The National Cyber Security Month officially commenced on Friday at the Science Museum, running throughout October under the theme “Critical Infrastructure Security for Digital Sovereignty.” This initiative aims to raise awareness among institutions and citizens about the increasing cybersecurity threats, bolstering cyber sovereignty through effective national coordination.
The Information Network Security Administration (INSA) Director General Tigist Hamid, while addressed the forum, highlighting that cyber-attacks have become a global concern. They pose serious national crises, and the Ethiopian government is
committed to mitigating these threats as part of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy. Notably, efforts to combat cyber threats have intensified, successfully thwarting approximately 8,854 attempted breaches during the 2023/24 fiscal year.
Cyber-attacks are increasingly targeting critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, energy, and transportation. INSA emphasizes the importance of awareness and enhancing human resources focused on innovation and technology. Tigist stressed that cyber security is vital for protecting digital resources and ensuring citizen safety.
National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) Governor Mamo Mihertu echoed these concerns, stating that the world is undergoing a digital transformation, making cybersecurity a pressing global issue. Ethiopia faces significant challenges, particularly with cyber-attacks targeting key infrastructures that affect the nation’s sovereignty. He urged for intensified government efforts to safeguard national interests, asserting that cybersecurity is crucial for protecting digital resources and ensuring citizens’ safety.
As Ethiopia advances its digital journey, Governor Mamo highlighted the need for innovation and technology to combat rising cyber threats. He noted the increasing global trend of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, which is essential for economic stability and geopolitical influence.
Referencing the 2021 Colonial Pipeline attack in the U.S., which caused fuel shortages, he underscored the disruptive impact of cyber-attacks on essential services. INSA aims to counter these threats by harnessing government resources and strengthening human capital in cybersecurity.
Recently, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) launched the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), emphasizing its importance for Ethiopia’s modernization and sovereignty. The PKI will facilitate secure digital data exchanges and is crucial for information network security management. The launch reflects Ethiopia’s rapid digital evolution and the need for robust cybersecurity systems to support this development.
The Prime Minister also praised the Summer Camp trainees from the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, showcasing the nation’s commitment to addressing its challenges and advancing the Digital Ethiopia strategy. As cyber-attacks threaten national sovereignty, implementing PKI and initiatives like training five million Ethiopian coders and establishing a national digital identity will further propel Ethiopia’s digital journey.
To reinforce these efforts, the government plans to collaborate with international partners and cybersecurity experts to build a comprehensive framework for incident response and threat intelligence sharing. This collaboration aims to enhance Ethiopia’s capacity to respond to cyber threats swiftly and effectively, ensuring a resilient digital environment that supports national growth and security.
BY HAILE DEMEKE
The Ethiopian Herald October 13/2024
