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'Work together to fight crime' say IT experts

By , Portals editor
Africa , 28 May 2015

'Work together to fight crime' say IT experts

In addition to the need to build Africa's capacity to combat cybercrime through skills development and training, IT security experts have called for greater collaboration amongst those trying to secure and protect assets on the continent.

From Tanzania, cyber security and digital forensics investigation expert Yusuph Kileo has added his voice to the call for more cooperation and information sharing between stakeholders within the IT security space.

Kileo is an adviser for cybersecurity matters in his home country and has a background in cyber security and digital forensics having worked for the Tanzanian Government's Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

He described the disconnect between stakeholders and lack of cooperation as a significant challenge to the continent.

In terms of cybercrime the East African country is one of the most targeted in Africa say IT security experts. According to media reports Tanzania lost approximately TZS1.3 billion to cybercrime in 2013.

Kileo referred to the increase in cyber risk associated with higher levels of internet activity and the prevalent use of mobile money services in Africa, as well as the challenge of a lack of security and ICT policies, and relevant skill sets.

In Tanzania there is an increase in investment in connectivity as the country moves from analogue to digital, specifically fibre optic networks he said. "There is now about 70% fibre optic connectivity in the country and about 28,6 million mobile subscribers."

Kileo believes the security awareness programmes rolled out by the government have not been effective. He has actively participated in a review of the strategy and today communication from government is being targeted primarily at tertiary institutions and the youth.

He said statistics reveal that between 2012 and 2014 the country experienced 309 cyber cases.

As such, in Tanzania there is a high demand for cyber security consultancy services, for training and the installation of security systems.

Kileo believes capacity building in Africa and collaboration represent the most viable solutions to achieve objectives.

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