by Staff Writer
Potraz Director General, Gift Machengete says Government’s move towards a robust legal framework will build confidence in the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) in the country.
In a statement on Monday, Machengete said the rate at which ICTs have advanced has resulted in increased cyber-attacks, computer and network security breaches, which have heightened fears and barriers to the use of ICTs.
Recently, Pick N’ Pay lost $22 million to scammers. The same has happened to Nyaradzo Group where groceries worth thousands were bought using cloned ATM cards.
“Perhaps the biggest confidence booster would be to ensure that the level of knowledge is synchronized from the current asymmetry between those that create and use emerging technologies and those that regulate the technologies.
“Having a robust legal framework gives assurance to users that they are protected online, the same way they are protected offline,” he said.
The Potraz boss said the draft Cyber Security Bill and Data Protection bill was essential in building trust in the use of ICTs.
“We have also commissioned a sizable local Data Centre and a Regional Internet Exchange Point, which gives assurance to users of telecommunication/ICTs that their personal data does not get exported.
“Furthermore, the country is in the process of setting up a National Computer Incident Response Team,” he added.
Dr Machengete said there were a number of ways and solutions that could be used to allay cyber crime fears and avert attacks, thereby building confidence and security in the use of ICTs.
For Governments, Dr Machengete said training of Government officials on how to protect their ICT systems can improve the situation.
“Such training includes training on password rules, as passwords are the first line of defence against breach. Use of secure and sophisticated hardware, as well as robust anti-virus solutions, can help not only allay fears of Cyber terrorism, data theft and any breach of privacy, but also provide real protection,” he added.
