Botswana’s civil society has created courses aimed at introducing non tech professionals to cyber security.

Cybersmart Botswana has launched basic and advanced cyber-security courses for non-IT professionals in collaboration with Botswana Qualifications Authority.

The courses developed through a collaboration between civil society organisation Cybersmart Botswana and  Core Knowledge Training & Consultants are aimed at introducing non tech professionals to cyber security, online safety and security risks.

The training will be conducted at the recently launched Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub Science and Technology Park.

The courses by the civil society organisation are being launched as Africa is experiencing a significant rise in cybersecurity threats.

In addition, talent crunch is also haunting cyber security sector according to the World Economic Forum Global Cyber Security Outlook 2023.

The report warns the lack of skilled cyber security experts is a threat to business and societies, with key sectors − such as energy utilities − reporting a 25% gap in critical skills.

In the case of Botswana, Cybersmart Botswana awareness specialist and course coordinator, David Moepeng, says: “It is critical that all workers are equipped, at least at a basic level, with knowledge of cybersecurity risks so as to use technology safely and not expose their organisations and workplaces to cyberattacks.

“Cyber criminals are feeding on people’s low levels of cybersecurity awareness and risky online behaviors, including in workplaces. These criminals can maliciously manipulate their unsuspecting targets.”