NITA-U #BeCyberSmart Conference Urges Vigilance About Day-to-Day Cyber Threats

National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U the government body mandated to use ICT to enhance the delivery of public services to citizens, yesterday held a Cyber Security Awareness Conference aimed at increasing the public awareness and vigilance about day-to-day cyber threats.

The conference that was dubbed “Do Your Part, #BeCyberSmart”, brought together different key players in cybersecurity including the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, Uganda Bankers Association, Uganda Police Force, Financial Intelligence Authority, Internet Society Uganda, (ISC)2 Uganda Chapter, ISACA (formerly the Information Systems Audit and Control Association) Kampala Chapter and the National Data Protection Office.

While addressing the Conference at the Kampala Serena Hotel, the Executive Director NITA-U, Dr. Hatwib Mugasa called upon stakeholders to come together and address cybersecurity concerns. He observed that due to the rapid growth in internet users in the country, there is a much-needed purpose of raising awareness about the cyber-related threats and to empower the Ugandan citizens with the knowledge and sense of shared responsibility to practice a safe and informed decision while using the internet.

“We need to remember as technology users that safeguarding the Internet is a responsibility, we all share. Digital technologies and the Internet have transformed our everyday lives since we can now access information, conduct business, keep in touch with family and friends, and engage online, but we need to remember cyber-attacks are becoming more common and devise means to raise awareness and address them.” Dr. Mugasa said.

Arnold Mangeni, the Director Information Security at NITA-U said that the Government of Uganda through NITA-U is committed to enhancing cyber security in all sectors of the economy and such conferences are a good way to involve all stakeholders in the process.

“Government of Uganda acknowledges the importance of creating an environment that allows secure and safe digital transactions for Ugandan citizens.  Government has put in place the National Information Security Framework which provides for minimum security guidelines for every Government agency and the Critical Information Infrastructure each entity is required to maintain. This includes incident response and crisis management largely focused on a prevention and proactive approach. I’m happy to report that we have recently completed the enhancement of the National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT).” Mangeni said.

With the launch of the Cyber Security Awareness Campaign “Be Safe Online, NITA-U continues to deliver on its promise of safeguarding the Ugandan people every step of the way. Users can follow campaign content online through the website, www.besafeonline.ug  or on social media: Twitter: @besafeonlineug and Instagram: @besafeonlineug