-19 lockdowns, diving deep into the realm of social media and South Africans’ online activity to understand the impact that the pandemic was having on society as a whole.
  • The research body helps to harness the insights gained during this period to help law enforcement solve cybercrimes while respecting the online privacy of South African citizens.

A strong focus of this collaboration in combatting cybercrime, the details of which are still sketchy, will be working with law-enforcement to eliminate the scourge of corruption and maladministration that has cost the country more than R1 trillion over the past decade.

To achieve this, the CSIR intends to use artificial intelligence, data analytics, and other advanced techniques to enhance the investigative power of local law enforcement bodies.

new cybersecurity centre for Africa set to open in Togo

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the African Centre for Coordination and Research in Cybersecurity recently announced a joint project to enhance online safety throughout the African continent.

This initiative, which will be based in Togo’s capital city of Lomé, will employ a range of cybersecurity experts and conduct research that could empower the entire continent in the fight against online criminals.

Togo may be a small nation, but it’s a frontrunner in digital security on the continent. By working collaboratively to ensure a safe online environment in the country, the UN hopes to create a test case that can be replicated in other African nations.

combatting cybercrime starts with best practices in the workplace

High-level cybersecurity initiatives like these are excellent news for Africa as the continent battles cybercrime on a daily basis. As a small business owner, you can do your part to protect your sensitive information and make the online business environment a safer place by choosing secure cloud storage as your preferred method of data back up today.

First Social Media War?

Ukraine Russia Conflict Goes Online

On 24 February, Russia made headlines and changed the course of recent history by invading Ukraine. This war, which caps years of conflict between the two countries over several major issues, is the first armed clash between two developed nations in the internet age and possible the first social media war in history.

As billions of people around the world follow the conflict on social media, the platforms delivering the news have begun  to play a vital role in the war as pressure mounts on Russia to make peace.

A battle fought with tanks – and keyboards

The Ukraine conflict has attracted billions of viewers around the world not only because of its proximity to Europe but also because of the personalities involved. With the world media portraying Vladimir Putin as the villain and Ukrainian president Zelensky as a defiant hero, social media is playing a huge role in the battle for hearts and minds.

Social media companies have realised the power they hold in this history-changing event and have taken steps to support Ukraine and slow down Russia’s progress.

  • Facebook announced that it would demote pro- Russian news articles and posts that seem to contain pro-war propaganda
  • Twitter has been monitoring accounts and removing tweets that spread false misinformation about the war and promote the Russian side
  • Russian TV stations and news networks have been removed from streaming services while also being cut off by traditional media like satellite television providers.

These actions, along with the serious financial sanctions that have been placed on Russia may not end the war overnight, but they certainly have sent a message to Moscow that the world stands against a new war in Europe almost 80 years after the end of World War II.

Win the war against cybercrime with secure cloud storage

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