To strengthen efforts to combat cyber-crime, Kaspersky and AFRIPOL, the African Union's specialised police cooperation body, have inked a collaboration agreement.

The pact, which spans five years, formalises and promotes cooperation between the cyber security company and the law enforcement agency in sharing threat intelligence data on the most recent cyber-crime activities.

In a joint statement, the two believe the landscape of cyber threats in Africa is continuously changing, with the continent being particularly vulnerable to attacks.

According to the statement, the region has the largest percentage of Industrial Control Systems computers on which malicious objects were blocked by Kaspersky solutions when compared to other regions.

To this end, the two organisations argue that Africa's active cyber threat environment necessitates increased collaboration among all parties involved in order to mitigate potential hazards.

The statement added: “Strengthening the existing relationship between the two organisations, the agreement provides for enhanced data exchange on cyber threats and cyber-crime trends, with Kaspersky handing over such data to AFRIPOL for the further criminal intelligence analysis by the organisation.

“Another aspect of collaboration includes the provision of assistance, know-how and technical knowledge in information security analysis by Kaspersky’s vastly experienced teams of experts.”

The official signing ceremony took place at AFRIPOL’s headquarters in Algiers yesterday, with the agreement signed by Kaspersky founder and CEO, Eugene Kaspersky and AFRIPOL’s acting executive director, Ambassador Jalel Chelba.

Kaspersky noted: “An effective fight against cybercrime is inconceivable without cooperation. Hence, by advancing our cooperation with AFRIPOL and by equipping the agency with both the information and technology required for responding to emerging cyber threats, we hope to enhance our contribution in fostering greater cyber-resilience and a safer cyberspace for all.”

Chelba views the collaboration with Kaspersky as a significant step forward in bolstering Africa's digital defenses.

He explained: “By leveraging Kaspersky's expertise and resources, we are not only enhancing AFRIPOL's ability to counter cyber threats, but also contributing to the protection of a secure digital space for all African citizens.

“This collaboration brings substantial added value to both our organisations: it strengthens AFRIPOL's operational framework in combating cyber-crime, while allowing Kaspersky to play a key role in the digital security of a strategically important continent in terms of cyber security.

“Together, we are taking a significant step towards resilience and digital trust in Africa, by mobilising the best of both partners.”