On August 24th, 2023, the Malawi Computer Emergency Response Team (mwCERT) hosted a cybersecurity conference tailored for the academic sector. This significant event was conducted in partnership with the Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN).
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Father Henry Saidi, the Board Director of MACRA, underscored the paramount importance of collaboration in ensuring cybersecurity for all.
Dr. Saidi emphasized the National Cybersecurity Strategy’s recognition of the imperative to enhance cybersecurity education in primary and secondary schools as well as universities. He stressed that education forms the bedrock of progress, and in our digital era, a deficiency in cybersecurity education renders us vulnerable to cybercriminal exploitation due to our lack of awareness. Dr. Saidi advocated for targeted coursework that equips students with knowledge in threat detection, risk assessment, encryption, secure coding practices, and incident response. He also highlighted the role of nurturing a culture of cybersecurity awareness, asserting that it not only safeguards individuals but also bolsters the resilience of our nation’s digital infrastructure.
MACRA’s Director-General, Daud Suleman, addressed the conference, stating that we are presently operating within a global economy primarily driven by digital foundations. He emphasized Malawi’s imperative need to fully embrace these digital advancements as part of its transformation strategy. Suleman stressed that such a transformation necessitates a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach that includes academia. He underscored the importance of equipping the academic sector with the requisite tools to ensure a vibrant educational environment that is on par with global standards.
The CEO of MAREN, Solomon Dindi, delivered remarks urging the academic sector to wholeheartedly embrace digital technology to enhance the quality of education throughout the country.
The conference saw participation from diverse sectors, including public and private universities, technical colleges, CHAM colleges, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Information and Digitalization, as well as representatives from E-government.
Academic Sector Cybersecurity Conference
