CAREER PROFILE : A chat with cyber security expert

Since October is national cyber security awareness month, Yusuph Kileo, a Cyber Security consultant joined other stakeholders in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector for the annual leadership conference in Nairobi last week. He shares with Success more about the same.

Why is it important to raise awareness on cyber security?

After recognising the importance of cyber security awareness 12 years ago, the US designated October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

This is designed to engage and educate the public and private sector partners through events and initiatives with the goal of raising awareness about cyber security and increasing the resilience of the nation in the event of a cyber-incident.

How do you assess the current situation as far as cyber security is concerned?

The world is going through the most exciting period in human history.

Now people are more connected than ever. Internet has been facilitating many things in daily routines.

And in Tanzania, the misuse of social media and other cybercrime activities started getting to the extreme and compelled the country to take stern measures. The Cybercrime Act 2015 became effective last month.

People conduct business and banking online and rely on many services, like transportation and electricity, which are supported with online systems. Technology has spearheaded advancements in healthcare, education, business, music, government and many other industries.

As technology advances, life becomes easier and more connected. However, being constantly connected brings increased risk of theft, fraud, and abuse.

No country, industry, community, or individual is immune to cyber risks.

Will this new Cybercrime Act 2015 shape social media where people trade insults?

Having a cyber law in place is not enough.

It is time for Tanzania to adopt other international initiatives to improve cyber security in the country. Running a well-organised cyber security awareness programmes is one of the most important things.

People remain the weakest link to the security chain. Professionals in this area could pose substantial cyber threats (e.g. creating and distributing malicious codes and hacking). It is believed that users with low awareness and skills on cyber security can provide serious vulnerability threats (e.g. ignoring data protection, compromising access credentials). It is therefore imperative that deliberate efforts are made to sensitise, raise awareness and impart skills on cyber protection.

What are the challenges facing cyber security in general?

There are multiple challenges facing cyberspace today. Despite the initiatives which are taken by some countries, cyber terrorism, cyber war and organised crimes are still considered growing threats. Due to these rapidly growing cyber threats, the fight against cybercrime has been promoted across the globe.

Which activities are we looking up to in Tanzania as a country?

The country is expected to have different events on cyber security like seminars, press conferences, school and community visits in order to extend awareness to its citizens and encourage good usage of these available technologies.

As we approach the general election later this month, we should also remember misuse of the social media to promote hate and misunderstandings may destabilise the equilibrium of our national security and put our valued peace in jeopardy.

Being the cyber security awareness month, which message are you spreading to the internet users?

Set strong passwords and don’t share them with anyone. Keep your operating system, browser and other critical software optimised by installing updates. Maintain an open dialogue with your family, friends, and community about internet safety. Limit the amount of personal information you post online and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely and be cautious about what you receive or read online if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.